This post was originally published on this siteWānaka’s biggest advantage as a South Island base is not just what you can do lakeside, but what sits within day-trip range. Mount Aspiring National Park begins on Wānaka’s western edge and quickly turns into a landscape of long river valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, and beech and podocarp forest. Conditions can change quickly here, so a little planning goes a long way. This Mount Aspiring guide for first-timers highlights the main Wānaka-side gateways, three standout walks for first-time visitors, and a few small decisions that improve comfort and safety. What to love about Mount Aspiring National Park Mount Aspiring National Park is renowned for diversity. Just one walk delivers birdsong and native forest, a swing bridge river crossing over a fast river, snowfield views and a hanging glacier. That contrast is part of the appeal, but it also means you should plan for sudden wind, rain in the headwaters, and big temperature swings between valley floor and viewpoint. You might also spot New Zealand’s native parrot and the world’s only alpine parrot, the Kea; they’re bold characters with a penchant for crumbs. Three easy gateways from the Wānaka side From Wānaka and the Upper