Hiking 35 Miles Alone in New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park

Описание: Over the course of three days, I hiked the Gillespie Pass Circuit in Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand. It was a truly beautiful and unique experience, especially with the jet boat and helicopter. At the start and end of the hike you have to cross a large river which in normal summers, which is a relatively small hazard to experienced hikers. This year though, New Zealand has had a lot of rainfall causing the river to swell and become quite dangerous. The jet boat and helicopter are operated by the same company, Wilkins River Jets, and ran about $150 NZD.

I elected to camp in my tent, even though there are huts on the track. I did this because the second hut on the track, Siberia Hut, requires bookings and is fully booked months in advance. I think camping in my tent was better suited for me as I like the peace and quiet it brings. The huts can be quite rambunctious, although they are nice to seek refuge in when the weather turns south.

This hike is perfect for people who like a little more solitude in the mountains as it's not part the Great Walks that New Zealand is so famous for. I highly recommend this hike to anyone who's an experienced hiker and visiting New Zealand. I got all of my permits and up to date weather information at the Mount Aspiring National Park Visitor Centre in Wanaka. Visiting the Visitor Centre is crucial if you want to do this hike as they'll be able to tell you when the best time to go, whether or not the huts are booked, and will give you camping permits. Wilkins River Jets is right in the town of Makarora at the start of the trail. Jet boats, helicopters, and planes are easily booked in the office and they can also give you up to date weather and river depth forecasts.

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