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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Motueka Valley, New Zealand
Hike Mount Arthur and the Tablelands
4.8Mount 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 ...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Hike up Avalanche Peak
4.06.2 mi / 3444.9 ft gainThere are actually two trails leading up to the summit: the Avalanche Peak Track and Scott's Track. The former begins at the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre while the latter begins down the main road, across from the Devil's Punchbowl Falls (less than 1 km south of the visitor centre). Both trails b...Read more -
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Hooker Lake
5.010 miOnce in Mount Cook Village follow the signs to the White Horse Hill Campground where you'll find the start of the Hooker Valley Track. Alternatively, you can camp in the campground and begin the hike before sunrise for the best experience. The sign says that the one-way hiking time is 1 hour and ...Read more -
Matamata, New Zealand
Hobbiton
4.81 mi / 0 ft gainThe Hobbiton Movie Set is built into the hills of a private farm in Matamata, two hours south of Aukland. You can get your tickets online, in town, or right at the set. Peter Jackson and crew spent many months right here on the farm filming and building the immaculate set for the films. It truly...Read more -
Ashburton Lakes, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Guy
6.2 mi / 2139.1 ft gainPark 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...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Hike the Temple Basin Ski Field
4.04.3 mi / 3300 ft gainArthur'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...Read more -
Te Anga, New Zealand
Explore the Mangapohue Natural Bridge
4.71 mi / 0 ft gainMangapohue 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 ...Read more -
Motutere, New Zealand
Paddle and Camp at Lake Taupō!
It lacks salt, but Lake Taupō is quickly becoming one of the favorite places to visit on the weekends. An easy 3.5-hour drive south from Auckland, Lake Taupō is Australasia's largest lake and roughly the same size as Singapore. The Romans and Chinese both wrote of seeing an immense fire in the sk...Read more -
Christchurch, New Zealand
Bike and Hike the Port Hills (Christchurch)
5.0Park 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...Read more -
Kokatahi, New Zealand
Explore Hokitika Gorge
4.0From the carpark follow the signs to the gorge. The trail goes through the forest for approximately 10 minutes downhill before reaching the swing bridge which spans the gorge. After the bridge you can continue walking down to another viewing platform and opportunity to go further down, closer t...Read more -
Ataahua, New Zealand
Hike to the Packhorse Hut and Mt. Bradley
5.03.7 mi / 2460.6 ft gainPark 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...Read more -
Sandymount, New Zealand
Explore Sandfly Bay
5.0Sandfly 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'...Read more -
Gordon, New Zealand
Hike to the top of Wairere Falls
4.76.2 mi / 1312.3 ft gainWairere 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 ...Read more -
Charteris Bay, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Herbert
4.09.3 mi / 2985.6 ft gainBegin 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...Read more -
Tapawera, New Zealand
Backpack to Granity Pass Hut
10.4 mi / 4593 ft gainOnce 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...Read more -
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
Explore Lake Matheson
4.52.7 mi / 98.4 ft gainThe 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...Read more
