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Experiences

Walking, Tramping & Hiking

Experience all that Makarora has to offer by experiencing it in the most natural way possible. Filled with incredible mountain scenery, stunning river valleys and truly unique alpine vegetation, the Makarora area of Mount Aspiring National Park has a huge variety of walking, hiking and tramping opportunities on offer. Whether you are an avid hiker looking for a thrilling experience or you simply want to see Makarora’s beauty with a simple trek, there are plenty of different trails available for hikers of all levels.

Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its unique flora and fauna, showcasing its beautiful rainforests, breathtaking mountain peaks and crystal blue pools for visitors across the globe to see. In a natural wonderland, you cannot top experiencing everything the park has to offer by simply walking through and taking it all in. From the iconic silver beech tree that the Makarora region forests are known for to the variety of birds that thrive in the area, taking a walk-through gives visitors the opportunity to ignite all of their senses as they experience all of the beauty that is Makarora.

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mount aspiring blue pools

Experience the scenery

If you’re looking for a quick and easy trek to take in the scenery, why not check out the Blue Valley Track? This 2–3-hour trip takes visitors from the beautiful Blue Pools to a rural-feeling track, where they can walk around and above the Blue River and into the north branch. If you would rather make a day of it, you can start in the same spot but follow the route to the head of the valley, where you can take in all of the stunning scenery on offer. This trek takes 6–7-hours, so make sure you factor in enough time and supplies.

If you are an avid hiker looking for a challenge, then the Brewster Track might be the right option for you. The Brewster Track takes advanced trampers on a 6–8 hours trip where they can experience the stunning Fantail Falls, the iconic Haast River and also the beech forest all in one trip. From the forest, hikers continue up a snow grass face, leading to the predominant ridge that leads up to Mt Armstrong. Along the way, hikers will also see the iconic red Brewster Hut, where they can stay if they would like to spend the night. Bookings are not necessary, as the hut operates on a first come, first served basis.

Relax at Wonderland Makarora Lodge

After experiencing all of nature’s beauty, why not relax at Wonderland Makarora Lodge while you reminisce on your wonderful experience? The lodge offers first-class accommodation for groups of all sizes, whether you are looking for a spacious chalet to share with your family or a cosy cabin as a retreat for you and your special someone. The lodge also takes away the hassle of cooking, with a beautiful restaurant where you can kick back with a delicious meal and an ice-cold beer.

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