New Zealand

Park at the Lake Clearwater trailhead where you are immediately greeted by some of the best alpine views in New Zealand. The hiking track follows the lake shore around the west end before breaking off to the right and ascending Mt Guy in typical New Zealand fashion, without switchbacks. After a l...

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". This trail leads into the free ski camp, a basin that allows for good speed and access. The hike gai...

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. It's only about a 10 min walk out to the cavern so no need to worry about bringing a day pack.You walk through a tree ...

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...

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'...

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...

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. Parking is super easy at the base of the hike and there is a restroom if needed before starting the trek. Allow yourself at least ...

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.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 ...

Once 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...

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. The trail eventually emerges from the forest and begins climbing through pastures populated by sheep and cows.Follow the tr...

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...

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.The tramp to the falls is very easy and should only take about ten minutes through the covered green forest. Yo...

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...

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...

The Routeburn Track is world famous, and with good reason. But the because it is a through hike that requires multiple hut reservations and an expensive car-shuttle or two day bus ride to complete, many people feel overwhelmed or underprepared. This day hike options allows you a no-strings-attach...

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...