The Best Running in New Zealand

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. Driving in to the town, it's impossible not to see this massive piece of land jutting above the flat town and ocean around it.Once you have found parki...

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. The Mercer Bay Loop guarantees access to some stunning scenery, and has plenty of accessible spots to stop and take pictures, have lun...

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. You can take the Skyline gondola part way up if you want to shorten the climb, but I usually start at the small signposted carpark...

The Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike. It's family- and dog-friendly, and is perhaps the most heavily walked stretch of Wanaka's shoreline.Within the first few hundred meters along the Waterfall Creek track you'll come u...

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. You'll pass Lake Kirkpatrick and lots of sheep on your way to Moke Lake, but keep driving until you get to the campground that's on the southeast end of the lake...

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. The track starts off the Lake Hawea section of SH6, about a 30 minute drive from Wanaka Township, and there's a yellow 'I...

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. There is a huge lawn to the right that you can park on if the lot at the shore is full.The beginning of the 5.5 kilometer trail starts on the right hand side ...

The Mount Somers circuit is a tough 26km adventure, but it rewards you with constantly changing but beautiful scenery. From the start at the Sharplin Falls carpark, the trail immediately climbs upward through lush forest. As soon you reach a highpoint, you descend again to cross the river (via a ...

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...

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...

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...

In the Fiordland National Park, the Key Summit sits at the beginning of one of New Zealand's Great Walks, The Routeburn Track. This half-day walk to easily accessible off of the Milford Road from the Divide Carpark, one of the access points to the popular backpacking trip. A toilet is available h...

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...

From the car park, follow the trail as it begins to go uphill. The slope is fairly gradual at first. Once you enter the trees it begins to get steeper and continues to climb until you are above tree line. You then begin to get views of the city and the harbor, along with mountains in the far dist...

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. When you reach car park at trail's end turn back the way you came and descend the stairs near East He...

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 glacier. The start of the track is signposted and trail times to Colquhouns Beach (2-3 hrs; 7km) and...