For a little bit of something different, the Cathedral Caves is open for exploring, but only when the tide is low! So this list should keep you quite busy. Piha & Waitakere Ranges Walks, Waterfalls, and Beaches, 11 Things to Do in The Coromandel, New Zealand, An Adventurer’s Guide to Exploring Lake Tekapo, 5 Epic Hikes in Mount Cook National Park That Are TOTALLY Worth It, 4 Easy But Beautiful Walks Around Dunedin, 50+ of the Best Hikes in New Zealand & Hiking Tips, A Guide to Hiking The Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, 5 Epic Hikes in Mount Cook National Park That Are TOTALLY Worth It (New Zealand), Guide to the Routeburn Track: Should You Do It as a Day Hike? The hike ends in a raging waterfall. DON’T do this hike if you only have intentions of doing the Diamond Lake Loop. Your email address will not be published. Related: 4 Easy But Beautiful Walks Around Dunedin. The hikes are separated by North Island and South Island. The views along the way are incredible, finishing with a gorgeous natural rock archway, reached only by entering a narrow tunnel down to the beach. When I hiked French Ridge, we just showed up as it’s first come first serve and we only had eight others with us. Your day, your way. In the Queenstown area, Routeburn Track starts at the north end of Lake Wakatipu and ends in Te Anau. And with nearly 1,000 huts scattered throughout the country, there are plenty to choose from. This section of the hike is steep and slippery and some may need hiking poles. *This is only if you do the ENTIRE thing, you can do what I explained above and just hike small sections of it. The first of which can be found by following the Waipohatu Trail. You can also extend it, as the hut provides beds, but it is also the perfect candidate for a one day adventure. Abel Tasman National Park is situated at the very top of the South Island near the Nelson, and Abel Tasman Coast Track was the first of the New Zealand's Great … After this, you are greeted by a vast mountain, and for the next few hours, you will literally be climbing, using the trees and rocks to help you up. What I did love was the cows and horses along the way, the fact that NOBODY was on the hike with me and the great work out it gave my glutes. The view from the summit will blow you away! The Tongariro Crossing takes between six to eight hours to complete. When you get to the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Mount Rolleston across the valley, and you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the area. We’ve assembled our favorite hiking trails … One of my fav pictures from my time in New Zealand! Park your car here and take the easy waterfall loop to Fushia, Boundary, Hinewai, and Ghost Falls. Fox Glacier and the surrounding mountains are unbelievably stunning. It’s quite the geological oddity. Just down the way from Hinewai, is the sacred Maori site, Onawe. The hike is actually quite easy but is perhaps rated as more of a moderate hike due to its length and the fact that it’s totally exposed. Find out about opportunities for work online or abroad, how to budget, how to get started, tips, and more! After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. This flexible Hop-on Hop-off bus pass allows you to either take your time in each epic stop over or cruise on through on the minimum time (18 days). A cool hike in New Zealand is the Wentworth Valley Waterfall Hike which will take you through lush jungle to Wentworth Falls, a two-tier cascade which will have you reaching for your camera. Recommended by Danny from What’s Danny Doing? The Milford Track is one of the most popular Great Walks, with forested mountains climbing steeply out of glacier-carved valleys. The Mount Robert Circuit is located on New Zealand’s South Island within Nelson Lakes National Park  The route is well signed and easy. If you enjoy being outdoors and exploring breathtaking scenery, then you tackle this New Zealand hike. December and January are great times to hike as the weather is perfect but this means everyone else and their mom is also there to hike during the great weather. 15 Nov, 2020 12:00 AM Quick … This day hike will, however, provide some of the most spectacular volcanic scenery you’re ever likely to see! The Tongariro Alpine … # 1 Abel Tasman Coast Track. Listening to the not-so-distant sound of keas chirping away, you’ll start by crossing two footbridges over the Bealey River and Devils Punchbowl Creek. Great job . In the northern Auckland area, the Waitakere Ranges have multiple tracks within them covering over 241 km (150 miles) of land. Listed as a moderate level track, the slightly undulating walk is relatively easy with only a few steep sections. It takes an hour to get from the parking lot to the hut. Climbing to the top of it is not the sort of thing one tackles as a day jaunt – this is serious mountain climbing country