Queenstown Lakes District, New Zealand

Once you identify the parking area (Right turn off Glenorchy Paradise Road just before crossing the Earnslaw Burn, park a the bend in the road.) Cross the boggy meadow in a NW direction until you see the orange trail markers on trees.The trail below bush line is long, very rugged and covered with...

The Rees Track and Cascade Saddle Route is located in the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park. This backpacking trip brings together 2 different routes to make a unique and awesome trip through stunning mountain scenery, alpine vegetation, past the Dart Glacier, and over the unforgettable Cascade...

Start at the Rees Valley Trailhead, approximately 30 minutes from Glenorchy. The trail begins as a dirt road that passes through grazing land and small tributary creeks that flow into the Rees. The first 4.4 miles (7 km) of the trail hugs the Rees River and stays in the grassy and often boggy riv...

If 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...

This 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...

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...

From 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...

The West Matukituki Valley is a playground for those who love the outdoors. There are 2 sub-alpine huts, one on either side of the river, that make great backpacking destinations. French Ridge Hut (1470m) and Liverpool hut (~1140m) are both about 40km return trips from the carpark, and each can b...

Follow 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...

The Valley of The Trolls can be accessed from the head of Lake Harris, off the Routeburn track. The trail in the valley is a lot tougher going than the well maintained Routeburn track. The valley floor will quickly become a swampy bog after a rain.  Getting to the trail is easily done about 300 ...

From the road to Pakituhi Hut the track is a steady climb rising 400 meters on a formed zig-zag track to a small saddle. You'll get increasingly better views of Lake Hawea as you climb up the switch-backs, and you might walk alongside some sheep that make the uphill slog look much easier than it ...