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 Adventures in New Zealand
Backpack the Routeburn Track
5.0
12.5 mi
If you're looking for the best the Routeburn Track has to offer but only have one night to spend - hike from the Glenorchy side Routeburn Shelter to Lake Mackenzie in 12.5 miles (approx. 3,500 feet of elevation gain) and stay at this stunning hut location before backtracking over Harris Saddle the following day. There are plenty of other hut options that allow shorter hiking days if you have th...
Hike to Cathedral Cove
4.7
3.1 mi
Cathedral Cove is an isolated beach on the Coromandel Peninsula in the small coastal town of Hahei. Being that this is one of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand, you can expect some crowds. You can take your chances at finding a spot in the small lot, or there is a shuttle option that leaves from town. that takes about 5 mins.The hike down to the beach is about 2.5 km and should on...
Hike Roys Peak Track
5.0
6.8 mi
/ 4127.3 ft gain
This is a very strenuous uphill hike, with very few level stretches along the way, so make sure you have a good level of fitness, and wear sturdy shoes to avoid blisters, as the way back down will be hard on your knees and feet.
The track begins on private land, which is grassy with lots of sheep (and their poo) lying around, following a dirt road that turns into gravel once you've crossed into...
Hike to Kitekite Falls
4.6
A visit to Auckland's west coast isn't complete until you've had a swim at Kitekite Falls.An easy 40-minute drive from Auckland city, the walk to Kitekite Falls (pronounced key-teh key-teh) is at the end of Glen Esk Road. There's plenty of space to park your car before you meander to the Falls.It's an easy track that'll take less than an hour if you're fit. You can swim at the bottom of the Fal...
Hike to Te Waihou Springs
3.7
2.9 mi
/ 0 ft gain
There are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata. Though the entire 5 km track is absolutely stunning, the most popular section, being the Blue Springs, is less than a ten min walk from the lot.
The Blue Springs pool is absolutely out of a fantasy world. The water running through the river is the clearest and pures...
Climb to Mueller Hut
5.0
6.4 mi
/ 3000 ft gain
This trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow the signs for the Hooker Valley) and park in the day use area. The trail begins at the back of the parking lot (the end opposite to the road entry) w...
