The Best Outdoor Activities in New Zealand
Discover the best hiking, camping, backpacking, fitness, and more.
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Backpack the Routeburn Track
New Zealand / Routeburn Shelter
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.
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Hike Roys Peak Track
New Zealand / Roys Peak
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.
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Climb to Mueller Hut
New Zealand / White Horse Hill Campground
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.
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Hike to Hooker Lake
New Zealand / White Horse Hill Campground
Once in Mount Cook Village follow the signs to the White Horse Hill Campground where you'll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track.
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Hike to Cathedral Cove
New Zealand / Cathedral Cove Trail
Cathedral Cove is an isolated beach on the Coromandel Peninsula in the small coastal town of Hahei.
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Explore Hokitika Gorge
New Zealand / Hokitika Gorge
From the carpark follow the signs to the gorge. The trail goes through the forest for approximately 10 minutes downhill before reaching the swing bridge which spans the gorge.
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Explore Hobbiton
New Zealand / Hobbiton
The Hobbiton Movie Set is built into the hills of a private farm in Matamata, two hours south of Aukland. You can get your tickets online, in town, or right at the set.
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Backpack the Brewster Hut Track
New Zealand / Fantail Falls Trailhead
Twenty kilometers north of Haast Pass (568m/1864ft) there is a carpark for Fantail Falls, a beautiful waterfall with numerous rock cairns displayed at its base.
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Backpack the Kepler Track
New Zealand / Kepler Track Carpark
Important: In the Great Walks season (October till late April) bookings are required for campsites and huts - huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens. Check with local DOC before you go.
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Hike to Te Waihou Springs
New Zealand / Leslie Road Carpark
There are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata.
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Hike to Franz Josef Glacier
New Zealand / Franz Josef Glacier Trailhead
From the carpark take a quick walk through a green, forested area before making your way into the valley. Here you will get your first view of the glacier.
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Hike along Wanaka's Waterfall Creek Track
New Zealand / Millenium Track
The Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike.
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Hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track
New Zealand / Bark Bay
While the full track can take multiple days to complete, this adventure describes a section that can be completed in a long day hike.
Leaving from Marahau, take a water taxi north to Bark Bay.
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Hike to Kitekite Falls
New Zealand / Kitekite Falls Walk
A visit to Auckland's west coast isn't complete until you've had a swim at Kitekite Falls.
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Evening at Piha Beach
New Zealand / Piha Beach
The beautiful black sand stretches as far as the eye can see at Piha Beach. Just a short hour drive from nearby Auckland, Piha Beach makes for the perfect evening getaway.
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Backpack the Tongariro Northern Circuit
New Zealand / Tongariro Crossing Trailhead
Most 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.
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Overnight at the Barker Hut
New Zealand / O'Malley's Track
Begin at Klondyke Corner if the Waimakariri is low or at the O'Malley's Track if the river is too high to ford safely.
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Hike Mt. Ngauruhoe & the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand / Tongariro Crossing Trailhead
Starting at the Tongariro Crossing Alpine carpark Mangatepopo (1120 m) you walk passing by the Soda Springs (last toilet for a long time!) up to the South Crater which will take you about 2-2.5 hours.
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Backpack to Boulder Lake
New Zealand / Boulder Lake Carpark
The common route to Boulder Lake - via Brown Cow Ridge - begins at a small and slightly obscure trailhead near the town of Bainham which is approximately a 20 minute drive from the coastal town of Co.
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Hike to Huka Falls
New Zealand / Spa Thermal Park
This hike begins in the Spa Thermal Park and there is one clear path to follow. After a couple minutes there is a bridge that crosses over a small section of the lake.
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Hike to Ben Lomond Summit
New Zealand / Ben Lomond Track
Adventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks.
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Climb Mount Earnslaw, Mount Aspiring National Park
New Zealand / Rees Valley Trailhead
Start at the Rees Valley Trailhead, approximately 30 minutes from Glenorchy. The trail begins as a dirt road that passes through grazing land and small tributary creeks that flow into the Rees.
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Hike to Tunnel Beach
New Zealand / Tunnel Beach Track, New Zealand
Dunedin 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.
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Backpack to Adelaide Tarn
New Zealand / Boulder Lake Carpark
See "Backpack to Boulder Lake for the first half of this trip. From Boulder Lake Hut cross the stream in the direction indicated by the sign at the most advantageous point.
