Gillespie Pass Circuit

Our honeymoon for a 4-day Gillespie Pass trek. As avid backpackers, it was such a luxury to have an experienced company handle all of the logistics. Our guide Frankie was knowledgeable not just about the terrain but about flora and fauna we passed, was fun to hike with, and cooked amazing meals at camp! Having a guide took all the stress and thinking out of our trip to where we could just enjoy being outdoors and exploring a new place.HIGHLY recommend this incredible small business! We’d love to go back and book another trip.

Highlights: Getting to the top of Gillespie Pass on my own and having some serious 360 views.  Finishing 14.5hrs straight realising the limits of what can be achieved and having some awesome hot chocolate to celebrate being alive and in a hut.

We had an excellent time on our trek and couldn’t be happier with the friendly and professional services provided. Couldn’t be happier really. The Gillespie Pass trek has been the highlight our our time in New Zealand. I’d recommend this trip and Aspiring Guides to anyone considering a trek in New Zealand. Grade A, #1, two thumbs up - however you want to spin it.

I am a huge fan of NZ and being able to wander without crowds through such a spectacular area was such a treat. I can’t thank you guys enough. The walk was Bloody brilliant! One of the most fabulous things I have done to date. It should be on everyone's bucket list.

Favourite part: The Pass itself. I knew that crossing that mountain would be tough, and I loved it. Sitting up there on such a beautiful day for a few hours was just magnificent.

I would recommend this to others because of the countryside covered, the support provided during the walk and the overall authentic experiences that this walk has to offer.

I can't praise Hayden enough. He was the perfect person to guide our mixed age group. He was engaging and provided plenty of information about many aspects of the surrounding environment and tramping in general. Many of the things he told us will come in handy for future adventures.

I booked through Hiking New Zealand, based on a great trip I had with them last November. [This trip] was perfect for me in terms of time and distance, duration and physicality. The scenery is amazing and the walking is perfectly pitched as a strenuous hike. The camping location was awesome. The guide support is excellent. I felt completely safe at all times. Jo did everything I expected of her, and in many cases did more than expected, such as excellent and sole preparation of all meals, plus she always took great photos. [Favourite part of the trip was] lunch at the top of the Gillespie Pass on Day 2. Closely followed by the visit to Crucible Lake on Day 3. Thanks for an awesome trip. I hope to see you all again soon!

Favourite part of the trip was... climbing up to Gillespie Pass and sitting on the top eating lunch in perfect sunny weather. Could see for miles. Also enjoyed the campsite for 2 nights. It was a lovely little spot in the sun with no sandflies. Also enjoyed not having to think about and cook breakfast, lunch or dinner! A real treat for us middle aged mothers! Also fun to be on our girls trip, lots of talking and laughing.