New Zealand Wild Walks with Aspiring Guides

Good challenge and variety of terrain. Great trip, nice route and Whit was a great guide.


Reviewed By: Stephen & Nicola

I like a bit of a challenge and like pushing myself just a little more than I am comfortable. This was definitely achieved especially with the river walks. We saw beautiful scenery, got some very good exercise and spent some quality time with friends both old and new.
There was a variety of terrain, a beautiful day, a nice long walk and a great lunch spot!

Loved it!!

Reviewed By: Pat

It was an exciting and truly wonderful introduction to NZ backcountry hiking. It definitely built up our confidence to explore further than the great walks and tackle river crossings and a bit of track finding but not in a crazy “put ourselves at risk” kind of way. Michael managed to instill in us his love of the more remote areas but also his respect for their inherent risks.
The helicopter rides, the amazing location of the hut, finding our way on the trails (knowing that Michael was never far away to find us if we went wrong!), the food.
This is a wonderful trip and one which is perfect for those like us who want to get out into the wilderness with safety and without heavy packs. Thank you for putting it together and having such great staff and guides to support the adventure.

Reviewed By: Dale

Highlights: Getting to the top of Gillespie Pass on my own and having some serious 360 views (Mountains are my happy place). Finishing 14.5hrs straight realising the limits of what can be achieved and having some awesome hot chocolate to celebrate being alive and in a hut.


Reviewed By: Meika

This is a well organised and competently led trip. It takes walkers into some true wilderness areas away from the usual tourist traffic and provides a wealth of awesome scenery.


Reviewed By: Ian

I had many highlights, but leaving the Young Valley and climbing into the cloud enshrouding Gillespie Pass, where upon it rapidly drifted away, opening up spectacular 360 degree views. Magnificent!

Reviewed By: Sandy

It was all great. The scenery, the huts, the conversations, the grandeur, the isolation, the changing weather, the quiet, the snow on the peaks, and George was pretty bloody excellent (we did let him win 500 though). We bloody loved it. We are a group of 2 dads and 2 23yo sons and it was a once in a lifetime chance to do something like this in some of the best scenery in the world.

Reviewed By: Roy

Excellent. The whole experience, and fabulous area to walk in. A big achievement for us.

Reviewed By: Doug & Marita

Favorite part: The Pass itself. I knew that crossing that mountain would be tough, and I loved it. Sitting up there on such a beautiful day for a few hours was just magnificent.


Reviewed By: Dan

We had an excellent time on our trek and couldn’t be happier with the friendly and professional services provided. Couldn’t be happier really. The Gillespie Pass trek has been the highlight our our time in New Zealand. I’d recommend this trip and Aspiring Guides to anyone considering a trek in New Zealand. Grade A, #1, two thumbs up - however you want to spin it.


Reviewed By: James and Kate