3232 - South Island Trip - Gillespies Pass Circuit

3232 - South Island Trip - Gillespies Pass Circuit - 22nd-28th March 2026

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Gillespie Pass Circuit is a rewarding multi-day route in Mount Aspiring National Park. This track provides views of snowy mountaintops, clear rivers, and a nice forest with plentiful birdlife. Prepare for multiple river crossings, steep parts, and unstable slips on the way. It's a challenging track recommended for experienced trampers only - river crossings can be dangerous and impassable during heavy rain. I would like to allow a day for a trip up to Lake Crucible and we might then head down to Kerrin Forks hut. The alternative is two nights at Siberia Hut . There are two long days of walking involved and the route over Gillespie Pass entails a steep ascent and descent and will be a big demanding day.

 

Trip intentions

The intention is to rendezvous in Wanaka on Sunday night 22nd March - I will look at accommodation options in Wanaka.

Monday morning early to get a shuttle up to Blue Pools track start (the alternative is to go to Makarora and get a jet boat across to the Young River mouth).

Monday to head up the track to Young Hut and spend the night - no booking needed but first come first served.

Tuesday - weather permitting to head over Gillespie Pass to Sibera Hut - Siberia Hut needs to be booked - tenting is an option here

Wednesday to head up Lake Crucible and then back to Siberia Hut or head down to Kerrin Forks Hut (the one issue here is weather and river levels) If the Wilkens river is high then crossing is not an option and its a long walk out on the true left or tenting or getting a jetboat pick-up. I think two nights at Siberia might be an option depending on availability.

Thursday is a walk out day back to Makarora. Crossing the river is fine if the river level is low or it will require a jet boat pick up from the Wilkens River Mouth

If we get out on Thursday then we can shuttle back to Wanaka

Friday is a contingency day to allow for weather - If we are out early then we have a day in Wanaka. I will look at accommodation options.

 

Getting there

I have booked flights down from Hamilton to Queenstown on Sunday 22nd March and then to fly back from Queenstown to Hamilton on Saturday 28th March and plan to bus from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka on Sunday 22nd in the afternoon and return to Queenstown Airport first thing on Saturday morning 28th. 

 

What you will need 

All the usual for a multi-day tramp/hike

A good level of fitness

A tent in case we have to camp. 

Reliable footwear - robust boots recommended

Clothes and rain gear for variable weather

Food and snacks for 5 days

Cookware

Headtorch

Hat and sunblock

Personal medications and first aid

The ability to be sufficient

A PLB if you have one 

 

I aim to finalise the trip planning and if possible have a get together nearer the time once we have confirmation on who will be part of the group. 

 

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions

 

David