Mount Aspiring National Park

Travel Guide

Mount Aspiring National Park
Wanaka showing a lake or waterhole and mountains
Wanaka which includes a lake or waterhole and mountains as well as a small group of people
Wanaka which includes forest scenes, a bridge and a lake or waterhole
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 colourful 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 kilometres) 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-metre) 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 centres in Haast, Makarora, Queenstown and Wanaka.

Heartland Hotel Haast

Heartland Hotel Haast

3 out of 5
Haast-Jackson Bay Road, Haast
The price is €61 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
€61
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Haast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Heartland Hotel Haast
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4 out of 5
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago
The price is €90 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€90
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hostel in Kinloch. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and an 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
Haast River Motels & Holiday Park

Haast River Motels & Holiday Park

4 out of 5
State Highway 6, Haast
The price is €67 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
€67
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star holiday park in Haast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (659 reviews)
"We didn’t end up staying as our plans changed but the hotel were very helpful in cancelling the booking"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Haast River Motels & Holiday Park
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.
Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa

Makarora
Stay at this cottage in Makarora. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attraction Blue Pools is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
"Check in was suprr easy , and the house is so cozy , we feel right at home straight away ! Have full kitchen ware and oven , we had no problem cooking meals. We loved it here !"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Birdsong Cottage - nestled up against Mt Aspiring National Park with Spa
Private modern retreat with spectacular views

Private modern retreat with spectacular views

Glenorchy
Stay at this vacation home in Glenorchy. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Glenorchy Golf Club and Glenorchy Waterfront ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Great chilled out stay
"Very chill, easy. Cosy kiwi batch suitable for those looking for an escape from busy life but retaining the comforts of city living."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Private modern retreat with spectacular views
Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.

Jackson Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Jackson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hannah's Beach and Hapuka Estuary Walk are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Great retreat
"Beautiful house clean and had everything we needed. Loved the fire and that dogs are welcome are a real bonus for us."

Reviewed on 13 Apr 2025

Cosy Bach, minutes to Neil's Beach, Jacksons Bay, with lots of adventures.
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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