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, New Zealand
Backpack the Matukituki Valley
5.024.9 mi / 4822.8 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Sandymount, New Zealand
Explore Sandfly Bay
5.0Sandfly Bay is one of the iconic beaches on the Otago Peninsula, and is home to a variety of New Zealand natives, including yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions and fur seals. A short but steep (and scenic!) downhill hike is required to access the beach from the carpark, but once you make it down you'...Read more -
Charteris Bay, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Herbert
4.09.3 mi / 2985.6 ft gainBegin at the trailhead at the end of the gravel road in Orton Bradley Park. The trail follows a stream through an impressive forest of Beech, Kauri, Eucalyptus and Cypress. The trail eventually emerges from the forest and begins climbing through pastures populated by sheep and cows.Follow the tr...Read more -
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Explore Lake Matheson
4.52.7 mi / 98.4 ft gainThe Basics: Just a few kilometers outside the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson provides stunning vistas in a mere 4.4 km return walk alongside a river, through dense foliage, and by expansive fields. Your adventure begins at a large carpark, complete with restrooms and a full-service cafe. This...Read more -
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Sealy Tarns
From the car park follow the trail as it begins fairly flat on a gravel trail. After five minutes or so you will see a sign that points you, left, towards the Sealy Tarns track. After following this trail for around 10 more minutes, as it goes slowly uphill, you will come to the base of the steps...Read more -
Saint Arnaud, New Zealand
Hike the St Arnaud Track in Nelson Lakes NP
3.4 mi / 3668 ft gainPark in the Kerr Bay Car Park and take a moment to enjoy views from the iconic Kerr Bay Dock.The well signed track starts just to your left.The lower section of the walk crosses moraine terraces deposited by past glaciers while gaining very little elevation. The track cuts through a lovely beech ...Read more -
Tapawera, New Zealand
Backpack to Granity Pass Hut
10.4 mi / 4593 ft gainOnce in Tapawera, follow the signs indicating Kahurangi National Park by way of the Wangapeka Valley. The road winds, becomes gravel, and narrows before it dead-ends at Courthouse Flat where you'll find picnic tables and restrooms. Begin the trek by following either the ridge or the Blue Creek Tr...Read more -
Glendhu Bay, New Zealand
Hike to Diamond Lake
1.6 mi / 721.8 ft gainFrom the car park follow the well marked trail. You will continue gradually uphill for around 30 minutes before reaching Diamond Lake. You can continue past the lake for approximately 15 minutes to get to a viewing platform. This part of the trail winds steeply uphill in a combination of grave...Read more -
Puhoi, New Zealand
Paddle on the Puhoi River
This 8km paddle (one way) begins in the quaint Bohemian village of Puhoi (-36.512036, 174.661521) nestled in-between the scenic hills north of Auckland. You'll find ample parking and an excellent launching area at the historic wharves just across from the Puhoi General Store (be sure to return he...Read more -
Takaka, New Zealand
Take a Stroll around Te Waikoropupu Springs
1 miThe walk around Te Waikoropupu springs is a very easy, flat walk that anybody can do.As you leave the carpark, you do a little bit of descent down towards the water. You walk along some board walks over a little stream that flows beneath your feet. After winding through some forest, the track com...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)
5.07.6 mi / 1640.4 ft gainThis trail is one of my favorite in New Zeanand. It wasn't so much 'built' as it was 'discovered'. The trail follows natural erosion and clean exposed flows of glacier carved granite walkways.You will enjoy thick, green rainforest, the reflective water of Pete's Pond, and a few long swinging brid...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, New Zealand
Explore Ohau Waterfall
0.2 mi / 0 ft gainPrepare yourself for the cutest walk you will ever go on! This short trail follows a stream filled with playful, furry, seal babies! Over a hundred seal pups come to Ohau Stream and Waterfall every winter. They come here to hone the skills they will need on their own in the wild while their mothe...Read more -
Kinloch, New Zealand
Day Hike to Harris Saddle (Routeburn Track)
4.014.3 mi / 2460.6 ft gainThe Routeburn Track is world famous, and with good reason. But the because it is a through hike that requires multiple hut reservations and an expensive car-shuttle or two day bus ride to complete, many people feel overwhelmed or underprepared. This day hike options allows you a no-strings-attach...Read more -
Mount Earnslaw, New Zealand
Hike the Rees Track to the Cascade Saddle
5.033.6 mi / 4921.3 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula
4.3 mi / 196.9 ft gainFrom the Point Kean carpark head south up the paved walkway until you reach the Clifftop Walk. This trail will take you past East Head and Atia Point before it becomes the South Bay Lookout Walk. When you reach car park at trail's end turn back the way you came and descend the stairs near East He...Read more -
Dunedin, New Zealand
Hike the Pineapple Track
From the car park, follow the trail as it begins to go uphill. The slope is fairly gradual at first. Once you enter the trees it begins to get steeper and continues to climb until you are above tree line. You then begin to get views of the city and the harbor, along with mountains in the far dist...Read more
