GILLESPIE PASS CIRCUIT

INCLUDING A SIDE TRIP TO CRUCIBLE LAKE

A dramatic alpine pass linking two spectacular mountain valleys

Wanaka doesn’t have the plethora of Great Walks nearby that Queenstown commands, however about an hour away lies the popular Gillespie Pass Circuit. The trail takes place on the fringe of Aspiring National Park- The forests are just as beautiful as any other you’ll find on the more popular walks, there are side trips aplenty, and the main event is the extraordinarily grand Gillespie Pass - which some regard as being second to none in the South Island.

Summary

Time to complete

3-4 Days

Accommodation style

Back-country hut OR Camping

Track type

Loop-ish (Shuttles or river crossing required)

Distance

34-48km

Difficulty

Medium-Hard

Bookings required

Only for Siberia Hut

Highlights

Cross the Gillespie pass -a touch over 1600m elevation
A good introduction to more technical hiking terrain
Flexible options for different fitness levels
Take a side trip to swim in the turquoise waters of Crucible Lake
Incredible river valleys and vibrant forest sections
Stunning forests that rival any of the great walks
Cool off and swim in the pristine rivers along the trails

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Track info

Trip Guide

Gallery

All about the trail

The Gillespie pass is a track linking the Young and Wilken river valleys by crossing over the Gillespie Pass mountain saddle. This is a walk which has a lot of easy-moderate hiking when walking up and down the river valleys, but also some moderate terrain when climbing up to the Gillespie Pass. It boasts great walk quality scenery without the crowds you’d expect on those trails. The rivers forests and alpine vistas are just as good as what you’d see on the more popular trails such as the Routeburn or Kepler, and the huts are well equipped albeit not quite at the plushness of a Great Walk hut. One of the unique things is that you can catch a jetboat to the start/finish to avoid the big river crossing at the start and also make the journey a little easier!

This is a great trip for more experienced hikers looking for a challenge slightly above a Great Walk. There are a few small stream crossings to navigate, the pass can be a tad technical in parts but overall in fair weather it’s a moderate affair and achievable for most fitness levels. Just be sure to have a contingency for adverse weather as there are two locations which are impassible during heavy rain - Gillespie Pass and one of the streams just before Siberia Hut.

Crucible Lake is the most common side trip people do on this trail. It can be done on the same day as Gillespie Pass for groups that have a high level of fitness, however I would recommend dedicating an extra day to doing this for most people as there is a lot of moderately technical elevation ascents and descents for both. Approximately 950m up/down for the day up the pass, and approximately 700m up/down for Crucible Lake.

Safety Note: Gillespie Pass crossing is very steep and requires reasonable weather to allow a safe journey. The snow grass on the eastern side is treacherous when wet and should be avoided in wet weather.

Track condition
-Mostly easy-moderate terrain in fair weather in the river valleys
-Many small stream crossings, larger flows during snow melt and heavy rain

Optionals
-Side trip to Crucible Lake, enjoy the view and take a swim to cool off in the lake
-Options to make the journey shorter by catching jet boats/aeroplanes to/from the trail

Getting there

The track is a one way track and almost forms a complete loop. The start of the trail used to begin at the blue pools carpark, however this is closed for repairs.

My recommendation is to get a jet boat to and from each end as this means you do not have to cross the Makarora River, however it is technically possible to cross this by foot if the river levels aren’t high.

Wilken river jets operate the jet boats, and there is also the option to catch a plane back from the airstrip across the river from Siberia Hut. The plane can be pre-booked or during busy periods it’s possible to wait by the runway in the morning and pay about $50 per person to hitch a ride back to Makarora.

Trail start/finish location: Wilkin River Jets

Sleep

-Huts:

The huts are a combination of modern and old with great facilities. Drop toilets and cleaning equipment for dishes etc generally provided inside with wood burners for cold nights.

-Camping:

Restrictions in the Gillespie Pass area and at Young Hut, however good campsites at Siberia hut and in the valleys each side of the Gillespie Saddle.

-Booking:

Siberia Hut requires bookings, otherwise no bookings required, first come first served.

-Back-country hut pass:

Can be used May-September only.

What To Take

As with the rest of the southern alps, the weather here is very unpredictable given its geographic location. Wet weather gear and warm layers are a must all year round. This particular track has a couple rivers prone to heavy rainfall making would be small creek crossings impassible so budget an extra days food and hut tickets in case you have to spend an extra night at one of the huts.

