Mount Aspiring National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mount Aspiring National Park
Wanaka showing a lake or waterhole and mountains
Wanaka featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole as well as a small group of people
Wanaka showing a lake or waterhole, forests and a bridge
Wanaka which includes a lake or waterhole and mountains as well as an individual female

This South Island dreamland of pristine forests, soaring mountains, meandering rivers and spectacular glaciers is a paradise for outdoor adventures.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking tribute to nature blessed with extraordinary landscapes, an array of colorful flora and myriad wildlife. Appreciate the majesty while dabbling in climbing, hiking, jet boating and skiing activities. Mount Aspiring National Park covers over 1,373 square miles (3,555 square kilometers) and forms part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site. Its spellbinding beauty was used as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings movies.

The park straddles the southernmost section of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and is dominated by the 9,951-feet (3,033-meter) tall Mount Aspiring. It shelters three of the region’s biggest glaciers, over 50 bird species and more than 400 varieties of butterflies.

Pull on a pair of walking boots or strap on a set of crampons and explore the park’s trails. Hike deep down into lush river valleys, over mountain passes, around alpine lakes and through thick beech forests. Enjoy uninterrupted views from lookouts and swing bridges. Follow easy trails to the crystalline Blue Pools, Roaring Billy waterfall and Thunder Creek Falls. Tackle demanding routes such as the Cascade Saddle, Rob Roy Glacier trail and multiday Gillespie Pass Circuit.

Journey into the heart of the wilderness on an exciting jet-boat ride. Cruise across glacial water at breakneck speeds on the Dart, Matukituki and Wilkin rivers. Get a bird’s-eye view on a scenic flight high above the glaciers and mountain peaks. Try rock climbing, mountaineering and heli-skiing. Stand knee-deep in clean water or cast a line off a boat and fish for salmon and trout.

The park sits at the southern edge of the South Island’s West Coast Region. It’s about an hour’s drive from the town of Wanaka and 2 hours from Queenstown, New Zealand’s extreme sport’s capital. Trails lead into the park’s southern area from the village of Glenorchy, which is north of Queenstown.

Mount Aspiring National Park is accessible year-round. Summertime is arguably the best period to visit, although be prepared for changeable weather conditions at any time. Pick up park maps and information brochures at visitor centers in Haast, Makarora, Queenstown and Wanaka.

Heartland Hotel Haast

Heartland Hotel Haast

3 out of 5
Haast-Jackson Bay Road, Haast
The price is ₹5,414 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹5,414
₹6,226 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Haast. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (620 reviews)
"Great place to stay overnight. Meal was very good. Nice & warm room. Very comfortable bed Definitely recommend it!"

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Heartland Hotel Haast
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4 out of 5
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago
The price is ₹10,984 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹10,984
₹12,631 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hostel in Kinloch. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a local area shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Glenorchy ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (116 reviews)
"Its all about the location absolutely stunning only wish i spent an additional night here. Views from the hot tub are amazing."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat
The Headwaters Eco Lodge

The Headwaters Eco Lodge

5 out of 5
42 Oban Street, Glenorchy, Otago
The price is ₹37,011 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹37,011
₹42,676 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Glenorchy. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Glenorchy Golf Club and Glenorchy Waterfront ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
"Wonderful ecolodge in beautiful setting. The staff and chef are wonderful and welcoming. We loved our visit."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

The Headwaters Eco Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mahu Whenua

Mahu Whenua

5 out of 5
Motatapu Road, Treble Cone, Otago
Stay at this 5-star luxury holiday home in Treble Cone. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Roys Peak and Treble Cone Ski ...
"Everything was great but needs to open up more to do."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2019

Mahu Whenua
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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