Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a national park in the Southern Lakes region of Otago, part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is centred on Mount Aspiring / Tititea at 3,033 metres, New Zealand's highest peak outside the Aoraki / Mount Cook region.

The park covers 3,555 square kilometres of alpine landscapes, glaciers, river valleys, and beech forests. Major settlements near the park include Wānaka and Glenorchy. The park is renowned for tramping, mountaineering, and hunting.

By Plane

The nearest major airports are Queenstown (ZQN), approximately 100 km south, and Wānaka Airport, approximately 30 km south-east. Light aircraft access to park airstrips is available for some routes.

By Car / Road

The park is accessed from Wānaka via the Matukituki Valley Road (sealed for the first section, then gravel) and from Glenorchy via the Routeburn Track car park. Entry to the park is free.

Walking and tramping tracks. Helicopters and light aircraft for backcountry access.

Mount Aspiring / Tititea — The park's namesake peak at 3,033 metres.

Rob Roy Glacier — A magnificent glacier visible from a popular walking track in the Matukituki Valley.

Routeburn Track — One of New Zealand's Great Walks, connecting Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland National Park.

Rees-Dart Track — A challenging multi-day tramping route.

Tramp the Routeburn Track or Rees-Dart Track. Walk the Rob Roy Glacier Track (3 hours return) for views of the glacier and waterfalls. Climb Mount Aspiring (requires mountaineering experience). Hunt in the park during the permitted season. Take scenic flights from Wānaka.

There are no eateries inside the park. Wānaka and Glenorchy have cafes and restaurants.

Carry all water supplies or treat natural water sources. Wānaka has bars and cafes.

• Budget: DOC huts and campsites along the Routeburn Track and other trails. Book ahead for Great Walk huts in summer.
• Mid-range: Lodges in the Matukituki Valley and near the park border.
• Upscale: Wānaka and Glenorchy offer luxury accommodation.

Stock up on supplies and gear in Wānaka or Queenstown before entering the park.

• Wānaka — 30 km south-east, lakefront town
• Glenorchy — at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, gateway to the Routeburn
• Queenstown — 100 km south, adventure capital
• Fiordland National Park — connected via the Routeburn Track
• Haast Pass — scenic drive to the West Coast