Summer | Example packing list

Spring + Autnum | Example packing list

Winter Hiking

Not recommended due to avalanche risk but possible if conditions are safe. Check in with DOC before setting out during winter.

Website And Other Links

Department of conservation website | Aspiring National Park Weather

Elevation Profile

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Day 1 | Young River mouth to Young Hut

15km | 5-6 Hour

3-3.5hr | Young forks campsite
The jet boat drops you at true left edge of the Young River mouth. From here it’s a small 500m track to reach the main trail towards Young forks campsite. Continue upstream through the forest with gentle undulations, a couple small river flat clearings and several small bridged streams to cross along the way. Eventually a turn-off to the Young Forks Campsite is met. Take the small detour to this campsite for a nice sheltered lunch break spot.

2-2.5hr | Young Hut
From the campsite, the track is a similar affair to the start of the day. About half-way to the hut is an impressive bridge over a narrow gorge with a stunning waterfall nearby. A great spot for afternoon tea. Continue on from here to eventually meet Young Hut.

Optional
-There is no camping at Young Hut. If you want to camp, a popular option is to continue about 1-1.5hr up the valley and set up camp in the Young Basin. It’s a very dramatic spot to spend the night, however there is no toilet there so take the correct gear to leave no trace.

Day 2 | Young Hut to Siberia Hut

10km | 6-8 Hours

1-1.5hr | Young Basin
The track from the hut starts off with a steep climb up towards the Young Basin. Once here, it flattens for half an hour or so. Right before you start walking up the main uphill section towards the pass is a good opportunity to fill water bottles as there isn’t reliable water for the next 3-4 hours of walking.

2-3hr | Gillespie Pass Saddle
The path up to the pass is very steep and exposed. The path is well formed and the orange marker poles need to be followed all the way up. There are two small sections which involve a small 45 degree rock climb for several metres. It’s a little technical but not extreme by any means. Remember you can always turn back if the weather conditions feel dangerous or if someone in your party is not confident with the walk to the trail. Towards the top the trail is less steep and flattens out once you get to the lower portion of the pass. Carry on for another 10-15 minutes to reach the highest point of the pass.

3-3.5hr | Siberia Hut
The other side of the pass is much more sheltered and has a slightly less steep gradient down. About half way to the Siberia Valley, the track flattens out and passes near the Siberia Stream. This is a potential camping location and quite a serene spot Carry on from here through the forest, which consists of many zig zagging trails with tree roots ridden trails throughout. Towards the bottom the knees will be feeling faitugued and you will be glad to meet the forest floor where there is another potential camp spot.

Carry on from here with easy hiking all the way to Siberia Hut. There was one small boggy section to cross over and the stream right before Siberia Hut can be impassible during heavy rain to be prepared to wait until river flows are safe if required.

Options/Tips:
-There is a fantastic swimming hole/waterfall a few mins away from the hut. The best way to finish the day!
-If you plan to do the Crucible Lake trip the following day, you can camp at either of the campsites mentioned above to save a bit of time the following day.

Day 3 | Crucible Lake Day Trip (optional)

15.5km | 6-8 Hours

The trail heads back up the Siberia Valley until the track junction with a sign for the Gillespie Pass is met. Carry on up the valley a little from here on the obvious path and follow any trail signs pointing towards Crucible Lake. A small stream needs to be crossed as part of this, so find a safe part to cross and it should only be about ankle deep in dry weather. The trail to Crucible Lake is similar to the descent of day 2. Near the top of the forest section is another stream to cross. This was just under knee height and will be dangerous with heavy rain or snow melt. Carry on for another 1-1.5hrs or so to reach the Crucible lake. Definitely take a swim if the weather is nice!

To get back, follow the same path.

Day 4 | Siberia Hut to Kevin Forks

7.5km | 2.5-3 Hours

Assuming you are taking the jet boat back, ensure you have plenty of contingency time when completing this last section. The track is relatively flat for most of this section however there is a small climb and descent right before reaching the pick up point for the jet boat.

Optional - 14.5km (~22km total) | 5hr Hiking out instead of taking the boat
-If you don’t want to take the jet boat, and the weather allows crossing the Makarora River, it’s possible to hike out. Note the trail beyond the jet boat pick-up can be slightly more rough than the Young River Valley Trail, but perfectly doable. Be prepared for a long day and of course the river crossing at the end.