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Hike Arthur's Pass' Bealey Spur
New Zealand / Bealey Spur Trailhead
This moderately difficult climb affords amazing views of the Waimakariri River Valley as well as Bruce Stream.
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Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point
New Zealand / Kea Point Track
Wake before the sun rises and make the short half hour hike from the White Horse Hill Campground to Kea Point. This easy to follow trail leads to a beautiful overlook with views of Mt.
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Camp on Alex Knob
New Zealand / Alex Knob
From Highway 6 on the New Zealand South Island's west coast, take the Glacier Access Road for 2km to where the signposted Alex Knob track begins. There will be a obvious parking lot on the right.
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Explore the Mangapohue Natural Bridge
New Zealand / Mangapohue Natural Bridge
Mangapohue Natural Bridge is about 30 kilometers past the infamous Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo. Continue on Te Anga Rd and you'll run into the beginning of the trail on the right.
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Explore Nugget Point
New Zealand / Nugget Point, Catlins, New Zealand
This 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.
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Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier
New Zealand / Raspberry Flats
Follow the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd. west of Lake Wanaka. The pavement turns into a dirt road shortly after you drive around the lake.
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Hike to Lake Marian
New Zealand / Lake Marian Trailhead
The 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.
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Climb the Buchanan Peaks above Lake Wanaka
New Zealand / Homestead Bay/Minaret Burn Track
From Wanaka-Mt. Aspiring Road, head west out of town and past Glendhu Bay (and Roy's Peak).
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Hike Isthmus Peak
New Zealand / Isthmus Peak Track
The 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.
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Backpack the Pouakai Circuit
New Zealand / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre
The track starts at Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (North Egmont) and can be walked in either direction.
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Explore the Moeraki Boulders
New Zealand / Koekohe Beach
Sunrise is a perfect time to come visit these boulders as you not only beat the crowds that flock to the beach later in the day but also get to watch the sun rise up behind the boulders.
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Hike and Climb at Castle Hill
New Zealand / Castle Hill Conservation Area Trailhead
Follow the footpath from the car park. You will quickly arrive at Castle Hill, famous for it's incredible array of giant limestone formations.
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Explore Marokopa Falls
New Zealand / Marokopa Falls Trail
Marokopa Falls is located right off Te Anga Rd in Waitomo. Most people visit Waitomo for the world famous Glow Worm Caves, but I encourage continuing on down the road to visit the falls.
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Hike Lake Wanaka and Photograph the Famous Tree
New Zealand / Lake Wanaka Car Park (Roys Bay)
To begin this hike park in the lakeside lot on the west edge of town and begin walking counter-clockwise around Lake Wanaka.
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Summit Mt. Taranaki
New Zealand / Mt. Taranaki Trail
Begin your hike at Egmont Visitor Centre at 960m above sea level and only 35 minutes from the coastal town of New Plymouth.
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Hike to the top of Wairere Falls
New Zealand / Wairere Falls Trailhead
Wairere Falls is located just ten minutes from Matamata. If you're in the area for the Hobbiton tour definitely make sure to take some time to hike the falls as well.
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Backpack to Lake Mavis
New Zealand / Devils Punchbowl Trailhead
DAY 1
Greyneys 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.
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Camp at Moke Lake
New Zealand / Moke Lake
The 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.
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Camping on Lake Wanaka
New Zealand / Boundary Creek Campground
This is an awesome spot to stop and camp for the evening if you are traveling on the SH6 either west to the coast or east into Wanaka and beyond.
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Short Walk to Purakaunui Falls
New Zealand / Purakaunui Falls
From the car park, cross the road to the trailhead. Follow the trail through the forest for around 10 minutes. Right before the waterfall there is a short set of stairs down to a viewing platform.
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Hike the Temple Basin Ski Field
New Zealand / Devils Punchbowl Trailhead
Arthur's Pass National Park is an extraordinary area of New Zealand's South Island, nearly untouched, with accessible trails into the mountain pass, which is part of New Zealand's "Southern Alps".
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Explore Muriwai Beach
New Zealand / Muriwai Beach
Muriwai Beach is located about 42km Northwest of Auckland at the Southern end of a 50km unbroken stretch of beach. It consists of staggering cliffs composed of sand, rock, and old volcanic material.
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Hike to the top of Mount Maunganui
New Zealand / Mount Maunganui Trailhead
Mount Maunganui sits right on the water in the Bay of Plenty. Half the island rests on the open ocean, where the other half rises out of the bay.
