Mount Aspiring National Park

A mountain stream in Mount Aspiring National Park.

Mount Aspiring is known for its varied terrain.

Mount Aspiring National Park is located on New Zealand's South Island, at the southern end of the Southern Alps.

It covers 877,884 acres and is next to the vast Fiordland National Park. State Hwt. 6 crosses the park in the northwest and the town of Wanaka is its gateway.

Mount Aspiring is known for its varied terrain and glaciers, snowfields, mountains, river valleys, alpine meadows, forested gorges and river flats.

The park contains ancient Maori trails and Mount Aspiring, which reaches 10,000 feet. One of New Zealand's highest peaks, the mountain was called Tititea by the Maori, translating to steep peak of glistening white.

Wildlife in Mount Aspiring includes a variety of birds like the rifleman, bellbird, South Island robin, yellow crowned parakeet, mohua, South Island fantail and the threatened rock wren. There are also many possums and stoats.

The park is a hiker's paradise. There are short and long walks, including guided walks on the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks. Jet boat trips can also be taken on the park's larger rivers.

For visitors wishing to stay in the park, there are backcountry huts and camping areas. There are also accommodation options in the surrounding towns such as campsites and luxury lodges.