Women's New Zealand Hiking Trip // Sibera Hut

This morning we are picked up in Queenstown for the drive via Wanaka to Raspberry Flat in Mt Aspiring National Park for the first overnight hike at 8am.

It's then time to hoist your pack and head up the valley. We follow the Matukituki River up valley up to Aspiring Hut. The high glaciated peaks revealing themselves as we hike gently up the valley.

On reaching the hut we take a quick cup of tea and get ready for a steeper hike without our backpacks. From Aspiring Hut if the weather permits, we climb steeply through beech forest to the tree line. You will be rewarded with a jaw dropping view of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring (3033m). We then descend back along the same track to the hut. Tonight, we prepare and eat our first meal together in the wilderness.

Accommodation: Aspiring Hut

Hiking: 6 hours hiking graded medium 9 - 14km

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

This morning we take a hike up a side valley to view the Rob Roy Glacier. We cross the Matukiuki River swing bridge, and then follow the trail through native beech forest along the Rob Roy Stream, a wild glacial river that tumbles down the valley through a series of a steep rocky gorges. We reach the treeline after a reasonable climb and the beech forest gives way to alpine vegetation.

The hanging glacier beneath Mt Rob Roy is spectacular. The glacier is active, and you may be able to hear and see the ice cracking from this safe viewing point. The cheeky alpine kea may also join us for a little light entertainment. The descent back down the valley to our vehicle is easy-going. We then drive back to Wanaka and on to Makarora for our night in cabin accommodation. We then dine in the local kiwi pub nearby - a good way to build the team spirit. (2 hours drive).

Accommodation: Makarora cabins

Hiking: 6 hours graded medium - 14km

Meals: Breakfast, lunch , snacks and local pub dinner

No need for coffee this morning, the scenic helicopter flight into the heart of this World Heritage Area will be exhilarating enough for some. We fly around ice carved peaks and get up close to cascading waterfalls, nestled amongst New Zealands most beautiful mountains and glaciers.

We land downstream from the hut in the remote Siberia Valley. Today our goal is to reach the summit of Gillespie Pass at 1600m. From the pass enjoy the stunning sense of elevation as we look down the steep slopes into the Young Valley. The views of nearby Mt Awful (2192 metres) are awfully goodie too! The hike starts with an easy path along the Siberia Valley floor, before the trail leaves the valley and zig zags its way up through forest into the Gillespie Stream basin.

It then gets challenging and steep for the final push up to the top of the pass (but the views will be well worth it). We return the same way and enjoy our first night in the wonderfully remote Siberia Hut.

Accommodation: Siberia Hut, bunk beds

Hiking: 8 hours graded medium to challenging

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner

Today we explore the other side of the valley and climb up to Lake Crucible. This challenging hike takes us even further into the awe-inspiring mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park. It is a steep climb initially through beech forest and delicate alpine herb fields. The last part of the hike climbs on to an ancient terminal moraine which formed the lake at the foot of Mt Alba. Set at 1172m this lake often fills with avalanche debris over the winter and stays frozen well into the summer.

For those daring enough, your challenge today is to take a dip in this lake! After lunch we make our way back down the valley to the Siberia Hut. Together we prepare another tasty meal, before relaxing on the veranda gazing at the clear and starry southern sky.

Accommodation: Siberia Hut, bunk beds (shared alpine cabin)

Hiking: 7 hours hiking graded medium to challenging

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner

It's an early pack up and start today as we have a jetboat to meet for 11.00am. Head down the valley follow an old pack track high above the Siberia River. We gain spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls of the lower Siberia Valley.

A jetboat meets us just downstream of the confluence of the Siberia and Wilkin valleys and carries us on a thrilling 40 minute journey downstream to Makarora. After lunch we drive alongside the gorgeous glacial Lake Hawea. We stop here in the village for showers and to prepare the group before the flight home. The drive to Queenstown takes us over the golden tussocks of the Crown Range, stopping off at the historic Cardrona Hotel (if time allows) for a drink before on the way.

No doubt there will be some napping on the minibus journey back to Queenstown where the guided portion of the trip finishes.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch and farewell dinner included (drinks at own cost)

Hiking: 4 hours graded easy-medium

Accommodation: Not included. Ladies to book their last night accommodation (we suggest Pinewood as this is an easier drop off point)