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Hike up Avalanche Peak
New Zealand / Devils Punchbowl Trailhead
There are actually two trails leading up to the summit: the Avalanche Peak Track and Scott's Track.
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Hike Mount Arthur and the Tablelands
New Zealand / Flora Car Park
Mount Arthur and the Tablelands are a unique and beautiful portion of Kahurangi National Park. The area is remote, making it perfect for astrophotography.
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Hike to Gertrude Saddle
New Zealand / Gertrude Saddle Track
The trail begins at the signposted car park along Milford Road just before the Homer Tunnel, about 98km from Te Anau. Follow the marked track through the valley and left, steeply uphill.
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Hike to Sealy Tarns
New Zealand / White Horse Hill Campground
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.
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Explore Peter's Pool
New Zealand / Franz Josef Glacier Trailhead
From the carpark for Franz Josef Glacier, Peter's Pool is signposted to the left near the toilets.
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Sunset Hike Mount Eden
New Zealand / Mount Eden Trailhead
This brief hike up to the summit is perfect for any evening of your choice, providing an amazing 360 degree views, and of the downtown core.
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Hike Brewster Track to Mt. Armstrong
New Zealand / Fantail Falls Trailhead
After 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.
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Backpack MacPherson Creek to Lake Barra
New Zealand / MacPherson Creek
If 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.
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Hike to Whiskey Falls
New Zealand / Whiskey Falls
Whiskey Falls provides a great way to stretch the legs during a car trip. Or it provides a great day hike option if you are looking to explore the Nelson Lakes area.
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Backpack to Granity Pass Hut
New Zealand / Courthouse Flat
Once in Tapawera, follow the signs indicating Kahurangi National Park by way of the Wangapeka Valley.
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Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier
New Zealand / Thirsty Culvert
The 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.
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Hike the Mount Somers Track Circuit
New Zealand / Sharplin Falls Carpark
The Mount Somers circuit is a tough 26km adventure, but it rewards you with constantly changing but beautiful scenery.
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Explore Bridal Veil Falls
New Zealand / Bridal Veil Falls Carpark
The platforms overlooking the 55m falls from different angles offer unique perspectives of this natural feature.
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Swim in Kerosene Creek
New Zealand / Kerosene Creek
Located amidst New Zealand's vibrant volcanic zone, this favourite local gem lies approximately 29.
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Explore Sandfly Bay
New Zealand / Sandfly bay
Sandfly 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.
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Backpack the Matukituki Valley
New Zealand / W Matukituki Track
The 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.
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Hike to Diamond Lake
New Zealand / Diamond Lake Trailhead
From the car park follow the well marked trail. You will continue gradually uphill for around 30 minutes before reaching Diamond Lake.
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Hike Cape Farewell
New Zealand / Cape Farewell
From the car park, it is only about a 10 minute walk up to the look out point for Cape Farewell. While this is a cool view, it is not worth the drive to just turn around at that point.
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Hike to the Blue Pools
New Zealand / Blue Pools Car Park
From the carpark the trail can easily be identified across the street.
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Backpack the Gillespie Pass Circuit, New Zealand
New Zealand / Makarora Visitor Center
The small township of Makarora West is the kickoff point for this 3-5 day circuit that guides you through a strikingly beautiful and wild corner of the Southern Alps in New Zealand.
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Climb Mt. Ollivier
New Zealand / White Horse Hill Campground
Start on the track from the White Horse Hill campground. Follow the track up almost 2,000 steps until you reach Sealy Tarns.
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Hike the Rees Track to the Cascade Saddle
New Zealand / Muddy Creek Car Park
The Rees Track and Cascade Saddle Route is located in the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park.
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Hike to Wharariki Beach
New Zealand / Wharariki Beach TH, New Zealand
The very northern tip of the South Island in NZ lies one of the best beaches around. The hike into the beach is very straight forward, easy, and short.
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Winter Hike Ben Lomond Track
New Zealand / Skyline Gondola, Queenstown
In 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.
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Hike to the Cape Brett Hut
New Zealand / Cape Brett Track
If you’re in the Bay of Islands in Northland, then this adventure’s only going to take you one day to complete. If you’re not, the first thing you’ve gotta do is get the heck out of Auckland.
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Hike to Devils Punchbowl Falls, Arthur's Pass
New Zealand / Devils Punchbowl Trailhead
An awesome 1 hr return walk in natural New Zealand bush.
