Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gillespie Pass
The three-day Gillespie Pass loop tramp goes via the Young, Siberia and Wilkin Valleys.
This is a high pass with avalanche danger in winter and spring. With a jetboat ride down
the Wilkin to complete it, this rates as one of NZ's most memorable tramps.
TRAMPING
Wilkin Valley Track
The Wilkin Valley Track heads off from Kerin Forks Hut - at the top of the Wilkin River
- and on to Top Forks Hut and the picturesque Lakes Diana, Lucidus and Castalia (one
hour, 1½ hours and three to four hours respectively from Top Forks Hut). Jetboats go to
Kerin Forks, and a service goes across the Young River mouth when the Makarora floods.
Another option is to use the High River Route from the Blue Pools (7km and two hours).
Enquire at Wilkin River Jets or DOC.
TRAMPING
Other Activities
Siberia Experience
( 03-443 4385;
www.siberiaexperience.co.nz
;
adult/child $310/287)
This thrill-seeking extravag-
anza combines a 25-minute scenic small-plane flight, a three-hour bush walk through a re-
mote mountain valley and a half-hour jetboat trip down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers
in Mt Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transfers from Wanaka.
ADVENTURE TOUR
Wilkin River Jets
( 03-443 8351;
www.wilkinriverjets.co.nz
)
A superb 50km, one-hour jetboating trip (adult/child
$110/57) into Mt Aspiring National Park, following the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers. It's
cheaper than Queenstown options, and it can be combined with a helicopter ride.
JETBOATING
Southern Alps Air
( 0800 345 666, 03-443 4385;
www.southernalpsair.co.nz
)
Trip to Aoraki/Mt Cook and the glaci-
ers (adult/child $435/275), Milford Sound flyovers ($405/255) and Milford fly-cruise
combos ($490/305).
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Information
DOC Visitor Centre
( 03-443 8365;
www.doc.govt.nz
;
SH6; 8am-5pm daily Dec-Mar, Mon-Fri Nov & Apr)
Call in to check conditions and routes before undertaking any wilderness tramps. The
nearest DOC camping grounds (adult/child $6/3) are on SH6 at Cameron Flat, 10km north
