Scenic Beauty of Mount Aspiring Road
Mount Aspiring Road, located in the Wānaka region of the South Island, is a remarkable touring route with breathtaking scenery, especially when the mountains are capped with snow. Stretching 51 km from Wānaka to Raspberry Flat in Mount Aspiring National Park, this drive takes about an hour as it winds around Lake Wānaka, then heads up the Matukituki Valley, with striking views throughout.
Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
Mount Aspiring Road starts on the west side of Wānaka and heads around the western side of Lake Wānaka towards Treble Cone. The road is sealed up to the Treble Cone access road, after which it becomes a metal road all the way to the National Park. While most vehicles can navigate this route, be cautious as the road is narrow in some areas and includes shallow fords.
The drive epitomises a classic South Island road trip, with expansive grasslands providing uninterrupted views. Initially, you'll enjoy vistas of Lake Wānaka and Mount Roy. To your front is the Buchanan Peaks. As. As you continue, the road leads to the picturesque Glendhu Bay.
Further along, you'll have your first glimpse of Treble Cone and the Harris Mountains, with peaks over 2,000 metres. Shortly after, you will see the turn-off to West Wānaka. Winding through narrow valleys, the road enters the broad Matukituki Valley, carved out by glaciers and smoothed out by the Matukituki River's wanderings over millennia. The towering Harris Mountains dominate the western side of the valley, while the Buchanan Peaks and Mount Alta, at 2,339 metres, rise to the east.
Towards the end of the valley, the road turns towards the west, and a stunning view of glaciers south of the 3,033-metre Mount Aspiring / Tititea unfolds. Unfortunately, there is no view of Mount Aspiring itself. The only view of Mt Aspiring is from the road as you enter Glendu Bay.
As you enter the West Matukituki Valley, the valley narrows significantly, and the mountains crowd in. You can access the river at Cameron Flat, followed by the Matukituki Swingbridge to the East Matukituki Track. Finally, you will reach Raspberry Flat, the car park and access to the National Park.
Activities and Attractions Along the Route
As you travel, you can access the Roy's Peak Track, watch out for reflection photo opportunities in Glendhu Bay, access the Motatapu Gorge and River Track, rock climb before the Diamond Lake car park, walk to Diamond Lake and hike the Rocky Mountain Track, and watch two waterfalls cascading from Treble Cone. You can access one via ferata, and ski at Treble Cone from July to September. You are driving through sheep country, so be aware of stray stock and the possibility of mustering along the road.
At Raspberry Flat, you can freedom camp for a night and embark on hikes into Mount Aspiring National Park. For the adventurous, you can cross the Matukituki River at Cameron Flat and walk the Glacier Burn Track. The Rob Roy Glacier Track from Raspberry Flat is one of the best day walks in New Zealand, or head up the valley to Aspiring Hut and beyond for multi-day adventures.
How to Get There
Mount Aspiring Road continues from Ardmore Street on the lakefront in Wānaka. The drive takes an hour, excluding detours and distractions. Take food and drink to make a day of it. The road is open year-round and accessible to 2WD vehicles. Be aware that there are fords which may be tricky for small, low-slung cars. Generally, the driving is easy, but part of the last section of the road narrows as it goes around a bluff near the river. The final section can also be slippery when wet.