which has been tackled by world famous climbers such Edmund Hillary. The beginning of the hike can be sketchy along the ridgeline but that’s what made it fun. On the trip, don’t miss out on the slight detour that will take you up to the mighty Bell Falls to see the water cascade over the ancient lava flow. They are our premier walking tracks and included in their number is … The parking lot at the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road marks the start of the Pinnacles Walk. Just get lost in it. Lake Wanaka. If you come between November and January, you’ll be rewarded with a field of colorful blooming lupins. The hike begins with a 2.7km track, weaving its way downhill, through beautiful native New Zealand bush From there, it connects to the highlight of the walk, the Mokoroa Stream Track (3km). Experience New Zealand at its best with a multi-day hike through the country's most iconic scenery, beautiful national parks and diverse landscapes. Abel Tasman Coastal Track day hikes. There are some beautiful walks in Dunedin, all of which are relatively easy to navigate. It has also been living under the shadow of Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes National Park located beside it. The 25 kilometers was a lot but again, the trail was easy. Related: 11 Things to Do in The Catlins in 2 Days, Recommended by Rohan from Travels of a Bookpacker. There are so many beautiful day hikes in … If you don’t mind the crowds, the view is pretty spectacular from the top. The track provides two huts, but you must bring your own cookware and toilet paper. A world-renowned trek, it is often described as the “world’s greatest day walk”. “One of the best day hikes in New Zealand is the hike to Mueller Hut. The trek can be family-friendly if you go the day-trip route or can last three to four days for the true adventurer. The isolation is part of the insane beauty of this hike and even in the peak of summer, you won’t have to share the track with hoards of other people. In the Marlborough region, the Queen Charlotte Track is 70 km (43.5 miles) with multiple hills, making it more challenging than hikes of a similar length. It starts at Kohaihai, and spans to the upper valley of the Aorere River in the Golden Bay. Does a hike past glacial waters, across swing bridges, below mind-boggling mountains and through lush forested areas sound good? These petite penguins are endemic to the Canterbury region and nest in the nooks and crannies along the coast. Spending the night in a mountain hut is definitely worthy of a spot on an adventurous New Zealand bucket list. Being location independent is empowering and I know you can do it too! It is one of the longest hikes in New Zealand, and can take up to 10 days to complete. Located in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, Temple Basin is one of the most scenic trails in the area. There are no trash cans at the huts. The only thing that’s provided are mats to sleep on. You’ll spot volcanoes Mt. Already you’ll gain impressive views through the pass and a sneak peek at the waterfall awaiting you. Keep in mind they have opposite seasons of my European and American friends… and also, as discussed above, they have some serious hikes and crazy weather, so pack accordingly. It is beautiful and exciting but can be pretty scary, so it’s maybe not the best idea to tackle it by yourself. Take a loop at the end of the peninsula for some more views and head back to hang at the beach for a bit. It’s one of the shorter tracks, but still provides a variety of stunning landscapes for nature lovers. First, you will walk straight into what is called the “pancake” rocks. Walking around the mountain will give you an incredible perspective of this natural wonder, with one of the most incredible sights being the perfect reflection of Mount Taranaki in the tarn in front of it. If you’re looking to spend the night in a hut that isn’t too crowded, yet is accessible in just a few hours of hiking, Brewster Hut fits the bill perfectly. Save this pin to your New Zealand board NOW! Tongariro and Mt. The upper lookout is located at an opening at the end of the trail. Here you will find there are two separate lookout points that you can hike to; the lower an upper lookout. With it’s proximity to Queenstown, you’d think people would be flocking here but for some reason, we had this hike, during high season, all to ourselves, and we were not mad about it! This relatively flat track takes you through a glacier-carved valley to a viewpoint overlooking Franz Josef Glacier. This is a quick trail and a great intro to the Mount Egmont National Park, featuring Mount Taranaki. Possibly one of New … If you want to travel longer you have to, Last updated Sep 18, 2020 | Published on Aug 4, 2019. To keep things light and easy, we made the choice to NOT cook any meals on the trail. Leave early to enjoy