Otago region

View from Key Summit, Routeburn Track, Mount Aspiring National Park.

View of Mount Aspiring National Park from Key Summit on the Routeburn Track

Otago region.

Mount Aspiring National Park (established in 1964) is a wonderful mixture of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. It is a walker's paradise and a must for mountaineers. The views are endless and unforgettable.

  • NZ's third largest national park (355,5643 hectares)
  • part of Te Wahipounamu - Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area
  • Mt. Aspiring was first climbed in 1909 by Major Bernard Head
  • 59 bird species have been recorded (45 native and 14 introduced)
  • Over 400 species of moths and butterflies exist
  • The three largest of 100 glaciers in the region flank Mt. Aspiring itself
  • Nearly all the landforms in the park have been formed by intense glaciation

Alert/Important notice

There is a potential risk to trampers and anglers in the Young Valley.

The landslip dam that formed in the North Branch of the Young Valley in September 2007 still poses a potential risk to trampers. It is recommended that the valley be avoided in periods of heavy rain.

Location

Mt Aspiring National Park straddles the southern end of the Southern Alps. The closest towns are Wanaka, Makarora, Queenstown, Glenorchy and Te Anau.

Weather

Weather for Mount Aspiring National Park

NZ weather

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National Parks visitor statistics

View the Journeys in National Parks documentary on NZ on Screen

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Safety information

Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.

Alerts and track updates for Mount Aspiring National Park

Contacts

Wanaka Area Office
Phone: +64 3 443 7660
Email: mtaspiringvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Haast Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 750 0809
Address: Haast Junction
Corner SH6 and Jackson Bay Road
Haast
South Westland
Email: haastvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Makarora Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 443 8365
Address: Haast Pass Highway
State Hwy 6
Email: makaroravc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Queenstown Regional Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 3 442 7935
Address: 38 Shotover Street
Queenstown 9300
Email: queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai