Mount Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park has been founded in 1964; the park is named after its highest peak: Mount Aspiring. This peak is 3027m high. This area has spectacular alpine wilderness which is accessible from Wanaka, Glenorchy or the Haast Pass Highway (route between Otago & Southland and Westcoast). Dramatic mountains, glaciers (more than 100), hanging valleys, forests and rivers are part of Mount Aspiring National Park's its unspoiled nature; the park is (almost) only accessible by foot.
Outdoor
Tramping
There are some great tramping opportunities in Mount Aspiring National Park. The Haast Pass Highway runs trough the park and from the highway several short walks can be made. Examples are walks to and near: Pleasant Flat Shelter, Thunder Creek Falls, The Gates of Haast, Fantail Falls and Makaroa Gorge.
There are longer tamps as well; for example the Wilkin-Young Valleys Circuit. This tramp takes three days and its difficulty is considered to be moderate to demanding. Best time to tramp this track is from December till March. This track will provide you some stunning views and leads you through beech forested valleys. Another multiple day track is the Rees-Dart Track. This track takes 4 days and its difficulty is considered moderate. Best time to walk this track is from November till April. While walking this track you will cross an alpine pass which is dividing two beautiful valleys. Another multiple day walk is the Routeburn Track. This is a Great Walk (look at Tramping), takes 3 days and is said to be moderate concerning its difficulty. Best time to walk the track is between November and April. During this walk you will pass one of New Zealand's best alpine crossings.
Besides the described walks above, many more can be walked in this wild national park. Information can be obtained from DOC or tourist information centers. DOC's or tourist information centers in the area can be found in for example Glenorchy or Wanaka.