Rabbit Pass Trekking Adventure

4 days 3 nights
Wānaka
Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R.
Tour Provider
View Douglas’s tours
Difficulty
Extreme
Comfort
Basic
Group size
1-4 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

There’s a moment on Rabbit Pass when the world feels impossibly vast — waterfalls spilling from cliffs, glaciers gleaming on the horizon, and the wind carrying only the sound of your breath. This is where wilderness starts, where every step reminds you how small and alive you are beneath the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park.

The Rabbit Pass Alpine Traverse is one of New Zealand’s most challenging and awe-inspiring alpine routes, weaving through untamed valleys, wild rivers, and hidden glacial basins. From the soft grasses of the Wilkin Valley to the dramatic ridgelines above Waterfall Flat, this is an adventure of raw beauty and endurance. You’ll travel by helicopter into the backcountry, cross unbridged rivers, and camp beneath towering peaks as icefalls crash in the distance.

Led by experienced mountain guides, this four-day expedition is for those who want to feel the real, unfiltered New Zealand — rugged, remote, and unforgettable. Prepare your equipment and take on one of the country’s great alpine challenges!

Private 1:4 $2,350 pp - Private 1:2 $3,750 pp

from
$1,387
per tourist for 4 days
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Dec, 2026 and 30 Apr, 2027 are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
1-4 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
  • Local prices – no extra fees
    Book tours directly from local tour providers
  • Verified tour providers
    All guides confirm their qualifications
  • Reviews from travelers
    We monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour
Photo Douglas R.
Douglas R. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
For over 30 years we’ve been taking you with us into New Zealand’s backcountry. Wether you're looking for a senic day-hike, or an unfortgettable overnight trek to an alpine hut, our experienced guides are ready to join you on your next adventure. Our guides are carefully selected, internationally certified professionals who accompany you from the very first contact. Whether you’re climbing alpine peaks, backcountry skiing, or trekking through valleys and mountain passes, you’ll be guided by experts who truly live and breathe the outdoors.

Tour highlights

sharp rocks rabbit pass
Flight into the Wild
Begin your journey with a scenic helicopter ride deep into the remote heart of Mount Aspiring National Park
sharp rocks rabbit pass
Cross the Bledisloe Gorge
Navigate river crossings, ancient beech forest, and steep alpine climbs on one of the most remote and scenic sections of the route
rabbit pass hike
Explore Hidden Alpine Lakes
Hike to the glacial lakes of Diana and Lucidus, tucked high among rugged cirques and shimmering under ice-carved walls

Route details

Day 1
Into the Valley

This is a sample itinerary and can change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please use it as a guide.

We begin the day at 8:30am with a meeting at our Wānaka office for a gear check and weather briefing. Any last-minute items are packed before driving 45 minutes to the small village of Makarora. From here, a helicopter carries us deep into Mount Aspiring National Park toward Rabbit Pass. After landing, we take a gentle 4km walk along the river flats of the Upper Wilkin Valley to reach Top Forks Hut. The afternoon is spent exploring this stunning area, with the option to visit the nearby alpine lakes of Diana and Lucidus before settling in for the evening.

Hike time: approx. 6–7 hours | Distance: 8–12 km

rabbit pass hike
rabbit pass hike
rabbit pass hike 2 more photos
Day 2
Over Rabbit Pass
Day 3
Through Bledisloe Gorge
Day 4
Return to Civilization
Difficulty
Extreme
Only for experienced and physically fit tourists. Requires specific skills and equipment
Tour provider's comments

Our main aim is for mountaineers to enjoy this experience and be safe doing so. This is as much about the expectations you form as well as being realistic about your current abilities. If you’re in doubt, we recommend using the following guide to determine if this course is for you:

  • Capable of 1,000m + ascent and descent in a day
  • Capable of 8-10 hours of physical activity a day
  • Capable of 4+ consecutive days ascent and descent
  • Capable of carrying 8-12kg pack
  • Comfortable on rough, unmaintained tracks
  • Comfortable with heights and exposure
  • Recent experience on “rough track” terrain including steep hills, river crossings, scree, boulders etc.
  • No rope familiarity required
  • Some rock climbing experience is encouraged
  • Multi-day trekking experience using huts or camping

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Tent
3 nights

We recommend staying in Wānaka the night before your trip as we will meet and leave from Wānaka the day of your trip.

Wānaka offers a vast range of options for your pre and post trip accommodation. It can be busy over the winter and summer season, so it is a good idea to book well in advance.

3 nights
Mountain huts

Hut or tent accommodation (not all huts allow for bookings, and if they are full during high season we might be required to camp).

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
  • terrain fees;
  • GST included — New Zealand 15% goods and service tax;
  • technical equipment;
  • hut or tent accommodation (not all huts allow for bookings, and if they are full during high season we might be required to camp);
  • meals and snacks for duration of trip;
  • transportation from Wanaka to and from the trekking location;
  • qualified guide — Qualified Trekking Guide (NZMGA, ATG or NZOIA Bush 1).

All food and utensils are supplied on the trip. Clients will be encouraged to provide their own backpack with clothing layers and trekking boots. We can provide a sleeping bag if you require.

Extras
  • flights;
  • any other personal expenses.

Please note, sleeping bag is not included.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Equipment List - HUT - CAMPING BASED: 

BODY
• underwear;
• base layer (150–200g weight, merino or polypop, no cotton. example: Icebreaker 200 Oasis LS Crewe);
• top;
• leggings;
• mid layer top (fleece or windproof);
• insulating jacket (fleece or synthetic fill);
• waterproof jacket (e.g. Gore Tex® or similar);
• overpants* (waterproof as above);
• lightweight, quick-drying shorts or trousers;
• light collared trekking shirt or short-sleeve t-shirt;

FEET
• sturdy, worn-in trekking boots (e.g. La Sportiva® Trango Trek) — boots will get wet from river crossings;
• gaiters (recommended);
• 3–4 pairs of trekking socks (merino);

HEAD/FACE
• sunhat – cap;
• warm hat & neck gaiter (e.g. Buff®);
• sunglasses;

HANDS
• warm waterproof gloves;
available for loan as part of trip cost

ACCESSORIES
• backpack (50+ litres);*
• sleeping bag (2 season, 0°C) & liner / (+ Inflatable sleeping mat (eg Thermarest )* for advanced- camping based);*
• bowl & spoon (supplied);
• personal toiletries and medication;
• packliner or dry bags;
• insect repellent – for sandflies;
• sun cream and lip cream;
• water bottle (at least 1 litre);
• camera;
• headtorch;

OPTIONAL – Personal Preference Items
• collapsible trekking poles (recommended);*
• light book or magazine;
• earplugs (handy for communal huts);
• plastic cup for drinking from streams;
• lightweight hut or camp shoes (e.g. Crocs).

*Available for loan as part of trip cost

What is included in the price?
Please note
Risk Disclosure
Where do we meet?
Why should I get insurance for my trip?
Can I hire equipment?
What do we eat? I have a special diet, is this OK?
What if I don't fit with the group ability?
Do I have to pay for a trip if the weather is bad?
Can I leave my extra bags and valuables with you while we are on the trip?
How do I get to Wanaka?
Equipment
Payment
Do I need a rental car?
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

No reviews yet

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Dec, 2026 – 30 Apr, 2027
    Request to book

Can`t decide? Our travel expert will be happy to help

Leave a request and get a consultation, and a selection of the most thrilling tours from one of our experts for free!

First name
Last name
Email address
Phone number
Tell us more about your desired trip