Make your own way to Wanaka and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. You should allow enough time to purchase any snacks you wish to bring for the next 6 days should you wish. There is a conveniently located supermarket in central Wanaka usually open until about 10:00pm daily and plenty of cafes and restaurants to try for your 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 the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. A leisurely 2 hour walk brings us to the Top Forks Hut. Dropping overnight gear, the rest of the day is spent walking to Lake Diana, Lake Lucidus or if the group is strong - Lake Castilia, a high alpine lake surrounded by cliffs and hanging glaciers. The trail climbs gradually as it weaves through native beech forest until 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. Overnight will be at Top Forks Hut.

Meals:  L,D

This morning we head down river through to Kerin Forks Hut at the confluence of the Siberia and Upper Wilkin Rivers. We walk a gentle downhill grade along the southern back of the river. The track is surrounds by lush native bush with lots of ascents and descents along the way as well as numerous river crossings. Our accommodation for the night is at Kerin Forks hut, where we enjoy our evening meal looking out over the great Wilkin River.

Meals:  B,L,D

Make sure you fuel up at breakfast this morning, as from Kerin Forks Hut, our journey is an uphill one, on a steep track that leads to Siberia Valley. Surrounded by high mountains, the early surveyors of this land had a sense of humor naming the two largest and most beautiful mountains, Mount Awful and Mount Dreadful. Depending on weather conditions, we will either camp in the meadow or stay the night in Siberia Hut.

Meals:  B,L,D

A short distance from the Siberia Hut, we depart the valley via a steep climb through native forest, heading to today's destination. Gaining 550 metres of elevation, we come across a small river crossing at Siberia Stream and then a final ascent through a snowgrass flat up to the lake. Surrounded by towing walls, Lake Crucible is a geographic marvel carved out by the glaciers themselves. Those that did not want to do this walk, could remain back at camp and simply relax for the day.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we reach the high point of the trip, Gillespie Pass at 1600 metres. This is a real accomplishment and you will be rewarded with one of the great views of the Southern Alps. The trail climbs steeply from camp before we reach the top of the pass, then steeply winds its way down (a long way down) to the Young Valley and Young Hut, our final accommodation for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

After leaving Young Hut this morning, the trail continues its steep descent into the rainforest. We follow the Young River which gradually flattens out and becomes a tranquil route through native forest for the final three hours of our journey. A final river crossing and we are met by the vehicle to take us back to Wanaka, where you can relax at your accommodation, or head out for a celebratory dinner and drinks on completing this fabulous hike.

Meals:  B,L

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