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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Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Hike to the Blue Pools
4.50.3 mi / 10 ft gainFrom the carpark the trail can easily be identified across the street. A short walk through native beech forest and over a long swing-bridge takes you to the boardwalk just before reaching the bridge over the Blue Pools.Read more -
Waiotapu, New Zealand
Swim in Kerosene Creek
4.0Located amidst New Zealand's vibrant volcanic zone, this favourite local gem lies approximately 29.5km (25 minutes) South of Rotorua, only a short distance before the renowned Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland. Driving South towards Lake Taupo Kerosene Creek is situated 2km down gravel forestry trac...Read more -
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 -
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track
4.5While the full track can take multiple days to complete, this adventure describes a section that can be completed in a long day hike.Leaving from Marahau, take a water taxi north to Bark Bay. Here, you'll begin hiking south back to Marahau, a trip of around 25km. The trail winds down the coast, ...Read more -
Piha, New Zealand
Hike the Mercer Bay Loop
4.50.9 miStarting at the end of Log Race Road, just outside Piha, this well groomed loop track takes you along the cliff line above the Tasman Sea and back to the carpark. The Mercer Bay Loop guarantees access to some stunning scenery, and has plenty of accessible spots to stop and take pictures, have lun...Read more -
Auckland, New Zealand
Hike the Summit Track on Rangitoto Island
4.32.4 mi / 850 ft gainStarting from the Auckland Ferry Terminal (-36.842505, 174.767258), jump on the Fullers Ferry to Rangitoto Island (-36.786279, 174.858345). A short, beautiful 30-minute ride through the city's harbor will end at the island's wharf. Rangitoto is a volcano, the youngest and largest in the Auckland...Read more -
Te Anau, New Zealand
Kepler Track
4.3111.41 mi / 6240 ft gainImportant: In the Great Walks season (October till late April) bookings are required for campsites and huts - huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens. Check with local DOC before you go. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazard...Read more -
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hike Lake Wanaka and Photograph the Famous Tree
5.013.7 mi / 0 ft gainTo begin this hike park in the lakeside lot on the west edge of town and begin walking counter-clockwise around Lake Wanaka. The first destination you will reach is the famed Wanaka Tree, which is easily recognized by the crowds of people around it taking photos. A few tips for maximizing your op...Read more -
Queenstown Lakes District, New Zealand
Ben Lomond Track via Old Skyline Road
5.025.99 mi / 3107 ft gainAdventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks. You can take the Skyline gondola part way up if you want to shorten the climb, but I usually start at the small signposted carpark...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 -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Franz Josef Glacier
4.0From the carpark take a quick walk through a green, forested area before making your way into the valley. Here you will get your first view of the glacier. At this point the trail gets a bit rocky but is still very doable. The trail continues mostly flat for the next 35 minutes. You will pass ...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 -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Overnight at the Barker Hut
5.029.8 mi / 3018.4 ft gainBegin at Klondyke Corner if the Waimakariri is low or at the O'Malley's Track if the river is too high to ford safely. After walking through the Waimakariri River to the Carrington Hut and on up the White River Valley you’ll reach this tiny red hut that stands out in its precarious position as a ...Read more -
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hike along Wanaka's Waterfall Creek Track
4.03.1 miThe Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike. It's family- and dog-friendly, and is perhaps the most heavily walked stretch of Wanaka's shoreline.Within the first few hundred meters along the Waterfall Creek track you'll come u...Read more -
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Explore Milford Sound
4.71.2 mi / 1 ft gainMilford Sound can be explored by land or sea. Short hiking trails departing from the main parking lot are numerous and well signed, walk along the Foreshore Trail or up into the hills for expansive views.Going on a cruise is an exciting way to get up close and personal with Milford's scenery and ...Read more
