Accommodation
Accommodation is in the public Top Forks Hut or camping.
Aspiring National Park Trekking
Upper Wilkin Valley Trek
The journey into the Upper Wilkin Valley is a true deep-dive into the heart of Aspiring National Park’s wilderness. It’s a trip that rewards committed hikers with a feeling of profound solitude and a stunning alpine landscape.
Day hikes from a base at Top Forks Hut on a fly-in and out trip is an excellent option for young families and beginner hikers. For more experienced, enjoy the longer walk out to Kerin Forks Hut and jetboat back to Makarora.
Day hikes from a base at Top Forks Hut on a fly-in and out trip is an excellent option for young families and beginner hikers. For more experienced, enjoy the longer walk out to Kerin Forks Hut and jetboat back to Makarora.
1
Day
The Upper Wilkin Trek begins with a scenic helicopter flight into Top Forks Hut, the base for the trip. From here, we have the opportunity to explore the area with small packs. On arrival, the afternoon of the first day can be spent heading up towards Lake Lucidus, or Castilla with the backdrop of the imposing glaciated peak of Mount Pollux.
2
Day
On the second day we aim to visit Waterfall Flat following the South Branch of the Wilkin, from where the Rabbit Pass routes continues over into the East Matukituki Valley.
3–4
Days
On the last day, we hike 14km down the Wilkin River to Kerin Forks Hut. An optional extra day takes the pressure off the timings for this longer date with another night spent at Kerin Forks Hut before jetboating out back to Makarora.
New Zealand Trekking
New to trekking in New Zealand? Check out our Knowledge Base for advice on what to expect.
Fitness
Ascents and descents of up to 500m and up to 15km distance per day.
10 – 15kg packs.
6 – 8 hours.
Backcountry Experience
Experience on DOC tracks, camping and in huts. May be unbridged river crossings.
Availability
Register Interest below or get in touch to arrange private trips from December to March.
Pricing
POA
Inclusions & Exclusions
Includes: Applicable taxes, a local guide, accommodation in the mountains in huts or tents and, all food during the trip, ground transport from Wanaka, scenic helicopter flight into Top Forks Hut and jetboat out from Kerin Forks.
A flight out from Top Forks Hut is also possible at extra cost avoiding the longer hike down the valley.
‘A very professional guide and great company. He took time to explain to us what walks were possible/practical each day depending on the weather and the impact it would have on the surrounding rivers. If you are city dwellers it is very comforting to know that your guide is thinking of the safety of the group. [He] certainly kept us well fed as well. We are looking forward to future trips in the beautiful mountains around W?naka which is a refreshing change and takes us out of our comfort zone for a few days at least.’
— — Michael, Siberia Hut Trip
