Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gillespie Pass
HIKING
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.
Wilkin Valley Track
HIKING
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.
Other Activities
Siberia Experience
ADVENTURE TOUR
( 03-443 4385;
www.siberiaexperience.co.nz
; adult/child $310/287)
This thrill-seeking
extravaganza combines a 25-minute scenic small-plane flight, a three-hour bush walk
through a remote 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.
Wilkin River Jets
JETBOATING
( 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.
Southern Alps Air
SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 0800 345 666, 03-443 4385; www.southernalpsair.co.nz)
Trip to Aoraki/Mt Cook and
the glaciers (adult/child $435/275), Milford Sound flyovers ($405/255) and Milford fly-
cruise combos ($490/305).
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
