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 -
Hampden, New Zealand
Explore the Moeraki Boulders
4.0Sunrise is a perfect time to come visit these boulders as you not only beat the crowds that flock to the beach later in the day but also get to watch the sun rise up behind the boulders.These boulders are a small detour off of Highway 1 so they make a nice stop on a road trip up the East Coast of...Read more -
Puponga, New Zealand
Hike Cape Farewell
2 mi / 1000 ft gainFrom the car park, it is only about a 10 minute walk up to the look out point for Cape Farewell. While this is a cool view, it is not worth the drive to just turn around at that point. From the viewing platform, there is a track that goes both left and right, climbing along the ridge line and top...Read more -
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
Catch the Sunrise at Kea Point
4.0Wake before the sun rises and make the short half hour hike from the White Horse Hill Campground to Kea Point. This easy to follow trail leads to a beautiful overlook with views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. You won't be disappointed as you watch the sun rise behind Mt. Cook and ...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 -
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 -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Gertrude Saddle
4.84.3 mi / 2624.7 ft gainThe trail begins at the signposted car park along Milford Road just before the Homer Tunnel, about 98km from Te Anau. Follow the marked track through the valley and left, steeply uphill. About halfway up you will cross the Gertrude Stream below a large, steep waterfall.Upon reaching Black Lake, c...Read more -
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Hike the Taranaki Falls Loop
5.04 mi / 377.3 ft gainThe walk starts with red tussock grass. After a short distance, you will walk into alpine shrub. The track up to the falls is a very gradual incline. To get to the lower falls, a long staircase through a forest of toatoa trees provides a quick descent down the cliffs on the east side of the falls...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 -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Whiskey Falls
4.55 miWhiskey Falls provides a great way to stretch the legs during a car trip. Or it provides a great day hike option if you are looking to explore the Nelson Lakes area. I had a day to explore and decided to cruise down Nelson Lakes and do a day hike.Whiskey Falls is located along the shore of Lake R...Read more -
Gibbston, New Zealand
Hike to Lake Alta
2 miFrom Queenstown drive to the Remarkables Ski Field. The road features incredible views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Shotover Canyon and the Southern Alps. The road takes you far above tree line into alpine high country.From the parking area it is a short (30-45 min) walk along a pleasant trail t...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
