Earlybird Sale Now On! - Ends April 15thView list →
Home > Upper Wilkin Guided Hike
5
Moderate
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 2 nights motel, 3 nights mountain hut (or camp) accommodation
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 2 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

6 daysfrom

$3290 NZD

$3190NZD

View Inclusions
Trip Code: GWU
Share this trip:
Google+ Email

Trip highlights

  • Explore the untouched beauty of Mt Aspiring National Park
  • Hike through towering forests, glaciated peaks and alpine valleys following the stunning Wilkin River
  • Achievable hiking times leaving time for photography or side trips along the trail
  • Thrilling helicopter ride into the mountains and jet boat out

Venture deep into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park on our Upper Wilkin Guided Hike, an unforgettable journey through one of New Zealand’s most spectacular backcountry landscapes. Nestled between towering rainforest and icy peaks, the Wilkin River carves a path into the untouched wilderness, leading you to the remote Top Forks Hut, our base for an immersive alpine adventure. From here, explore a breathtaking glaciated cirque, named by legendary explorer Charles Douglas, where peaks line the surrounding landscapes. With expert guides ensuring your safety, enjoy a perfect balance of challenge and reward, with daily hikes ranging from easy strolls to more demanding treks. Whether you’re capturing the pristine beauty through your lens or simply soaking in the serene majesty of the high country, this is an experience designed to leave you in awe. Step beyond the ordinary—discover the Upper Wilkin.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Wanaka and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Enjoy this lovely town, perhaps a stroll by the lake to get the legs working or one of the plenty of cafes and restaurants to try for tonight's dinner.

Meals:  Nil

This morning, head through to our office for an 8.30am meet up, where you will meet the guide and complete a full gear check as well as a review of the weather forecast. We then drive 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora. Here we board a helicopter and fly into Jumboland at the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. A leisurely 2 hour walk brings us to the Top Forks Hut. We spend the afternoon exploring this marvellous valley with the option of heading up through the Snow Bridge Gorge to Waterfall Flat. This seldom visited valley is a unique paradise surrounded by high peaks and flowing rivers. We return to Top Forks Hut for the evening and our overnight.

Meals:  L,D

Following our breakfast this morning, it is off to explore the Alpine Lakes. Upper Wilkin has a number of stunning alpine lakes including Lakes Diana, Lucidus and Castilia. Depending on the group preference and abilities, our hiking duration may be anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. The trails climb gradually, weaving through native beech forest before breaking out above tree line. The hiking gets rougher just before the lake with a short boulder scramble rewarded with a spectacular view of the valley and lake. Lake Castilia is some of the most rugged (and rewarding) terrain that you will encounter. After our day of alpine lakes, we gradually descend back down to Top Forks Hut for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day is one of our largest covering 18kms of trails as we hike along the south bank of the great Wilkin River. The track can be challenging at times with numerous side stream crossings, so you can guarantee that your boots will get wet. We head through to Kerin Forks to meet our jet boat and enjoy a thrilling 30 minute jet boat ride back to our van before we transfer back through to Wanaka. You bid farewell to our guides and team before enjoying your night in Wanaka, perhaps with dinner and a celebratory drink or simply by kicking off the boots, and relaxing at your accommodation for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your trip ends on check out from your accommodation in Wanaka. Please contact us if you wish to extend your stay and need extra nights accommodation.

Meals:  Nil

Inclusions

What's included

  • 2 nights central motel accommodation in Wanaka, twin share
  • 3 nights accommodation in alpine huts, wild campsites or pre-placed camps
  • 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Professional qualified guide
  • All group camping equipment (excluding sleeping bag and mat)
  • Return private transport from Wanaka to the trail head
  • Helicopter flight into the mountains to start the trail
  • Jet boat ride out of the trail
  • Water and snacks while trekking
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
  • New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Transport to/from Wanaka
  • Drinks (other than water)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

Accommodation

Alpine wilderness camping

Spend the night camping in the wilderness. You will only be carrying your own gear plus sleeping bag and mat (no tent or food).

Back-Country Hut

Experience the real New Zealand and spend the night in a back-country hut. These huts are fitted with bunk beds, kitchen, toilets (mostly outdoor) and communal area.

