Meet at 8.30am at the office - 58 McDougall St, Wanaka. Travel 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora. Here we board a fixed wing aircraft and fly into the heart of Mount Aspiring Park. A leisurely 2-hour walk brings us to the Top Forks Hut. The walking is not difficult but it is exciting with numerous river crossings and your first taste of wilderness travel. The afternoon is spent exploring this marvellous valley.
This day is spent discovering the three alpine lakes known as Diana, Lucidus and Castalia. The trail climbs gradually as it weaves through native beech forest until breaking out above the tree line. The hiking to the final lake, Lake Castalia, is some of the most rugged (and rewarding) terrain you will ever encounter. This day can be as long as you like, from 1 hour to 6 hours.
The hike to Waterfall Flat climbs from dense forest into the high alpine. It is a magnificent climb as the trail rises through Snow-Bridge Gorge, a deep canyon surrounded by glaciers and waterfalls. The trail is challenging until it opens out into the incomparable Waterfall Flat. Surrounded by high peaks and flowing rivers, this seldom visited valley is a unique New Zealand paradise. 6-7 hours return.
We head down river to the Kerin Forks to meet the jet boat. This is a gentle downhill grade for 6-7 hours along the north bank of the great Wilkin River. The track is challenging with numerous side stream crossings. A thrilling 1-hour jet boat ride brings us back to our van and the return to Wanaka.
