New Zealand
One of our favorite places on the planet, New Zealand's beaches, mountains, fjords and plains will leave you speechless any time of year. The Southern Alps are home to some incredible hiking and trekking (or tramping, as the locals say). On the north island, find world class surf in Raglan, volcanic trekking on Tongariro, and emerald water in Coromandel.
Top Spots in and near New Zealand
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Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
5.012.1 mi / 3674.5 ft gainTo anyone who has seen The Lord of the Rings then you will have a little extra incentive for going on this one of a kind trek through Mordor (Northern New Zealand in reality). The backdrop for a good portion of the trek showcases the mighty Mt. Ngaurauhoe, also referred to as Mt. Doom. Yes, you r...Read more -
Muriwai, New Zealand
Explore Muriwai Beach
4.5Muriwai Beach is located about 42km Northwest of Auckland at the Southern end of a 50km unbroken stretch of beach. It consists of staggering cliffs composed of sand, rock, and old volcanic material. The ancient volcanic activity about 20 million years ago also caused an increase in iron content i...Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Brewster Hut Track
5.011.2 mi / 5656 ft gainTwenty kilometers north of Haast Pass (568m/1864ft) there is a carpark for Fantail Falls, a beautiful waterfall with numerous rock cairns displayed at its base. From here, take a 3-4 hour hike along Brewster Hut Track (more like climb) through beech forest and then alpine tussock to reach Brewste...Read more -
Egmont National Park, New Zealand
Summit Mt. Taranaki
5.010.6 mi / 4921.3 ft gainBegin your hike at Egmont Visitor Centre at 960m above sea level and only 35 minutes from the coastal town of New Plymouth. As this hike will take approximately 8 hours, it is advised to make an early start.The first section of the climb is a 4WD track from which you can see the perfect symmetry ...Read more -
Castle Hill, New Zealand
Hike and Climb at Castle Hill
3.52 miFollow the footpath from the car park. You will quickly arrive at Castle Hill, famous for it's incredible array of giant limestone formations. There is no official path so you are free to wander the maze of rocks. Look for arches and even signs of ancient Maori inhabitants. Its fun to climb among...Read more -
Cattle Flat, New Zealand
Climb the Buchanan Peaks above Lake Wanaka
5.018.6 mi / 8202.1 ft gainFrom Wanaka-Mt. Aspiring Road, head west out of town and past Glendhu Bay (and Roy's Peak). Go right on West Wanaka Station Road and follow it until the obvious split towards the Homestead Bay / Minaret Burn Track parking area to the right.Take the Minaret Burn / Homestead Bay track approximately...Read more -
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Tongariro Northern Circuit
5.026.7 miMost people visiting Togariro National park do the 1 day Alpine Crossing. I opted to do the full circuit, a 27 mile hike that takes you all the way around the prominent summit of Mt. Ngaroe.I traveled the trail clockwise, leaving from Whakapapa Village and heading to Waihohonu Hut on the first da...Read more -
Ben Lomond, New Zealand
Camp at Moke Lake
5.04.3 miThe drive to Moke Lake from Queenstown is only 14km but it takes about 30 minutes since you're on a dirt road for a good portion of it. You'll pass Lake Kirkpatrick and lots of sheep on your way to Moke Lake, but keep driving until you get to the campground that's on the southeast end of the lake...Read more -
Mount Aspiring, New Zealand
Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
5.06.2 mi / 1625 ft gainFollow the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd. west of Lake Wanaka. The pavement turns into a dirt road shortly after you drive around the lake. You will drive for about an hour, then park at Raspberry Flats in the Matukituki Valley. From the Raspberry Flats lot, the trailhead begins at the swing bridge ab...Read more -
Glendhu Bay, New Zealand
Roys Peak Track
5.06.8 mi / 4127.3 ft gainThis is a very strenuous uphill hike, with very few level stretches along the way, so make sure you have a good level of fitness, and wear sturdy shoes to avoid blisters, as the way back down will be hard on your knees and feet. The track begins on private land, which is grassy with lots of shee...Read more -
The Neck, New Zealand
Hike Isthmus Peak
5.09.9 mi / 4544 ft gainThe Isthmus Peak Track is a 16km out-and-back hike to the summit of Isthmus Peak (1,385 meters), where you get great views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The track starts off the Lake Hawea section of SH6, about a 30 minute drive from Wanaka Township, and there's a yellow 'I...Read more -
Kinloch, New Zealand
Backpack the Routeburn Track
5.012.5 miIf you're looking for the best the Routeburn Track has to offer but only have one night to spend - hike from the Glenorchy side Routeburn Shelter to Lake Mackenzie in 12.5 miles (approx. 3,500 feet of elevation gain) and stay at this stunning hut location before backtracking over Harris Saddle th...Read more -
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Backpack to Tama Lakes
5.010.6 mi / 1312.3 ft gainThe Tama Lakes trail can be walked easily as a day hike but we chose to overnight to escape the crowds (very popular hike) and fully enjoy the landscape, as well as the beautiful stars, sunrise and sunset. We walked the track in early winter (June) which I think is the prettiest time to explore t...Read more -
Egmont National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Pouakai Circuit
5.015.5 miThe track starts at Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (North Egmont) and can be walked in either direction. Two serviced backcountry huts (15$ each) provide overnight accommodation (equipped with woodburners, toilets, water, bunks and mattresses) and are first come first serve. The t...Read more -
Windwhistle, New Zealand
Hike the Rakaia Gorge Walkway
5.06.5 mi / 328.1 ft gainThis 150 km long Rakaia River starts in the Southern Alps and continues east to be an awesome feature of the Canterbury Plains. The track isn't too long - a great day trip. You'll start where the river opens up and begins to braid, and hike to the gorge, where it narrows. Getting There: The trail...Read more -
Lake Okareka, New Zealand
Hike around Lake Tikitapu
4.03.4 mi / 0 ft gainLake Tikitapu is the smallest of the mountain lakes in the Rotorua area. Take Tarawera Rd about 9 kilometers and you'll run right into it. There is a huge lawn to the right that you can park on if the lot at the shore is full.The beginning of the 5.5 kilometer trail starts on the right hand side ...Read more
