Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
valley to Liverpool Hut (at an elevation of 1000m; $15 per night) and French Ridge
Hut (at 1465m; $20 per night).
Many of these tramps are prone to snow and avalanches and can be treacher-
ous. It is extremely important to consult DOC in Wanaka (
Click here
)
and to pur-
chase hut tickets before heading off. You should also register your intentions on
Tracks are reached from Raspberry Creek at the end of Mt Aspiring Rd, 50km
from Wanaka. The road is unsealed for 30km and involves nine ford crossings; it's
usually fine in a 2WD, except in very wet conditions (check at DOC).
Activities
Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park and to the Treble Cone (
Click here
)
,
Cardrona (
Click here
)
, Harris Mountains and Pisa Range Ski Areas.
Tramping
For walks close to town, including various lakeside walks, pick up the DOC brochure
Wanaka Outdoor Pursuits
($3.50). The short climb to the top of
Mt Iron
(527m, 1½
hours return) reveals panoramic views.
To the north of Wanaka, the usually unpeopled
Minaret Burn Track
(six to seven
hours) in the Mt Alta Conservation Area is suitable for walking and mountain biking.
After about two to three hours, a track heads down to
Colquhouns Beach
, a great swim-
ming spot.
Aspiring Guides
MOUNTAINEERING, SKIING
( 03-443 9422;
www.aspiringguides.com
; L1, 99 Ardmore St)
With over 20 years of alpine
experience, this crew offers a multitude of options, including guided wilderness hiking
(from three to eight days); mountaineering and ice-climbing courses; guided ascents of
Mt Aspiring, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman; and off-piste skiing (one- to five-day
backcountry expeditions).
Alpinism
& Ski Wanaka
MOUNTAINEERING, SKIING
( 03-442 6593;
www.alpinismski.co.nz
;
from $135)
Guided day walks and overnight tramps,
and more full-on mountain assaults, courses and ski touring.
