New Zealand
One of our favorite places on the planet, New Zealand's beaches, mountains, fjords and plains will leave you speechless any time of year. The Southern Alps are home to some incredible hiking and trekking (or tramping, as the locals say). On the north island, find world class surf in Raglan, volcanic trekking on Tongariro, and emerald water in Coromandel.
Top Spots in and near New Zealand
-
Paparoa National Park, New Zealand
Walk the Truman Track in Paparoa National Park
1 mi / 15 ft gainJust 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. Parking is just feet south of the Te Nikau Retreat access road and right across the well marked and maintained Truman Track trail head on ...Read more -
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Harwood Hole
5.01.9 miGetting 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. If there is another car coming the other direction, be prepared for a tight squeeze. The road climbs up Tanaka Hill, and the descends down towards Canaan Ca...Read more -
Takaka, New Zealand
Take a Stroll around Te Waikoropupu Springs
1 miThe 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. You walk along some board walks over a little stream that flows beneath your feet. After winding through some forest, the track com...Read more -
Otira, New Zealand
Stay at Carroll Hut
1.6 mi / 2296.6 ft gainThis hike begins at a hidden parking lot just North/East of Kelly's Creek, about 2km north of Otira, drive carefully through to the car park and trailhead, a gravel lot with a latrine, near the creek. Once ready, begin the hike, to the west. In the first 5 minutes you'll cross a small tributar...Read more -
Queenstown, New Zealand
Ben Lomond Track via Skyline Road
5.025.88 mi / 3107 ft gainIn 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. Although the snow makes the route significantly more challenging, the views afforded are phenomenal and the trail i...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Climb to the Top of Eldrig Peak
The track to the Eldrig Peak tops begins from a small parking area on the Borland Road a few kilometers above Borland Lodge. The Borland Road is normally open in summer but it is best to call the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre to confirm - 03 249 7924. The road is dirt and gravel but a tw...Read more -
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Sealy Tarns
4.7From 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...Read more -
Ashburton Lakes, New Zealand
Mountain Bike to 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. Not long into the ride, you will pass another 4WD track with marker poles – this heads to the Garden of Eden (not the glacier one), so keep on the main track.About 2 km (1.2 miles) f...Read more -
Picton, New Zealand
Hike The Snout Track
5.07.5 mi / 423.2 ft gainThis great track is located just outside of downtown Picton, offering very easy accessibility and a great place to get a little hike. Heading east out of Picton, turn left on Sussex road, and follow the steep hill up to the crest, keep driving until you come to a gate, this is the car park for Th...Read more -
Fox River, New Zealand
Hike to the Ballroom Overhang
6.2 miThe first part of the walk is the same as the Fox river caves. You'll find a great description in this adventure: Hike to the Fox River Caves.As you don't go in the caves, our journey begins at the big river crossing. Of course, you'll need to be careful and use your own judgement when you cross ...Read more -
Christchurch, New Zealand
Walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
5.02 mi / 0 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Picton, New Zealand
Mountain Bike Punga Cove to Anakiwa
27.7 mi / 1476.4 ft gainThe 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. From there you will be able to pick up the track and start riding. At the end of the trip, after you reach Anakiwa, there is a water taxi there that can g...Read more -
Karekare, New Zealand
Explore Karekare Falls
0.2 mi / 98.4 ft gainA stunning horsetail waterfall that is only a short, uphill walk from the Karekare beach carpark (roughly 100m from carpark to track) in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. The waterfall is approximately 30m tall, casting a spray of clear fresh water down upon a cool swimming hole. The flow is s...Read more -
Renwick, New Zealand
Bike Tour Renwick Wineries
10 miThe 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. There is obviously a lot of variation of which path to follow while doing this bike tour. The route we did isn't necessa...Read more -
Kinloch, New Zealand
Day Hike the Routeburn North Branch
To access the Routeburn North Branch, you start out from the Routeburn Shelter and head along the Routeburn Track towards Routeburn Flats Hut (6.5km). At the hut, cross the wide but shallow North Branch to pick up the poled route on the other side that leads through the last of the Routeburn flat...Read more -
Wellington, New Zealand
Te Ahumairangi Hill
A short 20min walk up Te Ahumairangi is worth it to see the fantastic views from the viewing platform. Great spot for running too. Track doesn't get too much use so it's perfect for a little escape from people despite being so close to the CBD.Read more