Grading

Moderate  
5

MODERATE - GRADE 5 This trip grading is described in our MODERATE levels. You need to be fit with previous trekking experience and in good health. The track is at times rugged, steep and exposed and you may need to wade through water at times. Hikers should be able to maintain a slow but steady pace up hill for an hour between rest stops and there are some days you will be walking 6-8hrs per day (not including rests). Trip is recommended for those with previous hike experience, looking for their next remote hiking challenge. A sure footing is required and the trip will be physically demanding. It is important that you are realistic in the self-assessment of your skills and experience and that you attempt this trip if you do have previous outdoor, multi-trek experience. Alpine environments are prone to change quickly, so quick adaptation may be necessary. Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week for at least 4 months prior to your trip.. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling. Day walking, including hills and/or stairs with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended at least once a week.

Departure dates


Notes

S
Surcharge
Note:
Trip requires a minimum of 3 passengers to be a guaranteed departure
1
Single Travellers cannot be matched with other travellers in the Wanaka accommodation and must pay the Solo Traveller Supplement
2
If you are a group of 2, you can pay a small group surcharge in order to have a private guided trip.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$3190NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Small Group Surcharge (for groups of 2, cost per person)NZD$500
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Upper Wilkin Guided Hike trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind.  The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

Similar trips

Admiring the view along the Coastal Walkway on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula | Kylie Rae
Guided

Taste of the Coromandel Peninsula Guided Walk

Activities:
Accommodation:
2 nights hotel, 2 nights boutique lodge
From:
$3090 NZD
Duration:

5Days

Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

 
Pristine and relaxing nature along the Whanganui Journey
On Sale
Guided

Whanganui Journey Great Walk Guided Canoe Adventure

Activities:
Accommodation:
2 nights lodge, 3 nights tent, 1 night basic cabin
From:
$2250 NZD
$1950 NZD
Duration:

7Days

Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

 
Stunning streams surrounded by remote wilderness along the Hollyford
On Sale
Guided

Hollyford Track Guided Walk

Activities:
Accommodation:
2 nights hotel, 2 nights private lodge
From:
$4650 NZD
$4350 NZD
Duration:

5Days

Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

 
Time to put down the pack and take out the camera to capture the Lyell Ranges view | Janet Oldham
On Sale

Old Ghost Road Self-Guided Hike

Activities:
Accommodation:
1 night motel, 4 nights private hut
From:
$1150 NZD
$1092 NZD
Duration:

6Days

Grading:
6

Moderate to Challenging

 
2 Reviews

Suggested extensions

The iconic Tongariro crater rims on the Tongariro Crossing | Natalie Tambolash
On Sale

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Self-Guided Hike

Activities:
Accommodation:
2 nights Alpine Lodge
From:
$630 NZD
$598 NZD
Duration:

3Days

Grading:
6

Moderate to Challenging

 
Panoramic views over Te Waewae Bay | Liz Carlson
On Sale

Hump Ridge Track Self-Guided Hike

Activities:
Accommodation:
3 nights simple lodge
From:
$1790 NZD
$1690 NZD
Duration:

4Days

Grading:
5

Moderate

 
4 Reviews
Walking along the Nydia Track | MarlboroughNZ
On Sale

Nydia Track Self-Guided Walk

Activities:
Accommodation:
1 night motel, 2 nights private lodge
From:
$1090 NZD
$1035 NZD
Duration:

4Days

Grading:
6

Moderate to Challenging

 
11 Reviews
View of Anchorage from the Abel Tasman Coast Track | abeltasman.com
On Sale

Abel Tasman Self-Guided Walk

Activities:
Accommodation:
1 night motel, 2 nights private lodge
From:
$2190 NZD
$2090 NZD
Duration:

4Days

Grading:
3

Introductory

 
14 Reviews

Get Social

World Expeditions Travel Group

World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays Tasmanian Expeditions Adventure South Great Canadian Trails Utracks Huma Challenge World Expeditions Schools Walkers' Britain Sherpa Van Trail Journeys Blue Moutains Adventures Company Larapinta Trail Walk Australian Cycle Tours Great Walks of New Zealand North America Active Adventure Travel West
  World Expeditions hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) no. 4491 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/atolcertificate.
© Copyright 2025 by Great Walks of New Zealand
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips