Gillespie Pass Circuit and Lake Crucible

Today we head into Mount Aspiring National Park for one of the South Island’s classic backcountry tramps, the **Gillespie Pass Circuit**. This spectacular 58 km circuit links the Young and Wilkin valleys, crossing the 1,500 m Gillespie Pass and travelling through beech forest, wide river valleys, and high alpine terrain. Along the way sits one of the best side trips in the region: the climb to Crucible Lake, a glacier-fed alpine lake tucked beneath Mount Alba. I walked the circuit in December about a decade ago, managing much of it in two long days thanks to a combination of jet boat access up the Makarora River and a helicopter ride out from Siberia Hut. Along the way there were wet valley walks, crowded huts, spectacular views from Gillespie Pass, and a memorable evening hike up to Crucible Lake just before sunset. The Gillespie Pass Circuit combines classic West Coast–style valley travel with dramatic alpine scenery, making it one of the most rewarding multi-day tramps in the region. In this episode I share an overview of the route, my experience on the track, highlights such as Crucible Lake, and some practical advice for anyone planning to walk the circuit.