We’ll kick things off with an inroduction to your guide and doing a thorough gear check together and go over the latest weather forecast to make sure everyone’s prepared. If you need any last-minute items, we’ll help you sort those out and get everything packed into our vehicle for the journey ahead. You’re welcome to leave any extra gear or valuables securely at the guide offices before we head off.
We drive about 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora, and take a jet boat up the Makarora River to the Young River confluence where the track begins. The Young Valley is a wonderland of dense native forest and high peaks. The trail steepens and climbs steadily to the tree line. Tonight we stay at Young Hut. Waterfalls, roaring canyons and beautiful temperate rainforest, a big day! Includes lunch and dinner.
The Young Hut is a 20 bunk Department of Conservation hut, nestled in the treeline above the the Young River. The hut is heated by a fireplace and has toilets.
The track winds its way up the valley sidewall under the awesome east face of Mount Awful. This is really an alpine paradise with towering mountains as your backdrop. The track climbs steeply alongside a rock bluff onto a snow grass spur that after 3 to 4 hours, leads to the pass.
The climbing ends at Gillespie Pass and one of the great view points of the Southern Alps. From here there's an impressive view, with Mount Alba dominating the skyline. We then descend into Siberia Valley, finishing the day with an hour’s walk along the river flats to Siberia Hut for the night. Includes breakfast lunch and dinner
Siberia Hut is a serviced 20-bunk hut with a fireplace for heating and toilets.
We leave our packs behind today and take a day trip to Lake Crucible. This unusual lake sits high above the Siberia Valley, nestled under Mt Alba. It is a steep climb through a forest, with a small river crossing, and finally an ascent through a snowgrass flat until we reach the lake. Surrounded by towering walls, Lake Crucible is a geographic wonder carved by the glaciers. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Spend another night at Siberia Hut.
The Siberia Valley is a hidden oasis. From your camp the gentle track takes you through ancient Beech forest and open river flats. Great views of Mount Awful and Mount Dreadful (the early explorers had fun with the names here), with the track taking us high above the Siberia Gorge and beautiful views back up the Valley, before winding down to the Wilkin River. Here, we meet the jet boat for a thrilling ride back to Makarora township, and drive back to Wānaka. Includes breakfast and lunch
