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
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Mount Earnslaw, New Zealand
Climb Mount Earnslaw, Mount Aspiring National Park
5.016.8 mi / 8000 ft gainStart at the Rees Valley Trailhead, approximately 30 minutes from Glenorchy. The trail begins as a dirt road that passes through grazing land and small tributary creeks that flow into the Rees. The first 4.4 miles (7 km) of the trail hugs the Rees River and stays in the grassy and often boggy riv...Read more -
Bainham, New Zealand
Backpack to Boulder Lake
22.4 mi / 3937 ft gainThe common route to Boulder Lake - via Brown Cow Ridge - begins at a small and slightly obscure trailhead near the town of Bainham which is approximately a 20 minute drive from the coastal town of Collingwood in the Tasman region. The trailhead only accommodates parking for perhaps two vehicles -...Read more -
Hahei, New Zealand
Cathedral Cove
4.63.1 miCathedral Cove is known to be the most beautiful and photographed beaches in all of New Zealand. A visit to this sanctuary is a must! Cathedral Cove is an isolated beach on the Coromandel Peninsula in the small coastal town of Hahei. Being that this is one of the most beautiful places in all o...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Hike to Devils Punchbowl Falls, Arthur's Pass
4.51.2 mi / 492.1 ft gainAn awesome 1 hr return walk in natural New Zealand bush. At the apex of the track is the fantastic Devils Punchbowl Falls with water constantly plummeting 131 metres off of the edge of the hill face above which can be seen from the main road through Arthur's Pass. Very well signed and easy to fin...Read more -
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Climb to Mueller Hut
5.06.4 mi / 3000 ft gainThis trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow the signs for the Hooker Valley) and park in the ...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Camp on Alex Knob
4.011 mi / 3800 ft gainFrom Highway 6 on the New Zealand South Island's west coast, take the Glacier Access Road for 2km to where the signposted Alex Knob track begins. There will be a obvious parking lot on the right.The trail begins at the parking lot breaks off to the left from the Lake Wombat trail about a half-mil...Read more -
Bainham, New Zealand
Backpack to Adelaide Tarn
5 mi / 1213.9 ft gainSee "Backpack to Boulder Lake for the first half of this trip. From Boulder Lake Hut cross the stream in the direction indicated by the sign at the most advantageous point. There is no evident trail through the tussock so make your way to the spur at the head of the valley that leads to Green Sad...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to the Fox Glacier
1.6 mi / 246.1 ft gainFrom the carpark follow the well marked trail to the toe of the Fox Glacier. Do not stray from the trail as unstable ice and moraine can be very dangerous. Looking for a longer adventure? You can hike to the summit of Mt. Fox above Fox Glacier.Read more -
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.Read more -
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Kayak to Lady Bowen Falls in Milford Sound
4.0There 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 ...Read more -
Puponga, New Zealand
Hike to Wharariki Beach
0.6 mi / 50 ft gainThe 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 ...Read more -
Ngatira, New Zealand
Hike to Te Waihou Springs
3.72.9 mi / 0 ft gainThere are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata. Though the entire 5 km track is absolutely stunning, the most popular section, being the Blue Springs, is less than a ten min walk from the lot. The Blue Springs pool...Read more -
Cape Reinga, New Zealand
Backpack the Cape Reinga Coastal Track
5.022 miThis is a point-to-point trek so you can either begin at Te Paki Stream or the Spirits Bay campsite at Kapowairua. This description starts from the Te Paki Stream. To get here, you need to drive north on SH1/Cape Reigna Road until you reach the tiny village of Te Paki. Turn left onto the Te Paki ...Read more -
Makarora, New Zealand
Camping on Lake Wanaka
This is an awesome spot to stop and camp for the evening if you are traveling on the SH6 either west to the coast or east into Wanaka and beyond. From the campsite, you can hike up Boundary Creek Track, during the day.There are 40 non-powered tent sites (nondescript, large grassy areas to pitch t...Read more -
Thames, New Zealand
Hike the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Track)
8.7 miThe 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...Read more -
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hike to Queenstown Hill
5.03.1 mi / 1640.4 ft gainThis is a great hike while you're in Queenstown to see a gorgeous view of the area if you have a few hours to kill. The hike is very well marked with lots of information boards on the area. Please make sure to dress appropriately - there can be some snow on the ground in the winter. From the carp...Read more
