The Gillespie Pass Circuit is a 58 km loop located in Mount Aspiring National Park. The 3-4 day tramp is filled with everything that’s great about trekking in New Zealand; spectacular mountain scenery, glacier lakes and cosy overnight hits. The challenging hike includes a climb up and over the Gillespie Pass at 1600m.
The circuit can be walked in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
Date Hiked: April 2022
Generally, the trail starts from the Blue Pools carpark outside Makarora, but if you organize a Jetboat with Wilkin River Jets, you can save yourself a couple hours.
Young Hut is not bookable and there is no camping allowed around the hut. Bookings are required at Siberia Hut, but tons of camping space available
On the final day, you can hike out from Siberia Hut to Makarora, but you will have to cross the braided Makarora River which can be very dangerous.
You can organize a Jetboat pickup from Kirin Forks, a few hours from Siber Hut.
Alternatively, you can organize a spectacular helicopter ride from Siberia Hut to Makarora
***You should only do Gillespie Pass Circuit if you're experienced with river crossing skills. All river crossings on this Circuit are challenging. Multiple fatalities have occurred in rivers on this track in recent years. Be aware rivers can become impassable after rain. Tents should be carried.
The circuit is not recommended during winter months due to snow, ice and avalanche risk.
More detailed info of the trail:
- www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...
- www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/...
- weareexplorers.co/gillespie-p...