the calm part of the day, and allow time to fully immerse yourself in this special corner of Canterbury. The track passes over mountains, forests, gorges, rivers, and lake shores, and there are bridges, steps, and boardwalks that provide relatively safe passage over the land. During our three months traveling in NZ, we sought out the best trails and hiked as much as possible. *Make sure to read my Routeburn Track post to see if doing part of it as a day hike only is best for you! It will take you approximately 3 to 4 hours to go up to the hut which sits at around 1,800m and then another couple of … Located on the outskirts of Auckland, you’ll find the unique Goldie Bush Walkway and Mokoroa Stream Track with a dozen or so river crossings, we’ve never encountered a day hike that’s so close to a major center while offering such excitement–it’s a definite Auckland must-do. But a quick jaunt through some forest and you’ll be at the base of the falls. In fact, you follow the river valley for much of the walk. For views of glaciers and icebergs, take the easy Tasman Lake and Blue Pools hike. Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park. I only wore Merino Wool socks as they are quick-drying and warm. You won’t regret the effort of the steps once you reach the end! Daily Scheduled Tours with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures. For the rest of the walk the water should be up to your knees as you go against the stream, around boulders and even up small waterfalls. The track to the Devils Punchbowl Waterfall is easily one of the best short walks in Arthur’s Pass and a popular hike in New Zealand. The landscape on … You’ll soon hear the thunderous sound of water getting closer as the track evens out. I have no idea how this hike isn’t more popular. Whakapapa. Mount Cook. Although there are a few sets of stairs, it is a mostly flat and walkable path with multiple viewing points to see the different natural formations. It’s incredibly trippy and definitely adds to the challenge of this hike. The steps made it easier for their packhorses to climb the steep paths to the bushmen’s camp. DOC states that the route should take 5 hours in total, but most will complete it in around half this time. The hike takes you through some farmland and along the coast with views of Queenstown in the distance. It weaves in and out of the island, touching along most of the coastline and delving into the dense forests. There are a BBQ and gas cookers available for your convenience. You will need to provide all your own tent gear and sometimes you are not allowed to use the facilities in the hut. The parking lot is even great because you get a prime viewing point of all the skydivers jumping over The Remarkables. It is a pretty steep trail but one you arrive it is clear why it is one of the most visited attractions on North Island. I’d estimate it’s another 1.5 kilometers round trip and would make this hike more moderate than easy. You retrace your steps on day 2. Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the country’s most beautiful golden beach tracks, giving you maximum sunshine and native bush as well as the chance to see some exciting aquatic wildlife. Lastly, grab a snack or something because speaking of hiking over mountain tops and through forests, this post is packed with over 9,000 words of information on hiking in New Zealand, which is quite a feat in itself. With countless stream crossings, stunning water holes and the opportunity for a little free-climbing (should you choose), this hike is a real treat! You can also extend it, as the hut provides beds, but it is also the perfect candidate for a one day adventure. There will be a few river crossings on this hike as well so wear proper shoes. Make sure you’re prepared with the proper equipment. Best day hikes in New Zealand 1. You can either go clockwise or anti-clockwise, starting and finishing in the same location. It is located approximately 50 kilometers northwest from Wanaka in the Mount Aspiring National Park. There’s a short hike around the peninsula giving you the best views of Akaroa Harbour. This is partly because many longer hikes eventually cross a high mountain pass, and partly because the effort of carrying more than 4 days’ worth of food adds to the challenge of any backcountry undertaking. Ben Lomond Summit, Queenstown 3. A Guide to Hiking The Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand Weather on Stewart Island is known for being unpredictable and can be very wet so make sure you pack waterproof gear. This is a relatively easy hike but it’s long with a gradual incline almost the entire way. Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. (New Zealand) Learn how you can live, travel, and work abroad! Piha Beach and Lion Rock from the Tasman Lookout. But birdlife isn’t the only highlight; keep your eyes on the ocean for dolphins and seals, and on the track for a stray sheep—as the path cuts right through an active farm. If you’re taking on any of the easier hikes, you’re good to just go, but any of the moderate and difficult hikes, and definitely if you’re staying in any of the huts, it takes two seconds to ring them up and ask them if the conditions are safe. Be careful as the possibility of losing the trail becomes great when the fog disperses leaving you in a thick grey blanket without any trail markers! If you stay here, it gives you the incredible opportunity to watch the sunrise and sunset. All your efforts are rewarded with 360-degree views of Mount Aspiring National Park. As with most places on the West Coast (one of New Zealand’s wettest regions), the weather can play a huge part. The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular hike in the park and do I dare say possibly one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand. Recommended by Tayler from Traveling Tayler, During my time in New Zealand, I was really fortunate to be able to extensively explore the South Island. Rated intermediate, it’s a 2-day hike and a one way in, one way out kind of deal. This challenging New Zealand hike climbs the Mangatepoppo Valley to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe (famously known as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy) through the South Crater, before climbing again to the Red Crater, the highest point on the crossing (1886 meters). The Sandymount Track can be found in the Otago Peninsula and is a 3km loop along a sandy track. There are no truly easy hikes longer than 4 days in New Zealand. In this post you will find the 10 most beautiful South Island walks: 1. Related: 5 Epic Hikes in Mount Cook National Park That Are TOTALLY Worth It. I’ve never traveled to a country who took such good care of their hikers. Mount Alfred isn’t a very common one either which makes it slightly more special. In bad weather, you won’t be able to cross here at all. Here are a couple of tips for your visit: This is one of the memorable hikes in New Zealand you will do! For your hard work, you are rewarded with an almost 360° view over the Coromandel Peninsula that will make you feel like you are on top of the world! Hiking the incredible Pouakai Circuit is one of the best ways to experience the incredible Mount Taranaki in Egmont National Park. On the North Island, Tongariro Northern Circuit is in Tongariro National Park and spans 43 km (27 miles), bringing you to volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, and dense forests. This is, without a doubt, one of the best day hikes I’ve done in New Zealand and believe me I’ve done A LOT! Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The track takes you around the craggy headland and offers spectacular views over the ocean. All food and drink must be carried on the hike, as well as essentials for changing weather conditions. Marahau to Anchorage is an easy hike for the day, however, it’s long. While the hike isn’t too hard, there is a lot of uphill and a good chunk of it is fully exposed. AllTrails has 1,378 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Some of the easier hikes in New Zealand will go from easy peasy to needing an ice ax and crampons very quickly. Ready for some activity? A popular spot is Karekare Falls, which you can reach via the Kitekite Track which is a 45-minute walk that takes you through waterfalls, streams, and pools. The Kepler Track is home to the Kepler Challenge, where runners take on the entire track in one day, a feat that usually takes about five hours to complete. At this high point on the trek, you have tremendous views in every direction of the Tongariro National Park. Likewise, you need a head for heights. This is a point to point hike, so transport arrangements must be made for both ends of the hike. New Zealand's hiking and outdoor adventure specialist with tours to suit all fitness levels on great walks and trails. There are also several remnants from WW2, as well as various caves to explore and conveniently placed benches to pause and enjoy the views. This is the best hiking resource for New Zealand ever written! You’ll pass a deep, golden valley surrounded by towering cliffs, with the highlight being Harris Saddle which sits almost in the middle of the route. The track is more regulated in the summer months, requiring trampers to complete the track in four days (regardless of weather) specifically following the northern circuit. If you’re looking for an easy hike with lots of scenic variety, the Franz Josef Glacier Track shouldn’t be missed. Located on New Zealand’s north island, this stunning hike will take you along the beautiful cliffside trail of Mercer Bay track (2.7km) which is studded with viewpoints out onto the raging ocean. 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