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Hike the Mercer Bay Loop
New Zealand / Mercer Bay Trailhead
Starting at the end of Log Race Road, just outside Piha, this well groomed loop track takes you along the cliff line above the Tasman Sea and back to the carpark.
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Hike the Mount John Walkway
New Zealand / Lake Tekapo
From the lakefront, walk left until you reach the trailhead. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to walk it at an average pace.
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Hike the Pineapple Track
New Zealand / Pineapple Track - Booth Rd.
From the car park, follow the trail as it begins to go uphill. The slope is fairly gradual at first.
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Hike the Taranaki Falls Loop
New Zealand / Taranaki Falls Trailhead
The walk starts with red tussock grass. After a short distance, you will walk into alpine shrub. The track up to the falls is a very gradual incline.
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Hike to Lake Alta
New Zealand / Remarkable Ski Field
From Queenstown drive to the Remarkables Ski Field. The road features incredible views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Shotover Canyon and the Southern Alps.
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Hike to the Fox River Caves
New Zealand / Fox River Caves Trailhead
There are a few different options while exploring this track. The first is making your way all the way to the entrance of the caves.
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Hike to the Mount Victoria Lookout
New Zealand / Southern Walkway (via Oriental Parade)
The 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.
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Kayak Camp Abel Tasman NP
New Zealand / Marahau Launch Point
This beautiful national park can be explored by boat and/or by foot, so we decided to incorporate both before catching a jet boat back to Marahau.
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Backpack to Tama Lakes
New Zealand / Tongariro Northern Circuit
The 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 s.
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Explore Milford Sound
New Zealand / Milford Sound Parking Area
Milford Sound can be explored by land or sea.
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Backpack to Lake Angelus Alpine Hut
New Zealand / Mt. Robert Car Park
From the Mt. Robert car park, take the Pinchgut Track up to the Bushline shelter (approx. 1 hr 30 mins).
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Backpack the Cape Reinga Coastal Track
New Zealand / Te Paki
This is a point-to-point trek so you can either begin at Te Paki Stream or the Spirits Bay campsite at Kapowairua. This description starts from the Te Paki Stream.
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Overnight Kayak the Queen Charlotte Sound
New Zealand / Waikawa Beach
For 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.
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Explore Ohau Waterfall
New Zealand / Ohau Stream Trail
Prepare 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 w.
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Mountain Bike the Heaphy Track
New Zealand / Heaphy Hut
The following are recommended rides along this track.
Browns Hut to Perry Saddle: 3-4 hrs, 17.5 km (10.8 miles)
This ride is mostly a steady uphill through beech forest.
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Hike the Breast Hill Track to Pakituhi Hut
New Zealand / Breast Hill Track
From the road to Pakituhi Hut the track is a steady climb rising 400 meters on a formed zig-zag track to a small saddle.
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Backpack Silver Peaks Track
New Zealand / Silver Peaks
The trailhead is somewhat obscured on the side of the Mountain Track Rd - there is a sign that reads Silver Peaks Track. The rest of the trail is very well marked with orange posts and triangles.
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Hike to Lake Rere
New Zealand / Caples Track, Greenstone 9372, New Zealand
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.
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Hike the Minaret Burn Track
New Zealand / Homestead Bay
The 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 gl.
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Hike to the Summit of Mt. Guy
New Zealand / Lake Clearwater Trail Head
Park at the Lake Clearwater trailhead where you are immediately greeted by some of the best alpine views in New Zealand.
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Watch the Sunset from the Waiho River Bridge
New Zealand / 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.
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Hike around Lake Tikitapu
New Zealand / Blue Lake Rotorua
Lake 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.
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Hike the Benmore Peninsula Track
New Zealand / Lake Benmore
The Benmore Peninsula track is approximately a 4km loop circuit and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. It is not a particularly physically demanding hike, but beautiful nonetheless.
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Camp on Urupukapuka Island
New Zealand / Otehei Bay
Urupukapuka Island is the largest island in the Bay of Islands, about a 3-4 hour drive from Auckland.
From Russell or Paihia, the trip out to the island takes about 30-45 minutes.
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Hike to the Fox Glacier
New Zealand / Fox Glacier Carpark
From the carpark follow the well marked trail to the toe of the Fox Glacier. Do not stray from the trail as unstable ice and moraine can be very dangerous.
