Rabbit Pass Journey

4 days 3 nights
New Zealand
Photo Tim S.
Tim S.
Tour Provider
View Tim’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Group size
3-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Mist clings to jagged peaks as the helicopter lifts you over the Upper Wilkin Valley, unveiling a wild world of alpine rivers and hidden lakes. The air is fresh, the landscape untouched, and every step ahead promises a new horizon with timeless views. This is the Mount Aspiring National Park in its purest form, waiting to challenge and enchant.

Over four days, you’ll climb through Snow Bridge Gorge to Waterfall Flat, tackle the thrilling Waterfall Face with ropes for safety, and cross the majestic Rabbit Pass itself. Descents into the East Matukituki Valley reveal serene river valleys and towering faces of Fastness Peak and Mount Aspiring, while stops at Ruth Flat, Junction Flat, and Hester Pinney Falls offer moments of awe and reflection. Wet river crossings and rugged tracks ensure the journey is as demanding as it is unforgettable.

Accommodation in wilderness huts beneath star-strewn skies, with gear available if needed.  Walk across glaciers, rivers, and alpine ridges, and emerge at the Matukituki River, having experienced an intimate, raw encounter with New Zealand’s high country. Join us for an adventure where every step tells a story!

Price: Group: $2450 per person (3+ people)
Private: $6390 / $3490 for 1 / 2 people

from
$1,446
per tourist for 4 days
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
3-4 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Or request private custom tour
Any dates between 1 Dec, 2026 and 30 Mar, 2027 are available.
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Photo Tim S.
Tim S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Tim is based in Wānaka with his young family. He has been climbing, skiing, and guiding throughout the Southern Alps since arriving in New Zealand from the UK in 2008. He has climbed and skied around the world and in other roles, he mentors, trains, and assesses prospective ski patrollers and mountain guides and is a member of the local Alpine Cliff Rescue team. When not out in the hills guiding or instructing, he will be usually found introducing his young family to the outdoors, away on his own adventures, or out at the local rock climbing crags.

Tour highlights

Young Valley
Valley Secrets
Wander through East Matukituki Valley’s hidden rivers and cliffs
mountains new zealand
Passage of Giants
Cross Rabbit Pass, flanked by towering peaks and endless horizons
Young Valley
Thrilling Start
Begin your trek with a helicopter ride over pristine alpine valleys with breathtaking views

Route details

Day 1
Into the Heart of the Southern Alps

Your adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight from Makarora into the breathtaking Upper Wilkin Valley. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the nearby Lake Lucidus or Lake Castalia, before settling in for the night at Top Forks Hut.

Rabbit Pass Trek
Rabbit Pass Trek
Rabbit Pass Trek 1 more photo
Day 2
Crossing the Mighty Rabbit Pass
Day 3
Valley Crossings and Mountain Views
Day 4
From Waterfalls to the Aspiring Road
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape
Tour provider's comments

Trekkers need to be able to undertake big ascents and descents of up to 1000m in a day with 15kg packs.
Requires recent experience in off-track trekking. This includes movement over scree, boulders, and tussock slopes.

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
3 nights
3 nights
Mountain huts

Accommodation is in  huts or wilderness camping. Camping equipment can be provided.

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included
  • GST;
  • guide fees;
  • compliance costs;
  • ground transport from Wānaka;
  • helicopter flight into Top Forks Hut;
  • food and mountain accommodation in public huts or tents.
Extras
  • other personal expenses.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Body:

  • underwear;
  • trekking shirt or lightweight long-sleeve technical base layer;
  • mid-layer top (fleece or windproof);
  • insulating jacket (synthetic fill preferred);
  • waterproof jacket and trousers;
  • trekking trousers, leggings and/or shorts.


Head / Face / Hands:

  • sunhat or cap;
  • warm hat & neck gaiter (eg Buff®);
  • sunglasses;
  • lightweight gloves.


Accessories:

  • backpack, around 40-50 litre capacity, with the ability to carry personal overnight gear;
  • water bottles (1-2 litre capacity, water is readily available during the trek);
  • small container of sunblock & lippy.

Feet:

  • trekking boots;
  • socks.

Overnight:

  • 2-season sleeping bag and liner*;
  • sleeping mat*;
  • cup, bowl and eating utensils*;
  • head torch and spare batteries;
  • personal toiletries (blister kit & personal medication);
  • hut shoes (optional).

Recommended:

  • trekking poles;
  • insect repellant.

*available for hire

Where do we meet?
Difficulty and Fitness Requirements
Preparation
Insurance
Pricing and Details
Cancellation of booking

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Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Dec, 2026 – 30 Mar, 2027
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,446
    18 – 21 Jan, 2027
    4 days 3 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,446
    15 – 18 Feb, 2027
    4 days 3 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,446
    20 – 23 Feb, 2027
    4 days 3 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,446
    15 – 18 Mar, 2027
    4 days 3 nights
    Request to book

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