Mount Aspiring National Park is a national park that lies in the Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, in the headwaters of Lake Wanaka. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of South West New Zealand, or Te Wahipounamu, which includes Fiordland National Park (to the south), Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Westland Tai Poutini National Park (both to the north).
Understand
Mount Aspiring National Park was established in 1964. It is named after the highest mountain in the park, Mount Aspiring/Tititea, which at 3,033 m (9,951 ft) is also the highest mountain in New Zealand outside Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
In November 2013, contributors to the respected journal Science chose Te Wahipounamu as one of only 78 protected areas around the globe as the most critical for preventing the extinction of mammals, birds and amphibians.
Mount Aspiring National Park was home to the takahe and kakapo, now sadly both extinct in this area, but the rowi, the rarest species of kiwi, lingers on.
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Visitor information
- DOC website
- 🌍 Tititea / Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre, 1 Ballantyne Road, Wanaka, ☏ +64 3 443 7660. 8AM–5PM.
- Park brochure
Get in
Fees and permits
Like all New Zealand national parks, Mount Aspiring National Park is free to enter.
Get around
See
- 🌍 Gates of Haast, Haast Pass Hwy (OpenStreetMap directions). Although the Gates of Haast specifically refers to a gorge at the southern crossing where SH6 crosses the Haast River, it's known for its bridge put together with its idyllic background. (
only available northbound towards Haast) - 🌍 Blue Pools, Blue Pools Track (track along Haast Pass–Makaroa Rd / SH 6). One of South Island's most serene natural pools is perhaps the park's main draw – apart from being a good photo spot for the 'gram, it's also surprisingly accessible and is 3 km return (takes approximately 1 hour).
- Waterfalls and temperate rainforest.
Waterfalls
- 🌍 Thunder Creek Falls, Haast Pass Hwy (SH 6). A 28-metre-high waterfall over beech forest – while on paper that might not sound like much, it is a spectacular sight while you're actually there. It's accessible via a 200-metre return track. ; no toilets for 5 km.
Do
- Drive over the Haast Pass.
- Climb Mount Aspiring or the other peaks in the area.
Tramping
- Walk Rees-Dart Track.
- The northern parts of Routeburn Track passes through the park coming from Fiordland National Park.
- Cascade Saddle Route – a 4–5-day alpine crossing hike.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Accommodation is available in the nearest settlements to the park: Haast, Makarora, Glenorchy and, with the most variety and abundance, Wanaka.
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
This is about as remote as you can get in New Zealand, without getting off-road. Make sure your fuel tank is full and your vehicle in good working order.
Temperatures regularly drop below freezing – make sure to bring protective clothing.
Go next
The nearest settlements to the park are: