Walking & Hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park

The stunning 3-day Routeburn Track, which runs between Lake Wakatipu and the Te Anau-Milford Road is one of the most popular hikes in this area - so it’s best to book your hut well in advance. While you can choose both how far you want to go on this hike as well as which direction you start from, the jewel-studded lakes, sweeping valleys and majestic mountainous scenery means that if you’ve booked anything less than the whole route, you might regret it. Peak season runs from October to April, and while it is technically possible to hike this track during off-peak season, beware that fuel, running water, and rangers are not present - and you may get snowed in.

Other famous hikes include the 5-day Rees-Dart track. One of the more difficult hikes in this area, the access, steep terrain, and distances between the huts means this should only be attempted by more experienced hikers. As with the Routeburn Track, it’s best to hike this during peak season.

Another great walk to do while visiting Mount Aspiring National Park, albeit a lot shorter, is the beautiful Blue Pools. A 3km loop nestled among beech trees and forest, these crystal clear pools will create a calmness and serenity within you that you didn’t even know was possible.