WANAKA NEW ZEALAND

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WANAKA NEW ZEALAND - MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK

This is the third largest park in New Zealand, it stretches from the dense rainforests of Fiordland, across braided river valleys and alpine meadows, to the heavily glaciated Southern Alps and the Lake Wanaka township provides some of the easiest access to the entire park.

Set within the Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, this is one of the most spectacular pristine wilderness areas anywhere in the world.

The pinnacle of the park is Mt Aspiring (Tititea is the Maori name), rising elegantly from its flanking glaciers to 3027m, a peak much loved by local and international climbers, and photographers.

Key Highlights

In straddling the 'great divide' of the Southern Alps, the Mount Aspiring National Park presents a breathtaking range of landscapes.

At its heart is a massive area of wilderness - glaciers, snowfields, mountains, valleys and wildlife habitats that require days of hiking to reach. To the west of the divide, where rainfall is plentiful, the beech forest comes with a sound track of birdsong and waterfalls. Deep in the glacier-gouged valleys of the east, grassy river flats are hemmed by imposing mountains. And above the tree line, subalpine gardens of tussock, lichens and dainty flowering herbs survive against all odds.

Rock forms are an unforgettable feature of the park. From the curiously coloured slopes of the Red Hills to the brittle grey schist of the alps, ice ages and huge tectonic upheavals have created beauty with a hard edge.

Accommodation

The only source of accommodation within the park is provided by the Department of Conservation. There are numerous hikers' huts along the major walks, including two 'Great Walk' huts on the Routeburn Track. Many of the tracks also have established camping areas. Huts need to be booked during the summer high season.

The settlements of Makarora, Haast and Glenorchy act as gateways to the park. Makarora has B & Bs, cottages, chalets, farmstays and camp sites. Accommodation in Haast and Glenorchy includes motels, hotels and lodges.

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