Depart Wanaka township and drive north beside Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to the tiny settlement of Makarora. Here we jump into a helicopter for the jaunt into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Our flight snakes us above the Wilkin Valley with spectacular views across to the ice-carved peaks and hanging valleys on each side. We are dropped on the tussocks of the upper river flats, just 40 minutes hiking from Top Forks huts - our base for the next two days.
Later, after leaving our full packs at the hut, we follow a trans-alpine trek route as far up as Waterfall face. The trail is rugged and steep and the sights spectacular, including a view down into Snow Bridge Gorge, named for the snow and icy debris that fly off Mt Betsy Jane and bridge the gorge each winter. We return from the upper alpine basin via the same track to the hut. The hut is basic but has the essentials - bunks, mattresses, and a cosy fireplace. There is also the option of camping nearby, which is lovely in summer. Includes lunch and dinner.
Leaving the last river flats behind we climb through tangled beech forest before breaking out above the tree line at Lake Diana (really just a large tarn). Crossing under the icy lake Lucidus we slip east of the moraine walls and pick our way up the rugged (and rewarding) route to Lake Castalia - the source of the Wilkin River. In summer ice cleaves off the exposed seracs high above, and sporadic surface avalanches flow down the bluffs at the lake’s head.
These lakes and the shear mountains that ring this valley were named by legendary explorer Charlie Douglas who clearly had a fondness for Greek mythology. Half-brothers Pollux and Castor are peaks side by side, and their mother Leda commands the North. Mt Apollo and Mt Mercury hang shear and imposing over Lakes Lucidus and Castalia. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
We now leave the upper Wilkin alpine zone and follow the river back. This trail undulates a little but eventually drops 300m in altitude by day’s end. We need to carry our full packs and the track is challenging with numerous side stream crossings too, but we have all day to do this, and a great guide to assist! Most of the open flats and braided sections of river are passed by Jumboland near the midpoint. From here the forests thicken and the mountain flanks press the river more tightly. Home for the night, and our pick up point for the morning jet boat, is the spacious Kerin Forks hut sitting high on a terrace with great valley views – and excellent indoor-outdoor flow! Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy a cuppa on the hut veranda before wandering down to the river’s edge for the jetboat pickup. You sure have earned this effortless and enjoyable 30 minute jet boat ride. Zooming down the vast braided Wilkin River back to civilisation saves 6 hours, a scenic ride but a rather tedious hike. Once back in Makarora we grab some lunch at the local hotel then we usually have time to drive a 10 minutes up the valley to view the astounding Blue Pools confluence (a 20 minute stroll) before returning, and driving to Wanaka. Those who stay in Wanaka usually head out and have a fun farewell meal together. Includes breakfast and lunch.
