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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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 -
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 -
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 -
Staveley, New Zealand
Hike the Mount Somers Track Circuit
5.016.2 miThe Mount Somers circuit is a tough 26km adventure, but it rewards you with constantly changing but beautiful scenery. From the start at the Sharplin Falls carpark, the trail immediately climbs upward through lush forest. As soon you reach a highpoint, you descend again to cross the river (via a ...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 -
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 -
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Hike the Mount John Walkway
From the lakefront, walk left until you reach the trailhead. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to walk it at an average pace. The track is on privately owned land, so expect for sheep to be nearby at all times.You can mountain bike the trail if you wish to. The trail varies from long, drawn out section...Read more -
Christchurch, New Zealand
Walk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
5.02 mi / 0 ft gainFrom the parking lot walk along any paved walkway until you spot a posted map (they're all over the place) then plan your day's adventure around the parks many attractions. Some of my favorite places to visit include the Cunningham House, the Heritage Rose Garden, the New Zealand garden area, and...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 -
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 -
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 -
Marahau, New Zealand
Kayak Camp Abel Tasman NP
23 mi / 328 ft gainThis beautiful national park can be explored by boat and/or by foot, so we decided to incorporate both before catching a jet boat back to Marahau. The entire coastal track is almost 50 km one-way without side trips, and the coastline can also be done entirely by kayak. Before arriving in Marahau,...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 -
Makarora, New Zealand
Backpack the Gillespie Pass Circuit, New Zealand
5.044.7 mi / 4266 ft gainThe small township of Makarora West is the kickoff point for this 3-5 day circuit that guides you through a strikingly beautiful and wild corner of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. My tramping companion and I decided to hike the route anticlockwise, although the trail can be traveled in both dir...Read more