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Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula
New Zealand / Point Kean Viewpoint
From 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.
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Camp at Cascade Creek
New Zealand / Cascade Creek Campground
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.
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Hike Mt. Fishtail
New Zealand / Mt. Fishtail Trailhead
This 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.
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Hike the Waterfall Track
New Zealand / Waterfall Track
Relatively 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.
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Summit Mount Doom
New Zealand / Mangatepopo Car Park
I may be crushin' dreams, but Mount Doom isn't actually the real name of the mountain Frodo climbed to destroy the ring (sorry LOTR fans), but the actual mountain does exist and it's called Mount Nga.
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Day Hike to Harris Saddle (Routeburn Track)
New Zealand / Routeburn Shelter
The Routeburn Track is world famous, and with good reason.
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Hike or Bike the Karetai Track
New Zealand / Karetai Track
This track starts at the end of Tomahawk Road (by Smaills beach) and climbs 200 meters uphill over its 2km one-way length.
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Hike The Snout Track
New Zealand / The Snout Car Park
This great track is located just outside of downtown Picton, offering very easy accessibility and a great place to get a little hike.
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Bike and Hike the Port Hills (Christchurch)
New Zealand / Summit Road Car Park
Park on the west side of Summit Road near Dyers Pass Road to unload your bicycle or start on the Crater Rim Track.
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Hike the St Arnaud Track in Nelson Lakes NP
New Zealand / Kerr Bay Car Park, Nelson Lakes NP
Park 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.
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Explore Katiki Point Lighthouse
New Zealand / 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.
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Hike to the Summit of Mt. Herbert
New Zealand / Orton Bradley Park
Begin 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.
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Hike through Sawcut Gorge
New Zealand / Sawcut Gorge
Driving on Hwy 1, just south of a little town called Ward, roughly 48km south of Blenheim, there is the turn off onto Ure road.
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Summit Mt. Stokes
New Zealand / Mt. Stokes Trailhead
The real adventure is driving to the start of this track.
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Hike the Avalanche Peak - Crow River Valley Traverse
New Zealand / Punchbowl Road
The beginning starts with the popular day hike climb up Avalanche Peak in Arthur’s Pass, NZ. You can view that route on the Outbound here.
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Kayak to Lady Bowen Falls in Milford Sound
New Zealand / Milford Sound Parking Area
There are multiple options for getting to Milford Sound.
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Hike to Mount Aicken Summit
New Zealand / Mount Aicken Trail
The trail starts at the carpark to the famous Devils Punchbowl Falls and heads up towards the falls themselves before taking a turn up and to the right.
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Backpack and Kayak to Blue Lake
New Zealand / Lake Rotoroa
This lake has the clearest visibility fresh water found anywhere in the world with visibility between the 70-80 meter range.
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Explore Lake Matheson
New Zealand / Lake Matheson Carpark
The Basics: Just a few kilometers outside the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson provides stunning vistas in a mere 4.
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Bike along the Clutha River
New Zealand / Hawea River Swingbridge
The 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.
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Hike to the Summit of Mt. Fyffe
New Zealand / Mt. Fyffe Car Park
From the car park follow the old road grade which eventually narrows into a hiking path. At about the halfway point you will pass the Mt. Fyffe hut, a popular overnight destination.
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Take a Stroll around Te Waikoropupu Springs
New Zealand / Te Waikoropupu Springs
The 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.
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Hike the Lewis Pass Tops Route
New Zealand / Lewis Pass
Park at the well marked Saint James Walkway Car Park. You will find the Lewis Pass Tops Trail Head across the street.
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Climb Mt. Wakefield
New Zealand / Hooker Corner
The route begins on Tasman Valley Road right after it crosses over the Hooker River heading towards the Tasman Valley.
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Hike to Harwood Hole
New Zealand / Harwood Hole Trail
Getting to this hike is a bit of a drive. It is 11km off of HWY 60, just north of Motueka. The road is unsealed, and quite narrow at points.
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Mountain Bike to Boundary Creek Hut
New Zealand / Boundary Creek Hut
The track to Boundary Creek Hut follows an old 4WD track for about 9 km () with minimal height gain on the way in.
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Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)
New Zealand / Franz Josef Glacier Trailhead
This 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.
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Hike Lagoon Saddle
New Zealand / Lagoon Saddle
Round trip about 5 hours including stops to enjoy the views and take pictures, it was a perfect day hike in the full sun compared to the rest of the park.
