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  • New Zealand
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  • 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

    • Wairoa Valley, New Zealand

      Hike to the Ben Nevis Summit in New Zealand

      7.5 mi / 2624.7 ft gain
      First 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...
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    • Kaimanawa Forest Park, New Zealand

      Hike Mt. Urchin Track

      4.3 mi / 1870.1 ft gain
      It 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...
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    • Lake Coleridge, New Zealand

      Hike Peak Hill

      5.0
      4 mi / 2066.9 ft gain
      Rising 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...
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    • Otira, New Zealand

      Stay at Carroll Hut

      1.6 mi / 2296.6 ft gain
      This 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...
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    • 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...
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    • Fox River, New Zealand

      Hike to the Ballroom Overhang

      6.2 mi
      The 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 ...
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    • Picton, New Zealand

      Mountain Bike Punga Cove to Anakiwa

      27.7 mi / 1476.4 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • 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...
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    • 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.
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    • 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...
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    • Puponga, New Zealand

      Hike the Beaches of Farewell Spit

      2.5 mi / 131.2 ft gain
      Although 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...
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    • 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. 
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    • Glendhu Bay, New Zealand

      Hike the Skyline Track

      11.8 mi / 4000 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

      Heli Ice Climb on Fox Glacier

      2.5 mi / 980 ft gain
      Fox 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...
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    • North Block Road, New Zealand

      Hike to Sunrise Hut

      6 mi / 2200 ft gain
      While 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....
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