New Zealand
Looking for the best backpacking in New Zealand? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Zealand. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near New Zealand
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Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Hike the Temple Basin Ski Field
4.04.3 mi / 3300 ft gainArthur'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". This trail leads into the free ski camp, a basin that allows for good speed and access. The hike gai...Read more -
Ataahua, New Zealand
Hike to the Packhorse Hut and Mt. Bradley
5.03.7 mi / 2460.6 ft gainPark 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.After a long walk up Kaituna Valley you will arrive at the Packhorse Hut, a great place to stay the night and enjoy the views of...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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Overnight at the Barker Hut
5.029.8 mi / 3018.4 ft gainBegin at Klondyke Corner if the Waimakariri is low or at the O'Malley's Track if the river is too high to ford safely. After walking through the Waimakariri River to the Carrington Hut and on up the White River Valley you’ll reach this tiny red hut that stands out in its precarious position as a ...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 -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Angelus Alpine Hut
5.07.6 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 -
Te Anau, New Zealand
Kepler Track
4.3111.41 mi / 6240 ft gainImportant: 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. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazard...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 -
Bealey, New Zealand
Hike Arthur's Pass' Bealey Spur
4.37.5 mi / 1720 ft gainThis moderately difficult climb affords amazing views of the Waimakariri River Valley as well as Bruce Stream. It is not an incredibly difficult hike, although in winter and early spring there will be snow and ice on the ground, making it more challenging. There are few vertical cliff faces, and ...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Mavis
16.8 mi / 3937 ft gainDAY 1Greyneys 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. You will need to cross Bealey River after it meets the Mingha River, but don't try to cross the river if the Bealey Rive...Read more -
Rotoroa, New Zealand
Backpack and Kayak to Blue Lake
5.031.1 mi / 1430.4 ft gainThis lake has the clearest visibility fresh water found anywhere in the world with visibility between the 70-80 meter range. And the Colours are beautiful! (We just ask that you do not swim in this lake or do your dish washing in it as it is a super fragile ecosystem, oh and the duck in the pictu...Read more -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Winter Overnight in Lake Angelus Hut
7.5 mi / 4000 ft gainThis 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 following the crest of Robert Ridge. The route is exposed in a few places and an un-checked fall on s...Read more