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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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 -
Te Anga, New Zealand
Explore Marokopa Falls
4.51 mi / 0 ft gainMarokopa 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...Read more -
Puhoi, New Zealand
Paddle on the Puhoi River
This 8km paddle (one way) begins in the quaint Bohemian village of Puhoi (-36.512036, 174.661521) nestled in-between the scenic hills north of Auckland. You'll find ample parking and an excellent launching area at the historic wharves just across from the Puhoi General Store (be sure to return he...Read more -
Glendhu Bay, New Zealand
Hike to Diamond Lake
1.6 mi / 721.8 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Robert's Point (Franz Josef Glacier)
5.07.6 mi / 1640.4 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Kinloch, New Zealand
Day Hike to Harris Saddle (Routeburn Track)
4.014.3 mi / 2460.6 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, New Zealand
Explore Ohau Waterfall
0.2 mi / 0 ft gainPrepare 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...Read more -
Mount Earnslaw, New Zealand
Hike the Rees Track to the Cascade Saddle
5.033.6 mi / 4921.3 ft gainThe Rees Track and Cascade Saddle Route is located in the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park. This backpacking trip brings together 2 different routes to make a unique and awesome trip through stunning mountain scenery, alpine vegetation, past the Dart Glacier, and over the unforgettable Cascade...Read more -
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula
5.04.3 mi / 196.9 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Dunedin, New Zealand
Hike the Pineapple Track
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...Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Hike to the Blue Pools
4.50.3 mi / 10 ft gainFrom the carpark the trail can easily be identified across the street. A short walk through native beech forest and over a long swing-bridge takes you to the boardwalk just before reaching the bridge over the Blue Pools.Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Hike Brewster Track to Mt. Armstrong
5.05.6 mi / 5577.4 ft gainAfter a short walk from the Fantail Falls parking lot, the trail crosses the river to reach the beginning of the track. It's unlikely you'll avoid getting your feet wet.The track heads up through the steep and rooted slopes until you break treeline after several thousand feet of elevation gain. N...Read more -
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Hike the Waterfall Track
4.02.5 mi / 1500 ft gainRelatively short day hike that involves a few stairs and bridge crossing brings you to a cool spot called Dog Stream Waterfall at the end of the Waterfall Track. While the waterfall itself is cool, the hike itself is pretty great. Steady climb up to the 41 meter waterfall, offering some great vie...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Overnight at the Barker Hut
5.029.8 mi / 3018.4 ft gainBegin at Klondyke Corner if the Waimakariri is low or at the O'Malley's Track if the river is too high to ford safely. After walking through the Waimakariri River to the Carrington Hut and on up the White River Valley you’ll reach this tiny red hut that stands out in its precarious position as a ...Read more -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Valley of the Trolls
1.9 mi / 1312.3 ft gainThe Valley of The Trolls can be accessed from the head of Lake Harris, off the Routeburn track. The trail in the valley is a lot tougher going than the well maintained Routeburn track. The valley floor will quickly become a swampy bog after a rain. Getting to the trail is easily done about 300 ...Read more -
Piha, New Zealand
Evening at Piha Beach
4.7The beautiful black sand stretches as far as the eye can see at Piha Beach. Just a short hour drive from nearby Auckland, Piha Beach makes for the perfect evening getaway.Hike to the top of Lion Rock (well almost the top...the last portion of the trail is closed due to loose rock and hazardous co...Read more
