Welcome to the inaugural Wilderness 100 – an annual list of the best trips in the country. For the website version of this feature story, we’ve broken the trips down into regions and linked to those trips we’ve got route notes and maps for. 

So, without further ado, here are the best trips in Mt Aspiring National Park.

1. Southern Circuit, Rakiura National Park

A wonderful, difficult and remote 4-5 day journey through southern Rakiura staying at one of DOC’s southernmost public huts. Yes, you’ll battle epic mud, but you’ll also experience wild Mason Bay, navigational challenges, daytime kiwi sightings and rustic hut-life.

2. North-West Circuit, Rakiura

This 125km epic circumnavigates the isolated top third of Rakiura over 9-11 days, taking in Mason Bay, the Ruggedy Mountains, and a whole lot of mud. Keep eyes peeled for Rakiura kiwi, which are often seen strolling around in the daylight.