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Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Queenstown: Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

1. From Queenstown: Lord Of The Rings Tour to Glenorchy

Enjoy a small-group tour of the most iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations in New Zealand, specially designed for fans of the films. Within minutes of leaving Queenstown, reach the Glenorchy Road, which follows the edges of the Great Lake Wakatipu, and has been voted  one of the top 10 drives in the world. Admire snowcapped mountains that arise around every corner of the journey. Your first stop will be the 12 Mile Delta. Here, enjoy a short nature walk over the 12 Mile canyon footbridge and spot trout and salmon in the crystal-clear water below. Learn about the local flora and fauna and visit the locations, where scenes from the films were shot. Next, refuel with a delicious morning or afternoon tea picnic near the famous Glenorchy red shed and wharf. Once you have eaten enough to satisfy a Hobbit, adventure further into the World Heritage Mt. Aspiring National Park, home of Lothlorien Forest, where you will have the opportunity to snap some photographs dressed as your favorite Lord of the Rings character with replica swords from the trilogy. Next, head up the Dart Valley through "Paradise" to Isengard for some time to enjoy this amazing location in this spectacular glacier-carved valley. Stories and behind-the-scenes secrets will be shared by your passionate local guides on the way back to Queenstown.

Mt Aspiring Full-Day Canyoning Adventure from Queenstown

2. Mt Aspiring Full-Day Canyoning Adventure from Queenstown

Climb aboard the shuttle through Wanaka and head to Mt Aspiring National Park near the West Coast of the South Island, a UNESCO world heritage area. Untouched and hidden, its raw green beauty is absolutely breathtaking, showcasing why New Zealand is renowned for being 100% pure.  Arrive at the canyon and be kitted out with canyoning equipment. Your professional and qualified guide will give you a full safety briefing and explain all the canyoning techniques you will need for the day. Set off on a 25-minute bush walk to the start of the canyon. Make the most of your day by pumping waterfalls, making big technical jumps, and abseiling. The canyon returns you back to the car park where you set off. Get changed and enjoy a picnic lunch before setting off on the trip back to Queenstown. If time allows, enjoy a beer stop in Wanaka and relive all the extreme adventures you have just achieved.

West Coast: Eco River Safari in UNESCO World Heritage Area

3. West Coast: Eco River Safari in UNESCO World Heritage Area

With your local guides who were previously commercial pilots, travel to the top of the river and listen to informative commentary with multiple photography stops. At the top head out on an optional walk, good for all ages. View the untouched scenery of mountains and ancient rainforest. Enjoy local morning tea and a chance to take in the whole surrounding area with stunning photo opportunities. Then you'll have a speedy trip down to the Tasman Sea, finishing in a side stream to visit the whitebait breeding grounds. If your group is 6 people or over, you will enjoy a BBQ meal at the end of the tour, with whitebait, crayfish, venison, salads and refreshments.

Queenstown: 50-Minute Southern Glacier Helicopter Flight

4. Queenstown: 50-Minute Southern Glacier Helicopter Flight

Take off on a spectacular round-trip flight from Queenstown. Experience the Southern Alps like you have never seen them before by helicopter. Enjoy commentary from your expert guide along the way. Start at Heli Base at Queenstown airport. Venture across to the Southern Alps - the spiny mountain range that divides the South Island. Take in stunning views over Mount Aspiring. Next, see the vast untouched tracts of native forest and ancient glacial icefalls in the national park. Enjoy a landing amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Upon landing, take up the photo opportunities before heading back to Queenstown.

Other Sightseeing Options in Mount Aspiring National Park

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What people are saying about Mount Aspiring National Park

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 54 reviews

It was such fun and so informative to go on this tour. Our guide, Francesco could explain the beautiful NZ scenery as it was used in many movie frames, along with many back stories. I was the only Kiwi in the mini-van as I was taking an overseas person along, and I really enjoyed every minute. It didn't feel like a commercial touristy enterprise but was a very authentic knowledge builder of the movie making process. I was not a Lord of the Rings fan prior but now I am! I am avidly reading the Location Guidebook I bought on the tour and am enjoying learning where all the locations are in my country, NZ. I highly recommend this tour. You see Aotearoa, NZ, at its best.

Was an absolutely amazing tour. Well explained at stops and had pictures to compare what it looks like in the movies to how it looks now. Tour guide Francisco was lovely and very knowledgeable. Was also a small tour which was nice and got to talk to every else on it.

Experience of a lifetime where the tour took us to some places of LOTR location and get to see scenic views on the way and our nice ;friendly tour guide is a bonus..

Very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide, stunning sights and it was great fun dressing up. Even catered for my gluten intolerance. Will be recommending to friends

If you are a Lord of the Ring Fan this tour is a must trip. I cannot explain it in just a few words all I can say is WOW.