10 Top New Zealand Hiking Routes & Treks Based On 1,306 Reviews

We’ll begin the day with a heart-pumping hike up Rocky Mountain if you feel energetic. This afternoon it’s a change of scenery as we make our way to the Mackenzie Country, an area of jaw-dropping beauty, wide-open skies, glacial lakes and distant towering peaks. We’ll spend the next two nights staying at the foot of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Your hike will offer breathtaking views of Lake Rotoiti as you climb steadily to the summit. To take a break from the intense scenery, you can use the shelters and huts found along the route. As you ascend, the forest recedes, walk past alpine herbs and shrubs.

Skiing, caving and skydiving are all options that can get you outside. Keep up with the latest OBP journey offerings, get tips on the best times to plan travel to certain destinations, and more. Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities. Destination New Zealand, everything the visitor needs to know about travelling to New Zealand. Camping – Camp in a variety of campsites. On the “wild nights”, you might camp under natural rock shelters, at remote beaches, or even under the stars. From your comfortable, well-located accommodation to the spacious vehicle you will be travelling in, no detail is overlooked in planning your holiday.

We stop in Wanaka for a look around this lakeside alpine resort and a chance to enjoy a cafe lunch at our leisure. The final leg of the journey is a remarkable drive over the Crown Range. The summit offers breathtaking views of the Wakatipu Basin, lakes, and surrounding area.

This stunning trail takes you past rocky outcrops and quiet, sheltered coves to reach golden, palm-fringed beaches. You might want to go to the beach to swim, or just relax on your private deck. Perhaps you’d like to chat with other walkers who pass by. As the day draws to a close, the day-hikers leave and a hush falls over the lodge; you are among the lucky few to experience this magical place overnight. This evening, join your fellow walkers and guides for a delicious dinner of locally sourced ingredients. You’ll eat fresh food from the local farms and the sea throughout your adventure. Although New Zealand’s cuisine is largely British-influenced, many modern dishes are influenced by the Mediterranean, Southeast Asian and Pacific Rim.

• The South Island of New Zealand is a haven for walkers and hikers.
• You might even choose to float in an underground river with glowworms lighting your path.
• Save up to 50% on things like three-course dinners or lessons in catamaran sailing.
• The hotel is not air conditioned but does offer WiFi throughout.
• Yes, all the places we stay on our Pure South trip have electricity.

You can enjoy the same scenery as bikers, but on foot. Akaroa sits on a quiet harbour surrounded by the remnants of an old volcano and is rich in both Maori and French history. It’s the perfect spot to spend the last night of our trip together. We’ll arrive into Akaroa by late afternoon and you’ll have time to explore the township’s colonial architecture and its thriving arts and crafts scene, as well as few of the locals.

You will find it easier to find the best accommodations, guides, and activities you want. Read more about Ahipara here. It is best to start talking with us at least six months before you plan to travel. You have a much lower chance of finding the best accommodations and guides for a customized trip that departs in three months.