The Gillespie Pass Circuit is alpine scenery at its finest. Photo: Nico Wierenga

Siberia’s glorious gateway

Features, Off the Beaten Track

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Lachlan McKenzie

Lachlan began tramping as an adult and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

By Lachlan McKenzie

New Zealand’s version of Siberia is an ancient valley carved from glaciers and walled by cinematic mountains. There are a couple of ways to get there, the most awe-inspiring being the tramp over Gillespie Pass.

I’d come to Makarora chasing a classic: the Gillespie Pass Circuit, a 55km tramp that threads through some of Mt Aspiring National Park’s most dramatic country. For years I’d heard of its alpine basins, the demanding ascent to the pass and the fabled Siberia Valley waiting on the far side. After a 10-minute jet boat […]

About the author

Lachlan McKenzie

Lachlan McKenzie began tramping as an adult and hopes to inspire others to do the same. He most enjoys tramping in small groups and alone, and his list of ‘must do’ trips only seems to get longer. Lachlan is a communications professional and holds tertiary qualifications in marketing and music. He also loves orienteering and is keen to extend himself in basic mountaineering.