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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Westland National Park, New Zealand
Explore Peter's Pool
From the carpark for Franz Josef Glacier, Peter's Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets. The walk takes you through a fern and beech forest, eventually dropping you in front of the gorgeous and reflective Peter's Pool. Snap a few photos and then return the way you came or continue along...Read more -
Queenstown, New Zealand
Ben Lomond Track via Skyline Road
5.025.88 mi / 3107 ft gainIn the summer, Ben Lomond is an easy rated track flooded with tourists. In the winter, the hike gets a complete makeover by the soft blankets of snow, especially closer to the peak. Although the snow makes the route significantly more challenging, the views afforded are phenomenal and the trail i...Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Valley of the Trolls
1.9 mi / 1312.3 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Hike the Waterfall Track
4.02.5 mi / 1500 ft gainRelatively short day hike that involves a few stairs and bridge crossing brings you to a cool spot called Dog Stream Waterfall at the end of the Waterfall Track. While the waterfall itself is cool, the hike itself is pretty great. Steady climb up to the 41 meter waterfall, offering some great vie...Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Hike Brewster Track to Mt. Armstrong
5.05.6 mi / 5577.4 ft gainAfter a short walk from the Fantail Falls parking lot, the trail crosses the river to reach the beginning of the track. It's unlikely you'll avoid getting your feet wet.The track heads up through the steep and rooted slopes until you break treeline after several thousand feet of elevation gain. N...Read more -
Cattle Flat, New Zealand
Hike the Minaret Burn Track
8.7 miThe Minaret Burn Track starts at the end of West Wanaka Road at Homestead Bay, which many tourists (and locals!) unknowingly drive past on their way to Treble Cone, Diamond Lake and/or the Rob Roy glacier. The start of the track is signposted and trail times to Colquhouns Beach (2-3 hrs; 7km) and...Read more -
Anakoha, New Zealand
Summit Mt. Stokes
2.9 mi / 2044 ft gainThe real adventure is driving to the start of this track. While driving along the Queen Charlotte Drive, the little town called Linkwater has the access road the Mahau and Keneperu Sounds via the Keneperu Road. Warning: There is no petrol along the Keneperu Road, so if you are running low, I woul...Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Backpack MacPherson Creek to Lake Barra
5.07.5 mi / 5249.3 ft gainIf you’re ready for an advanced challenge to suit any adventurous spirit and have the skills to navigate complicated terrain then the narrow MacPherson Creek drainage on the fringes of Mount Aspiring National Park may grab your interest. Diving in from the MacPherson Creek bridge on the Haast Roa...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier
5 mi / 3430 ft gainThe trail starts 3 km south of Fox Glacier Township. Take the Haast Highway until Thirsty Culvert, which has a small parking lot on the right side of the road. Start early in the morning to miss the almost daily afternoon fog. The trail climbs relentlessly through a lush rain forest. The route is...Read more -
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Hike the Forest Journey
2 miThis track is located just outside of Hanmer springs, and is the perfect afternoon or morning walk. Don't plan on this taking a whole day as the longest loop takes an about 90 minutes, if you are taking your time and enjoying it all. There are clear signs that guide you on this amble through the ...Read more -
Waikawa, New Zealand
Overnight Kayak the Queen Charlotte Sound
5.0For those who do not have their own kayaks, do not fear, there are different companies in the area that will rent kayaks and safety gear to you. They will also help you with route planning and weather conditions to ensure that you have the best trip possible. I used a company called Sea Kayak Adv...Read more -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Angelus Alpine Hut
7.6 mi / 3987 ft gainFrom the Mt. Robert car park, take the Pinchgut Track up to the Bushline shelter (approx. 1 hr 30 mins). This beginning portion of the track is steep, with numerous switchbacks that will have you questioning whether you really need everything in your pack. The panoramic views of Lake Rotoiti are ...Read more -
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Climb Mt. Ollivier
5.07 mi / 3436 ft gainStart on the track from the White Horse Hill campground. Follow the track up almost 2,000 steps until you reach Sealy Tarns. From here the track continues steeply up the mountain until you reach the ridge. Continue over the ridge until reaching the hut. From here continue up the ridge to the summ...Read more -
Ward, New Zealand
Hike through Sawcut Gorge
2.5 mi / 328.1 ft gainDriving on Hwy 1, just south of a little town called Ward, roughly 48km south of Blenheim, there is the turn off onto Ure road. This is the only turn you have to make in order to find the entrance to Sawcut Gorge. Follow this gravel road through private land and farm land to reach the car park 12...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Watch the Sunset from the Waiho River Bridge
The Waiho River is a glacial fed river from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The main road to get there is Highway 6, which becomes a long single-lane bridge when it crosses the river. If you find yourself staying in the small town of Franz Josef over night then you should make the short walk...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Dusky Track
52.2 mi / 4265.1 ft gainThe Dusky Track is a tough and extraordinarily beautiful multi-day hike in central Fiordland. The trail is a one-way hike, with both the northern and southern terminal usually being accessed by boat. The southern terminal is situated on the northern shore of the large and deep Lake Hauroko. The ...Read more
