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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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 -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Winter Mountaineering in Arthur's Pass
Several mountaineering routes start right off the road in Arthur's Pass making it a great alpine training ground with nearly endless opportunities. Many of the routes are just hiking routes in summer, but in winter snow piles up to transform them into steep, exposed and exciting climbs. I will ou...Read more -
Aramoana, New Zealand
Hunt for Mussels in Aramoana
Starting from Dunedin, take highway 88 toward Port Chalmers. Once there, take a left to Macandrew road, which will eventually become aramoana road. This drive takes you past a few bays, drive all the way right up to the end of the road, past Heyward Point. The drive itself is quite windy with sha...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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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
