Tobin AkehurstExplorer

Park 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 long and steep climb you arrive at Mt. Guy's summit where you are rewarded with 360 degree alpine vie...

From 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. 

This short and easy trail to the summit of Big Baldy in Kings Canyon National Park is not to be missed if you are in the area.The trail winds through forest and boulders as it climbs the north shoulder of Big Baldy. When you think you have reached the end, and you see people sitting down with their lunch, KEEP GOING! The trail continues beyond this popular break spot a little farther before it ...

From 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.  

To 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 opportunity to photograph this surreal and fanciful tree:a) Sunrise is the time to be there, there are...

Park in the Kerr Bay Car Park and take a moment to enjoy views from the iconic Kerr Bay Dock.The well signed track starts just to your left.The lower section of the walk crosses moraine terraces deposited by past glaciers while gaining very little elevation. The track cuts through a lovely beech forest for for a while before it begins to climb steadily up the slopes of the St Arnaud Range.Once ...

From 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 through alpine scrub and boulders to the lake. In summer the trail is uncrowded, but in winter this i...

You can stat this adventure at one of two trailheads. I suggest using the lower of the two. The start of the trail ascends through a forest of old growth pines with periodic views of Mt Washington. Eventually, at a fork in the trail, you will see a sign marking the start of the winter route. You will then travel though a thinning forest to the base of the route, a tall, narrowing snow gulley.De...

The typical approach to the SE Buttress is from Indian Basin, probably because it is easier, provided you plan on going to Indian Basin anyway. However, if you plan on visiting Titcomb or climbing Gannett peak via Bonney Pass, I suggest approaching from Lower (Southern) Titcomb Lake. I thought it was more fun, challenging, and scenic.The first step is to hike to 14 miles to Titcomb Basin. From ...

If you're in Wanaka, you cannot miss this hike. If the ski area is closed for the season you can still hike there but please check in with the Treble Cone Office in Wanaka. Begin at the ski field parking area and climb among snow slops and service roads, alternatively ascend the ridge on the far right edge of the ski area.When you get close to the summit you will see that it is made up of a con...

From 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 short track requires very little preparation and no special abilities to enjoy. Just bring your sen...

Follow the Hogsback Track until you reach the clearing just after the Waterfall Creek crossing. Hike through the clearing towards the toe of Mt Cheeseman's east ridge.Work your way up the ridge by linking a network of tussock slopes, ledges, scree slopes snow patches and crumbly rock. Eventually you will reach the second, lower summit. Carefully navigate the final ridge to the summit, it can be...

Park 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 Lyttelton Harbour and the Ocean.From the hut, if you head west for 10 mins you will be taken to The...

Park at the well marked Saint James Walkway Car Park. You will find the Lewis Pass Tops Trail Head across the street. The trail begins by climbing steeply through beech forest and then breaks through the tree line before arriving at the ridge crest. The maintained trail ends here but the route is fairly easy to follow. Continue following the ridge crest past several ponds for a few kilometers.O...

Park 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 are on the crest of the Port Hills I suggest either Biking Summit Road (which is closed for a long por...

The hiking trail first ascends a hillside to about 1,500 meters. It then follows the crest of a ridge in a southwest direction until you reach the "trig", a marker used in geographical survey. The maintained track ends here but hikers wanting more can continue traveling cross country to Rabbit Hill. Return the way you came.In winter this trail makes for an ideal snowshoe route. The terrain is n...

Park at the Hogsback Trailhead in Castle Hill Village. Follow the Hogsback trail by staying to the right at both upcoming "Y" intersections. Once you reach the bush edge, Long Spur and Mt Cloudsley come into view. Break off from the trail aiming for the toe of Long Spur. Then climb along the crest of the spur until you reach the summit. Return the way you came.Also a great ski touring route!

Follow the footpath from the car park. You will quickly arrive at Castle Hill, famous for it's incredible array of giant limestone formations. There is no official path so you are free to wander the maze of rocks. Look for arches and even signs of ancient Maori inhabitants. Its fun to climb among the beautiful boulders but be careful it could be very easy to get yourself stuck or even fall.Cast...

This route is not marked, riddled with loose rock, and requires climbing on narrow exposed ledges. There are often snow patches on the saddle and an unchecked fall will almost certainly result in a fatality. However, for experienced and well prepared parties this can be one of the most rewarding and exciting adventures in New Zealand.From the car park you can see your destination, Homer Saddle,...

Begin your adventure by hiking up the Temple Basin Ski Field access trail. Continue beyond the Ski huts to the upper basin below Mt Temple and B'Limit. Continue hiking under the rope tows to the saddle where the views will surly take your breath away.Once at the saddle mount the ridge-top to climbers right and ascend the crest on ledges and choss. Climbing is  class 3-4 and exposed in places. T...

Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain.Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek until you reach the junction with the Ediza Lake Trail, and continue east. The trail follows Shadow Cre...

Park in the gravel roadside parking area at the highpoint of Porters Pass. Follow the faint use path up the lower scree slopes of Foggy Peak northward towards the summit. Upon reaching the summit of Foggy Peak the alpine traverse to Castle Hill Peak becomes obvious. The hike between the two peaks is one of the best in Canterbury, a barren alpine ridge varying in width from one to a few hundred ...

From 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 fall away in a profound void before reaching the bright green peninsula and the ocean. To the west vie...

From 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 Head to the beach.The beach trail winds in and out of coves and headlands, which are home to an array ...