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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Greenstone, New Zealand
Hike to Lake Rere
The track begins from the Greenstone carpark. After walking for around 5 minutes, you will chose which direction you would like to complete the loop. For our hike we chose to go left over the swing bridge that crosses the river. After crossing the river you continue through open farm paddocks....Read more -
Moeraki, New Zealand
Explore Katiki Point Lighthouse
From the car park, the trail leads in two directions. Following the track to your left will take you down to a penguin hide overlooking the coast. Watch the rocky shoreline carefully as many of the large boulders are actually napping fur seals. From the hide, you can observe penguins going out to...Read more -
Tasman River, New Zealand
Climb Mt. Wakefield
4.03 mi / 4593.2 ft gainThe route begins on Tasman Valley Road right after it crosses over the Hooker River heading towards the Tasman Valley. Right after the bridge at Hooker corner there will be a small cutoff on the left side (as you head towards the Tasman). This gravel cutoff is where the trail starts up Mt. Wakefi...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Backpack to the Waimak Falls Hut
13 mi / 2000 ft gainBegin this two night (one night option) tramping trip from the Bealey Bridge over the Waimakariri River – approximately 8 kilometers south of Arthur’s Pass. If river levels are low and you prefer cutting through the river valley itself – crossing the Waimak at need – begin at Klondyke Corner. A s...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Climb to Homer Saddle, Fjordland NP
1.6 mi / 1574.8 ft gainThis route is not marked, riddled with loose rock, and requires climbing on narrow exposed ledges. There are often snow patches on the saddle and an unchecked fall will almost certainly result in a fatality. However, for experienced and well prepared parties this can be one of the most rewarding ...Read more -
Springfield, New Zealand
Hike Foggy Peak and Castle Hill Peak
5.08.1 mi / 3280.8 ft gainPark in the gravel roadside parking area at the highpoint of Porters Pass. Follow the faint use path up the lower scree slopes of Foggy Peak northward towards the summit. Upon reaching the summit of Foggy Peak the alpine traverse to Castle Hill Peak becomes obvious. The hike between the two peaks...Read more -
Kokatahi, New Zealand
Hike to the Mt. Brown Hut and Mt. Brown Summit
5 mi / 3937 ft gainThis trail is unique in that it is community run, solely by volunteers. The track starts at a signposted car park just short of an hour east of Hokitika. From here the fairly short, but steep track climbs just over 1000m through native bush following a marked and well trodden trail. About half a...Read more -
North Bank, New Zealand
Hike Mt. Fishtail
11.2 mi / 5383.9 ft gainThis is a brutal ascent and decent. I am not going to sugar coat this one. You do get the reward at the top, but you are working for it.Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson is the main road to reach this location. Just north of the Wairau river on hwy 6 is a road called Northbank road, take it! ...Read more -
Springfield, New Zealand
Hike the Trig M Trail
4.02.1 mi / 1509.2 ft gainThe hiking trail first ascends a hillside to about 1,500 meters. It then follows the crest of a ridge in a southwest direction until you reach the "trig", a marker used in geographical survey. The maintained track ends here but hikers wanting more can continue traveling cross country to Rabbit Hi...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Camp at Cascade Creek
This campsite is just off the Milford Highway. There will be a sign for the Cascade Creek Campground exit. Follow the dirt road for several minutes before reaching the campground. You may find a spot immediately, but the campground is fairly large and can get busy, so drive until you find a spot ...Read more -
Maitai, New Zealand
Hike up Botanical Hill
5.01.5 mi / 482 ft gainThe starting point of this hike is the Botanical Reserve in Nelson. Park your car on the Hardy Street East. You can get to the reserve over a footbridge from the end of Hardy street. The Trail head is at the sign (The Kauri track) near the trees, in the north-eastern corner of the Botanical Res...Read more -
Albert Town, New Zealand
Bike along the Clutha River
17.4 miThe Upper Clutha River track and Newcastle track can be joined to form a great ~28km loop that I highly recommend as a long run or a fun mountain bike ride. I suggest parking at the Hawea River swing bridge in Albert Town and starting off by going over the swing bridge to pick up the signposted N...Read more -
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Hike the Ridge Walking Track
0.75 miThe trail for this hike starts next to the bathrooms that are about 150m down the road (south) from the Whakapapa Visitor Center. If you're standing in the road looking at the bathrooms, the trail head is to the right. You will be going uphill the entire time without much flat trail, but it's not...Read more -
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Isobel
5.6 mi / 2624.7 ft gainStart at the Waterfall Track Car Park. Follow the Waterfall Track along Dog Stream and through thick beech forest until the intersection with the Mt. Isobel Track (all intersections are well signed). Here, a quick detour brings you to Dog Stream Falls. Return to the track and head up the steep an...Read more -
Karangarua, New Zealand
Backpack to the Welcome Flat Hut
5.011.2 mi / 1378 ft gainThe Welcome Flat Hut is more of a local destination than a tourist one. Franz Josef and Fox Glacier both see heaps of visitors on any given day, mainly for small-scale adventures. But, if you're looking to get away from some of the crowds and experience the Westland area at a slightly more intens...Read more -
Dunedin, New Zealand
Hike or Bike the Karetai Track
2.5 mi / 656.2 ft gainThis track starts at the end of Tomahawk Road (by Smaills beach) and climbs 200 meters uphill over its 2km one-way length. The walking track ends at Karetai Road, so you could also start it at that end.The track provides amazing views of Smaills beach and the beautiful coastline further south. An...Read more
