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  • New Zealand

    Looking for the best chillin 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 Chillin Spots in and near New Zealand

    • Tarara, New Zealand

      Short Walk to 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. Follow the same trail out.
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    • Milford Sound, New Zealand

      Kayak to Lady Bowen Falls in Milford Sound

      4.0
      There are multiple options for getting to Milford Sound.  If you have a car and can drive, then just take the Milford Sound Highway from Te Anau, and once you get to the end of the road and see all the big boats, just park your car and get ready for some fun in the water.  If you don't have your ...
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    • Puponga, New Zealand

      Hike to Wharariki Beach

      0.6 mi / 50 ft gain
      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. Only 1 kilometer through some pasture lands, over a couple fences (using steps) and you hit the wonderful sand taking you the rest of the way to ...
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    • Thames, New Zealand

      Hike the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Track)

      8.7 mi
      The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail  is a 1-2 day hike. The hike itself spreads over a number of tracks that range from approximately 6-10 hours. The track can be summited in a out-and-back track in a day or as a circuit (loop). There is a serviced hut (80 bunks - bookings required) available as well as m...
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    • Motueka Valley, New Zealand

      Hike Mount Arthur and the Tablelands

      4.8
      Mount Arthur and the Tablelands are a unique and beautiful portion of Kahurangi National Park. The area is remote, making it perfect for astrophotography.There are many hiking options and places to stay - consult the map at the Flora Car Park shelter for options. Here is a short circuit that can ...
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    • Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

      Hike the Mount John Walkway

      From the lakefront, walk left until you reach the trailhead. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to walk it at an average pace. The track is on privately owned land, so expect for sheep to be nearby at all times.You can mountain bike the trail if you wish to. The trail varies from long, drawn out section...
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    • Christchurch, New Zealand

      Walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

      5.0
      2 mi / 0 ft gain
      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. Some of my favorite places to visit include the Cunningham House, the Heritage Rose Garden, the New Zealand garden area, and...
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    • Christchurch, New Zealand

      Bike and Hike the Port Hills (Christchurch)

      5.0
      Park on the west side of Summit Road near Dyers Pass Road to unload your bicycle or start on the Crater Rim Track. Alternatively you can hike up from the valley on the (west to east) Bowenvale, Huntsbury, Mt Vernon, Rapaki or Bridle Tracks, all of which are shared use bike/hike tracks.Once you ar...
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    • Ataahua, New Zealand

      Hike to the Packhorse Hut and Mt. Bradley

      5.0
      3.7 mi / 2460.6 ft gain
      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.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...
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    • Sandymount, New Zealand

      Explore Sandfly Bay

      5.0
      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. A short but steep (and scenic!) downhill hike is required to access the beach from the carpark, but once you make it down you'...
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    • Fox Glacier, New Zealand

      Explore Lake Matheson

      4.5
      2.7 mi / 98.4 ft gain
      The Basics: Just a few kilometers outside the town of Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson provides stunning vistas in a mere 4.4 km return walk alongside a river, through dense foliage, and by expansive fields. Your adventure begins at a large carpark, complete with restrooms and a full-service cafe. This...
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    • Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Sealy Tarns

      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. After following this trail for around 10 more minutes, as it goes slowly uphill, you will come to the base of the steps...
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    • Glendhu Bay, New Zealand

      Hike to Diamond Lake

      1.6 mi / 721.8 ft gain
      From the car park follow the well marked trail. You will continue gradually uphill for around 30 minutes before reaching Diamond Lake. You can continue past the lake for approximately 15 minutes to get to a viewing platform. This part of the trail winds steeply uphill in a combination of grave...
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    • Puhoi, New Zealand

      Paddle on the Puhoi River

      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. You'll find ample parking and an excellent launching area at the historic wharves just across from the Puhoi General Store (be sure to return he...
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    • Westland National Park, New Zealand

      Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)

      5.0
      7.6 mi / 1640.4 ft gain
      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.You will enjoy thick, green rainforest, the reflective water of Pete's Pond, and a few long swinging brid...
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    • Half Moon Bay, New Zealand

      Explore Ohau Waterfall

      0.2 mi / 0 ft gain
      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 winter. They come here to hone the skills they will need on their own in the wild while their mothe...
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