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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Dunedin, New Zealand
Hike to Tunnel Beach
5.02 miDunedin is a small city on the Southeastern coast of the south island of New Zealand. The coastlines are stunning, and spending an afternoon exploring one of the beaches is never a bad idea. Tunnel Beach, just south of the city, is one of my favorites because of the natural tunnel that one of the...Read more -
Castle Hill, New Zealand
Hike and Climb at Castle Hill
3.52 miFollow the footpath from the car park. You will quickly arrive at Castle Hill, famous for it's incredible array of giant limestone formations. There is no official path so you are free to wander the maze of rocks. Look for arches and even signs of ancient Maori inhabitants. Its fun to climb among...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Lake Marian
4.53 mi / 1312.3 ft gainThe track starts soon after the turnoff onto Hollyford Rd off the Milford Highway. The track begins with a bridge crossing over a river and then soon reached Marian Falls. From the falls the trail climbs steeply through forest until the lake. The lake is a beautiful place to spend several hour...Read more -
Cattle Flat, New Zealand
Climb the Buchanan Peaks above Lake Wanaka
5.018.6 mi / 8202.1 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Tongariro Northern Circuit
5.026.7 miMost people visiting Togariro National park do the 1 day Alpine Crossing. I opted to do the full circuit, a 27 mile hike that takes you all the way around the prominent summit of Mt. Ngaroe.I traveled the trail clockwise, leaving from Whakapapa Village and heading to Waihohonu Hut on the first da...Read more -
Ben Lomond, New Zealand
Camp at Moke Lake
5.04.3 miThe drive to Moke Lake from Queenstown is only 14km but it takes about 30 minutes since you're on a dirt road for a good portion of it. You'll pass Lake Kirkpatrick and lots of sheep on your way to Moke Lake, but keep driving until you get to the campground that's on the southeast end of the lake...Read more -
Mount Aspiring, New Zealand
Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
5.06.2 mi / 1625 ft gainFollow 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...Read more -
The Neck, New Zealand
Hike Isthmus Peak
5.09.9 mi / 4544 ft gainThe Isthmus Peak Track is a 16km out-and-back hike to the summit of Isthmus Peak (1,385 meters), where you get great views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The track starts off the Lake Hawea section of SH6, about a 30 minute drive from Wanaka Township, and there's a yellow 'I...Read more -
Bealey, New Zealand
Hike Arthur's Pass' Bealey Spur
4.57.5 mi / 1720 ft gainThis moderately difficult climb affords amazing views of the Waimakariri River Valley as well as Bruce Stream. It is not an incredibly difficult hike, although in winter and early spring there will be snow and ice on the ground, making it more challenging. There are few vertical cliff faces, and ...Read more -
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Backpack to Tama Lakes
5.010.6 mi / 1312.3 ft gainThe Tama Lakes trail can be walked easily as a day hike but we chose to overnight to escape the crowds (very popular hike) and fully enjoy the landscape, as well as the beautiful stars, sunrise and sunset. We walked the track in early winter (June) which I think is the prettiest time to explore t...Read more -
Egmont National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Pouakai Circuit
5.015.5 miThe track starts at Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (North Egmont) and can be walked in either direction. Two serviced backcountry huts (15$ each) provide overnight accommodation (equipped with woodburners, toilets, water, bunks and mattresses) and are first come first serve. The t...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Mavis
16.8 mi / 3937 ft gainDAY 1Greyneys Shelter (SH73) – Goat Pass - 5h / 9km (5.6mi) / +400m (1300ft) The route starts here, near Greyneys Shelter on SH73, 5 km (3.1mi) south of Arthur’s Pass Village. You will need to cross Bealey River after it meets the Mingha River, but don't try to cross the river if the Bealey Rive...Read more -
Lake Okareka, New Zealand
Hike around Lake Tikitapu
4.03.4 mi / 0 ft gainLake Tikitapu is the smallest of the mountain lakes in the Rotorua area. Take Tarawera Rd about 9 kilometers and you'll run right into it. There is a huge lawn to the right that you can park on if the lot at the shore is full.The beginning of the 5.5 kilometer trail starts on the right hand side ...Read more -
Wellington, New Zealand
Hike to the Mount Victoria Lookout
3.04.3 mi / 643 ft gainThe Mount Victoria walk takes you up to the Mt. Victoria look-out where you get to see amazing panoramic views of Wellington. There are several routes that will get you there. I’m sharing the route I normally take.I normally prefer the following hike from the northern end of the southern walkway,...Read more -
Windwhistle, New Zealand
Hike the Rakaia Gorge Walkway
5.06.5 mi / 328.1 ft gainThis 150 km long Rakaia River starts in the Southern Alps and continues east to be an awesome feature of the Canterbury Plains. The track isn't too long - a great day trip. You'll start where the river opens up and begins to braid, and hike to the gorge, where it narrows. Getting There: The trail...Read more -
Ahuriri Flat, New Zealand
Explore Nugget Point
5.0This well maintained and large path is suitable for all ages and abilities, and offers amazing views of the cliff faces and ocean at all angles. The return is around 10-20 minutes, but many choose to stay longer to take in the beautiful sights and take photos.Getting there: Continue on the coasta...Read more