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Winter Overnight in Lake Angelus Hut
New Zealand / Mt. Robert Car Park
This is a popular and crowded route in summer months, but in winter you could have this 28 bunk hut with a stove all to yourself!Begin by climbing switchbacks to the summit of Mt Roberts and then fol.
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Hike the Trig M Trail
New Zealand / Starvation Gully Trailhead
The 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.
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Hike to the Mt. Brown Hut and Mt. Brown Summit
New Zealand / Mount Brown Track
This 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.
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Climb Mt. Cloudsley
New Zealand / Hogsback Trailhead (Castle Hill Village)
Park at the Hogsback Trailhead in Castle Hill Village. Follow the Hogsback trail by staying to the right at both upcoming "Y" intersections.
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Hike the Forest Journey
New Zealand / Forest Journey
This track is located just outside of Hanmer springs, and is the perfect afternoon or morning walk.
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Hike to Summit of Mount Bealey
New Zealand / Mount Bealey Trailhead
The hike to Mount Bealey starts in the town of Arthurs Pass at 750m above sea level.
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Hike to Foggy Peak Summit
New Zealand / Foggy Peak Carpark
The Foggy Peak trail is an unmarked path leading from the carpark at the top of Porters Pass to the summit of Foggy Peak.
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Hike to the Summit of Mt Sunday
New Zealand / Mt Sunday Car Park
From the car park follow an old road track / stream bed until it narrows into a scenic walking track. Cross the swing bridge and ascend the south side of the mountain to its picturesque summit.
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Walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
New Zealand / Christchurch Botanic Gardens
From the parking lot walk along any paved walkway until you spot a posted map (they're all over the place) then plan your day's adventure around the parks many attractions.
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Backpack the Dusky Track
New Zealand / Dusky Track Southern Terminal
The 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.
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Hike Mt. Cheeseman
New Zealand / Hogsback Trailhead (Castle Hill Village)
Follow the Hogsback Track until you reach the clearing just after the Waterfall Creek crossing. Hike through the clearing towards the toe of Mt Cheeseman's east ridge.
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Backpack the Valley of the Trolls
New Zealand / The Valley of The Trolls Trailhead
The 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.
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Hike up Botanical Hill
New Zealand / Botanic Sports Field
The 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.
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Hike to the Summit of Mt. Isobel
New Zealand / Waterfall Track / Mt Isobel Car Park
Start 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).
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Hike to the Packhorse Hut and Mt. Bradley
New Zealand / Kaituna Valley Trailhead
Park at the trailhead and begin the trail by crossing through farmland. As always be respectful of the property owners and animals, and close any gates you walk through.
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Hike Foggy Peak and Castle Hill Peak
New Zealand / Porters Pass Car Park, NZ
Park 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.
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Overnight Cruise the Milford Sound
New Zealand / Milford Sound Parking Area
If you are ever visiting New Zealand's south island, I cannot implore you more to consider doing the overnight cruise of the Milford Sound via Real Journeys.
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Hike to the Summit of Treble Cone
New Zealand / Treble Cone Ski Field
If you're in Wanaka, you cannot miss this hike. If the ski area is closed for the season you can still hike there but please check in with the Treble Cone Office in Wanaka.
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Bike Tour Renwick Wineries
New Zealand / Renwick Winery Bike Tour
The starting point for this adventure is anywhere in Renwick, New Zealand. We just parked on a side street off the beaten path where they did not have any parking restrictions.
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Paddle and Camp at Lake Taupō!
New Zealand / Motutere Campground
It lacks salt, but Lake Taupō is quickly becoming one of the favorite places to visit on the weekends. An easy 3.
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Explore Lake Pukaki
New Zealand / Lake Pukaki Information Center
Mount Cook (Aoraki), the highest mountain in New Zealand, lies on the Northern base of Lake Pukaki - this will definitely be good.
Getting there all depends on where you're coming from.
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Hike to Key Summit
New Zealand / The Divide Carpark
In the Fiordland National Park, the Key Summit sits at the beginning of one of New Zealand's Great Walks, The Routeburn Track.
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Mountain Bike the Old Ghost Road
New Zealand / Lyell Trailhead, New Zealand
The Old Ghost Road is an intermediate-advanced backcountry single-track mountain bike trail in New Zealand. It takes 1-4 days to complete, with most people doing the ride in two days.
