Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek Itinerary

DAY 1

Wānaka to Top Forks Hut

Up to 12km (7.5 miles), 6-7 hours hiking, +/- 500m (1640 ft) elevation

We drive to the small village of Makarora, about 45 minutes away and board a helicopter into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, towards Rabbit Pass.

Your hike begins with a leisurely walk up the river flats of the Upper Wilkin Valley brings us to Top Forks Hut. The afternoon is spent exploring this beautiful valley with the option of checking out the alpine lakes of Castalia (additional elevation of 1140m (3740ft)) and Lucidus (additional elevation of 828 m (2716 ft)). Includes lunch and dinner

Cross the river in the Upper Wilkin Valley

Accommodation

Stay in the serviced 16 bunk hut in Mt Aspiring National Park which offers heating, lighting and non-flushing toilets.

DAY 2

Rabbit Pass

Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), 9-11 hours hiking, elevation +/-1000m (3280ft)

An early start gets you up to Waterfall Flat, a place where the name speaks for itself. Torrents of water pour off the surrounding cliffs, while you scramble up the face leading to Rabbit Pass.

We clip you into a fixed hand line for 6m, giving you confidence on the trickiest part of the route, before a long descent through native herb gardens to end an exhilarating day.

We arrive at Pickelhaub Camp, where we will be tent camping for the evening. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

It's easy to see how Waterfall Flat got its name!

Accommodation

Stay at the spectacular Pickelhaub camp. There are no facilities at the camp - pack in, pack out.

DAY 3

Bledisloe Gorge

Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), 7-8 hours hiking, +/-80m (260ft) elevation

Wake to the sound of icefalls crashing down from towering Pickelhaub Mountain. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading down the Upper East Matukituki Valley.

Even with no track, the going is easy through this isolated, yet scenic valley. Expect many unbridged river crossings (which can make this route impassable after heavy rain). Once we come across the Bledisloe Gorge, the climbing begins again. From open river flats through ancient forest and up through alpine areas - this is a big climb and many find this more challenging than the technical Rabbit Pass.

Experience another night backcountry camping with incredible views from the incomparable Aspiring Camp. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation

Stay at the Aspiring camp. There are no facilities at the camp - pack in, pack out.

DAY 4

Return to Wānaka

11 kms (6.8 miles), 5 hours hiking, +/- 240m (787 ft) elevation

On the final day of the traverse, the trail down to the valley floor winds through tall beech forest with Mount Aspiring in sight. We cross a couple of 3-wire bridges over the East Matukituki River and to keep things thrilling, Kitchner Stream.

Gradually, the track opens up into farmland and we meet our waiting transport back to civilisation and a hot shower. Includes breakfast and lunch.

Rabbit Pass Alpine Trek

Wānaka to Top Forks Hut

Up to 12km (7.5 miles), 6-7 hours hiking, +/- 500m (1640 ft) elevation

Rabbit Pass

Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), 9-11 hours hiking, elevation +/-1000m (3280ft)

Bledisloe Gorge

Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), 7-8 hours hiking, +/-80m (260ft) elevation

Return to Wānaka

11 kms (6.8 miles), 5 hours hiking, +/- 240m (787 ft) elevation

ABOUT US

TRIP CATEGORIES

FEATURED TRIPS

NEWSLETTER