Mt Aspiring National Park & Around Queenstown - Hiking and Tramping in New Zealand - page 542

the track passes the swing bridge that provides access across the river to the Rob Roy Glaci-
er Track , and on a good day the hanging glacier can be clearly seen above it.
The 4WD track continues up the valley to Aspiring Hut on the true right (west) side of the
river. At one point, near Wilsons Camp, the track climbs to the left to bypass a small bluff
hidden in a clump of beech trees. Less than 4km from the bridge the track climbs away from
the river again, passing Brides Veil Falls . The private Cascade Hut can be seen from the
ridge. At this point the track swings northwest, passes Cascade Hut, and in another 30
minutes reaches Aspiring Hut (38 bunks).
Built by the Alpine Club in 1949, this stone-and-wood hut is a classic climbers' lodge
with an atmosphere of high adventure. The views are impressive, especially of the moun-
tains at the head of the valley, including Mt Aspiring/Tititea (3033m) - try to nab a bunk un-
der the big windows. A warden is stationed here in summer to collect fees and to relay
weather reports. A designated camping area adjacent to Aspiring Hut is equipped with a
shelter and toilet for campers.
SIDE TRIP: ROB ROY GLACIER
3-4 HOURS RETURN, 10KM
This is one of the most popular day tramps in the Wanaka area. Fifteen minutes after setting
off from the Raspberry Creek car park, a swing bridge crosses the West Matukituki River.
On the other side, the track climbs through a small gorge into beech forest, then into alpine
vegetation at the head of the valley, where good views of the Rob Roy Glacier can be en-
joyed.
Option 1: Aspiring Hut to Liverpool Hut
3-4 HOURS, 6KM, 635M ASCENT
This makes a great overnight excursion from Aspiring Hut, or a grand day out taking up to
seven hours return. The track is rated moderate during good conditions, but the tussocky
tops can be treacherous and slippery when covered in snow. It requires some physical exer-
tion as you clamber up to Liverpool Hut from the flats, but the views from the top are well
worth the effort.
From Aspiring Hut, follow the well-signposted track up the valley. After 10 minutes a
bridge crosses Cascade Creek, and a 1km bush section emerges on to an open terrace lead-
ing to Shovel Flat . From the head of Shovel Flat there's 400m of bush before you reach
Pearl Flat , around 1½ hours from Aspiring Hut. From Pearl Flat you can continue up to the