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Backpack to the Waimak Falls Hut
New Zealand / Arthur's Pass Village
Begin this two night (one night option) tramping trip from the Bealey Bridge over the Waimakariri River – approximately 8 kilometers south of Arthur’s Pass.
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Climb Mount B'Limit
New Zealand / Temple Basin
Begin your adventure by hiking up the Temple Basin Ski Field access trail. Continue beyond the Ski huts to the upper basin below Mt Temple and B'Limit.
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Backpack the Magical Earnslaw Burn
New Zealand / Earnslaw Burn Parking Area
Once you identify the parking area (Right turn off Glenorchy Paradise Road just before crossing the Earnslaw Burn, park a the bend in the road.
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Climb to Homer Saddle, Fjordland NP
New Zealand / Homer Tunnel Carpark
This route is not marked, riddled with loose rock, and requires climbing on narrow exposed ledges.
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Ride the Craigieburn Mountain Bike Trails
New Zealand / Craigieburn Mountain Bike Trails
Being a cloudy and gray day in Christchurch, we decided to pack the bikes up and drive the 100kms on SH73 up to the Craigieburn Forest Park. There are several entrances to the tracks.
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Hike to Hamilton Peak's Summit
New Zealand / Craggieburn Valley Trailhead
Park at the Craggyburn Valley Trailhead for a longer, more scenic hike, or continue driving to the Ski Field Parking at the road's end.
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Paddle on the Puhoi River
New Zealand / Puhoi River Launch
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.
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Mountain Bike Punga Cove to Anakiwa
New Zealand / Picton Water Taxi
The easiest way to get to Punga Cove to start this ride is parking in Picton and getting a water taxi for you and your bike out to Punga Cove.
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Hike the Summit Track on Rangitoto Island
New Zealand / Rangitoto Island Ferry Terminal (Auckland)
Starting from the Auckland Ferry Terminal (-36.842505, 174.767258), jump on the Fullers Ferry to Rangitoto Island (-36.786279, 174.858345).
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Hike to Signal Hill Lookout
New Zealand / Signal Hill Lookout Carpark
Let's be honest, there's a carpark right in front of the vista, but we can make it fun too! Dunedin is an amazing city and I had the honor of living there for 5 months when I studied at the Universit.
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Hike to the Ben Nevis Summit in New Zealand
New Zealand / Ben Nevis Car Park
First thing first, you definitely need a 4WD to reach the car park. The gravel road starts at the beginning of the Pig valley rd.
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Walk the Truman Track in Paparoa National Park
New Zealand / Truman Track
Just a couple miles north of the Punakaiki Beach Camp in Paparoa National Park along the West Coast of New Zealand is this very short yet very rewarding walk.
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Whale Watch in Kaikoura
New Zealand / Whaleway Station Rd, Kaikoura
A couple hours north of Christchurch, New Zealand sits the very small tourist and fishing town of Kaikoura.
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Hike to Queenstown Hill
New Zealand / Queenstown Hill Carpark
This is a great hike while you're in Queenstown to see a gorgeous view of the area if you have a few hours to kill. The hike is very well marked with lots of information boards on the area.
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Hike to Stephens Bay
New Zealand / Little Kaiteriteri Beach
The Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand is pretty famous for it's beaches, but just to the South of it is beautiful Kaiteriteri and it's stunning coastal walks.
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Rock Climb at Unwin Crag
New Zealand / Unwin Lodge
Getting to the Unwin Crag can be more of an adventure than the rock climb itself. You can park at the Unwin Lodge or at the car park at the bottom of the crag.
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Explore the Dunedin Botanic Gardens
New Zealand / Dunedin Botanical Garden Carpark
I may be bias, but the Dunedin Botanic Garden has always been one of my favorite places.
The city of Dunedin holds a lot of "first" for New Zealand.
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Hike or Bike the Glendhu Bay Track
New Zealand / Ruby Island Road Car Park
This walk can also be started from the waterfront in Wanaka, which is only a few km from the track start above.
From the car park, follow the track along the lake north.
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Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand / Tongariro Crossing
To anyone who has seen The Lord of the Rings then you will have a little extra incentive for going on this one of a kind trek through Mordor (Northern New Zealand in reality).
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Hike the Ridge Walking Track
New Zealand / Ridge Trailhead
The trail for this hike starts next to the bathrooms that are about 150m down the road (south) from the Whakapapa Visitor Center.
