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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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 -
Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Backpack MacPherson Creek to Lake Barra
5.07.5 mi / 5249.3 ft gainIf you’re ready for an advanced challenge to suit any adventurous spirit and have the skills to navigate complicated terrain then the narrow MacPherson Creek drainage on the fringes of Mount Aspiring National Park may grab your interest. Diving in from the MacPherson Creek bridge on the Haast Roa...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier
5 mi / 3430 ft gainThe trail starts 3 km south of Fox Glacier Township. Take the Haast Highway until Thirsty Culvert, which has a small parking lot on the right side of the road. Start early in the morning to miss the almost daily afternoon fog. The trail climbs relentlessly through a lush rain forest. The route is...Read more -
Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Hike the Forest Journey
2 miThis track is located just outside of Hanmer springs, and is the perfect afternoon or morning walk. Don't plan on this taking a whole day as the longest loop takes an about 90 minutes, if you are taking your time and enjoying it all. There are clear signs that guide you on this amble through the ...Read more -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Angelus Alpine Hut
5.07.6 mi / 3987 ft gainFrom the Mt. Robert car park, take the Pinchgut Track up to the Bushline shelter (approx. 1 hr 30 mins). This beginning portion of the track is steep, with numerous switchbacks that will have you questioning whether you really need everything in your pack. The panoramic views of Lake Rotoiti are ...Read more -
Waikawa, New Zealand
Overnight Kayak the Queen Charlotte Sound
5.0For those who do not have their own kayaks, do not fear, there are different companies in the area that will rent kayaks and safety gear to you. They will also help you with route planning and weather conditions to ensure that you have the best trip possible. I used a company called Sea Kayak Adv...Read more -
Ward, New Zealand
Hike through Sawcut Gorge
2.5 mi / 328.1 ft gainDriving on Hwy 1, just south of a little town called Ward, roughly 48km south of Blenheim, there is the turn off onto Ure road. This is the only turn you have to make in order to find the entrance to Sawcut Gorge. Follow this gravel road through private land and farm land to reach the car park 12...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Hike to Lake Marian
4.53 mi / 1312.3 ft gainThe track starts soon after the turnoff onto Hollyford Rd off the Milford Highway. The track begins with a bridge crossing over a river and then soon reached Marian Falls. From the falls the trail climbs steeply through forest until the lake. The lake is a beautiful place to spend several hour...Read more -
Waiotapu, New Zealand
Swim in Kerosene Creek
4.0Located amidst New Zealand's vibrant volcanic zone, this favourite local gem lies approximately 29.5km (25 minutes) South of Rotorua, only a short distance before the renowned Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland. Driving South towards Lake Taupo Kerosene Creek is situated 2km down gravel forestry trac...Read more -
Piha, New Zealand
Hike the Mercer Bay Loop
4.50.9 miStarting at the end of Log Race Road, just outside Piha, this well groomed loop track takes you along the cliff line above the Tasman Sea and back to the carpark. The Mercer Bay Loop guarantees access to some stunning scenery, and has plenty of accessible spots to stop and take pictures, have lun...Read more -
Westland National Park, New Zealand
Watch the Sunset from the Waiho River Bridge
The Waiho River is a glacial fed river from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The main road to get there is Highway 6, which becomes a long single-lane bridge when it crosses the river. If you find yourself staying in the small town of Franz Josef over night then you should make the short walk...Read more -
Te Anau, New Zealand
Kepler Track
4.3111.41 mi / 6240 ft gainImportant: In the Great Walks season (October till late April) bookings are required for campsites and huts - huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens. Check with local DOC before you go. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional safety hazard...Read more -
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Dusky Track
52.2 mi / 4265.1 ft gainThe Dusky Track is a tough and extraordinarily beautiful multi-day hike in central Fiordland. The trail is a one-way hike, with both the northern and southern terminal usually being accessed by boat. The southern terminal is situated on the northern shore of the large and deep Lake Hauroko. The ...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Mavis
16.8 mi / 3937 ft gainDAY 1Greyneys Shelter (SH73) – Goat Pass - 5h / 9km (5.6mi) / +400m (1300ft) The route starts here, near Greyneys Shelter on SH73, 5 km (3.1mi) south of Arthur’s Pass Village. You will need to cross Bealey River after it meets the Mingha River, but don't try to cross the river if the Bealey Rive...Read more -
Bealey, New Zealand
Hike Arthur's Pass' Bealey Spur
4.37.5 mi / 1720 ft gainThis moderately difficult climb affords amazing views of the Waimakariri River Valley as well as Bruce Stream. It is not an incredibly difficult hike, although in winter and early spring there will be snow and ice on the ground, making it more challenging. There are few vertical cliff faces, and ...Read more -
-37.907459697565955,174.90095973014834, New Zealand
Bridal Veil Falls
4.50.87 mi / 236.66 ft gainThe platforms overlooking the 55m falls from different angles offer unique perspectives of this natural feature. Shaped over time by water flowing across harder volcanic rock onto soft stone below, the falls have a deep pool, which combined with an area surrounded by native bush and wildlife, pro...Read more
