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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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 -
Benmore, New Zealand
Hike the Benmore Peninsula Track
The Benmore Peninsula track is approximately a 4km loop circuit and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. It is not a particularly physically demanding hike, but beautiful nonetheless. On a good weather day, the water on Lake Benmore will appear to be bright turquoise and you will be able to see Mo...Read more -
Rotoroa, New Zealand
Backpack and Kayak to Blue Lake
5.031.1 mi / 1430.4 ft gainThis lake has the clearest visibility fresh water found anywhere in the world with visibility between the 70-80 meter range. And the Colours are beautiful! (We just ask that you do not swim in this lake or do your dish washing in it as it is a super fragile ecosystem, oh and the duck in the pictu...Read more -
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Overnight Cruise the Milford Sound
5.0If you are ever visiting New Zealand's south island, I cannot implore you more to consider doing the overnight cruise of the Milford Sound via Real Journeys. For roughly $300, you board, in Queenstown, a custom designed Real Journeys tour bus that has seats slightly angled towards the windows as ...Read more -
Ashburton Lakes, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt Sunday
4.02.2 mi / 328.1 ft gainFrom the car park follow an old road track / stream bed until it narrows into a scenic walking track. Cross the swing bridge and ascend the south side of the mountain to its picturesque summit. Alpine views abound in all directions. It's easy to see why it was selected as a LOTR set location.This...Read more -
Gladstone, New Zealand
Hike the Breast Hill Track to Pakituhi Hut
3.05 mi / 1312.3 ft gainFrom the road to Pakituhi Hut the track is a steady climb rising 400 meters on a formed zig-zag track to a small saddle. You'll get increasingly better views of Lake Hawea as you climb up the switch-backs, and you might walk alongside some sheep that make the uphill slog look much easier than it ...Read more -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Winter Overnight in Lake Angelus Hut
7.5 mi / 4000 ft gainThis is a popular and crowded route in summer months, but in winter you could have this 28 bunk hut with a stove all to yourself!Begin by climbing switchbacks to the summit of Mt Roberts and then following the crest of Robert Ridge. The route is exposed in a few places and an un-checked fall on s...Read more -
Auckland, New Zealand
Sunset Hike Mount Eden
5.02.9 mi / 643 ft gainThis brief hike up to the summit is perfect for any evening of your choice, providing an amazing 360 degree views, and of the downtown core. For those a little short on time or energy, you can also drive to and park at the summit to enjoy the sunset.Starting at the Mt Eden parking area, you work ...Read more -
Queenstown Lakes District, New Zealand
Ben Lomond Track via Old Skyline Road
5.025.99 mi / 3107 ft gainAdventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks. You can take the Skyline gondola part way up if you want to shorten the climb, but I usually start at the small signposted carpark...Read more -
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hike Lake Wanaka and Photograph the Famous Tree
5.013.7 mi / 0 ft gainTo begin this hike park in the lakeside lot on the west edge of town and begin walking counter-clockwise around Lake Wanaka. The first destination you will reach is the famed Wanaka Tree, which is easily recognized by the crowds of people around it taking photos. A few tips for maximizing your op...Read more -
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hike along Wanaka's Waterfall Creek Track
4.03.1 miThe Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike. It's family- and dog-friendly, and is perhaps the most heavily walked stretch of Wanaka's shoreline.Within the first few hundred meters along the Waterfall Creek track you'll come u...Read more -
Glenorchy, New Zealand
Backpack the Magical Earnslaw Burn
8.7 mi / 1968.5 ft gainOnce you identify the parking area (Right turn off Glenorchy Paradise Road just before crossing the Earnslaw Burn, park a the bend in the road.) Cross the boggy meadow in a NW direction until you see the orange trail markers on trees.The trail below bush line is long, very rugged and covered with...Read more -
Kaikoura Flat, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Fyffe
5.010.6 mi / 2952.8 ft gainFrom the car park follow the old road grade which eventually narrows into a hiking path. At about the halfway point you will pass the Mt. Fyffe hut, a popular overnight destination. Track continues ever upward in a north-easterly fashion until you arrive at the broad summit where views to east fa...Read more -
Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand
Mountain Bike the Heaphy Track
5.058 miThe following are recommended rides along this track.Browns Hut to Perry Saddle: 3-4 hrs, 17.5 km (10.8 miles)This ride is mostly a steady uphill through beech forest. The Aorere Shelter is about halfway, and there is also a short detour to check out Flanagan’s Corner, the highest point on the tr...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 -
Taupo, New Zealand
Hike to Huka Falls
5.03.7 miThis hike begins in the Spa Thermal Park and there is one clear path to follow. After a couple minutes there is a bridge that crosses over a small section of the lake. This section of the lake is formed by several hot pools and is a great place to swim for a bit. From here the trail continues ...Read more
