New Zealand
Looking for the best hiking in New Zealand? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Zealand. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near New Zealand
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Wairoa Valley, New Zealand
Hike to the Ben Nevis Summit in New Zealand
7.5 mi / 2624.7 ft gainFirst thing first, you definitely need a 4WD to reach the car park. The gravel road starts at the beginning of the Pig valley rd. Follow the Wairoa Gorge rd, you'll find a first DOC sign about the Ben Nevis at the crossroad between Wairoa Gorge rd, Bull Creek rd and Old Mill rd. Bull Creek road w...Read more -
Kaimanawa Forest Park, New Zealand
Hike Mt. Urchin Track
4.3 mi / 1870.1 ft gainIt is recommended to do this hike on a clear day if you would like to have good views from Urchin Trig. We did it on a cloudy and misty day and although the hike was still awesome, the top was shrouded in a heavy layer of mist. We could not continue along the ridge or get any views of the surroun...Read more -
Lake Coleridge, New Zealand
Hike Peak Hill
5.04 mi / 2066.9 ft gainRising about 600 meters from the Canterbury Plains, Peak Hill offers everything New Zealand is famous for: a steep climb to get your heart pumping, views of a gorgeous lake (Coleridge), ever-changing weather, views of the Alps, and views of wide, braided rivers. It is well worth sticking with the...Read more -
Otira, New Zealand
Stay at Carroll Hut
1.6 mi / 2296.6 ft gainThis hike begins at a hidden parking lot just North/East of Kelly's Creek, about 2km north of Otira, drive carefully through to the car park and trailhead, a gravel lot with a latrine, near the creek. Once ready, begin the hike, to the west. In the first 5 minutes you'll cross a small tributar...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Climb to the Top of Eldrig Peak
The track to the Eldrig Peak tops begins from a small parking area on the Borland Road a few kilometers above Borland Lodge. The Borland Road is normally open in summer but it is best to call the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre to confirm - 03 249 7924. The road is dirt and gravel but a tw...Read more -
Fox River, New Zealand
Hike to the Ballroom Overhang
6.2 miThe first part of the walk is the same as the Fox river caves. You'll find a great description in this adventure: Hike to the Fox River Caves.As you don't go in the caves, our journey begins at the big river crossing. Of course, you'll need to be careful and use your own judgement when you cross ...Read more -
Picton, New Zealand
Mountain Bike Punga Cove to Anakiwa
27.7 mi / 1476.4 ft gainThe easiest way to get to Punga Cove to start this ride is parking in Picton and getting a water taxi for you and your bike out to Punga Cove. From there you will be able to pick up the track and start riding. At the end of the trip, after you reach Anakiwa, there is a water taxi there that can g...Read more -
Kinloch, New Zealand
Day Hike the Routeburn North Branch
To access the Routeburn North Branch, you start out from the Routeburn Shelter and head along the Routeburn Track towards Routeburn Flats Hut (6.5km). At the hut, cross the wide but shallow North Branch to pick up the poled route on the other side that leads through the last of the Routeburn flat...Read more -
Wellington, New Zealand
Te Ahumairangi Hill
A short 20min walk up Te Ahumairangi is worth it to see the fantastic views from the viewing platform. Great spot for running too. Track doesn't get too much use so it's perfect for a little escape from people despite being so close to the CBD.Read more -
Rotorua, New Zealand
Experience the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley in Rotorua
Geyers and hot springs and silica formations, oh my! Te Puia is the site where you can see these amazing wonders up close (but not too close!), while learning about the location history, Maori culture and scientific details. Great experience for the adults and kids alike, and the nature walk...Read more -
Puponga, New Zealand
Hike the Beaches of Farewell Spit
2.5 mi / 131.2 ft gainAlthough the drive seems to be taking you to the end of the earth, reaching the Farewell Spit is just a 2 hour drive north of Nelson, and just an hour past Motueka. The aptly named Farewell Spit Cafe was a good starting point, with a great vista of the sand spit and information on tracks and trai...Read more -
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Visit Mt. John Observatory
This is a 1032m peak with amazing scenery is surrounded by the beautiful Lake Tekapo. Keep in mind that it gets very windy the higher you go. There is an entry fee for vehicles and tours of the observatory are available.Read more -
Glendhu Bay, New Zealand
Hike the Skyline Track
11.8 mi / 4000 ft gainThe Roys Peak carpark is an accessible trailhead 10 minutes outside of Wanaka that rewards anyone willing to spend a few hours slogging their way uphill with EPIC views of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountain ranges, and Aspiring National Park in the distance. For those who are interested in som...Read more -
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Heli Ice Climb on Fox Glacier
2.5 mi / 980 ft gainFox Glacier is one of the most remote, yet awesome places to visit on New Zealand's wild west coast of the South Island. The weather here is extreme; it changes daily and the heavy rainfall paves the way for incredible green landscapes and native birds. The glacier rises above the township and i...Read more -
North Block Road, New Zealand
Hike to Sunrise Hut
6 mi / 2200 ft gainWhile on my trip in New Zealand I hiked to many of the amazing mountain huts. I loved them all for comfort, stunning views, and great experience. Most overnight trips require either reservation on doc.govt.nz website, some are first come first serve basis, as long as you have the ticket with you....Read more