New Zealand

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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

Backpack the Routeburn Track

Kinloch, New Zealand

5.0

12.5 mi

If you're looking for the best the Routeburn Track has to offer but only have one night to spend - hike from the Glenorchy side Routeburn Shelter to Lake Mackenzie in 12.5 miles (approx. 3,500 feet of elevation gain) and stay at this stunning hut location before backtracking over Harris Saddle the following day. There are plenty of other hut options that allow shorter hiking days if you have th...

Hike to Cathedral Cove

Hahei, New Zealand

4.7

3.1 mi

Cathedral Cove is an isolated beach on the Coromandel Peninsula in the small coastal town of Hahei. Being that this is one of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand, you can expect some crowds. You can take your chances at finding a spot in the small lot, or there is a shuttle option that leaves from town. that takes about 5 mins.The hike down to the beach is about 2.5 km and should on...

Roys Peak Track

Glendhu Bay, New Zealand

5.0

6.8 mi / 4127.3 ft gain

This is a very strenuous uphill hike, with very few level stretches along the way, so make sure you have a good level of fitness, and wear sturdy shoes to avoid blisters, as the way back down will be hard on your knees and feet. The track begins on private land, which is grassy with lots of sheep (and their poo) lying around, following a dirt road that turns into gravel once you've crossed int...

Hike to Te Waihou Springs

Ngatira, New Zealand

3.7

2.9 mi / 0 ft gain

There are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata. Though the entire 5 km track is absolutely stunning, the most popular section, being the Blue Springs, is less than a ten min walk from the lot. The Blue Springs pool is absolutely out of a fantasy world. The water running through the river is the clearest and pures...

Climb to Mueller Hut

Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

5.0

6.4 mi / 3000 ft gain

This trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow the signs for the Hooker Valley) and park in the day use area. The trail begins at the back of the parking lot (the end opposite to the road entry) w...

Explore Hobbiton

Matamata, New Zealand

5.0

1 mi / 0 ft gain

The Hobbiton Movie Set is built into the hills of a private farm in Matamata, two hours south of Aukland. You can get your tickets online, in town, or right at the set. Peter Jackson and crew spent many months right here on the farm filming and building the immaculate set for the films.It truly is incredible to see the craft that went into recreating Tolkien's Shire. You will learn all about th...

Hike to the top of Mount Maunganui

Tauranga, New Zealand

4.6

2.4 mi / 757.9 ft gain

Mount Maunganui sits right on the water in the Bay of Plenty. Half the island rests on the open ocean, where the other half rises out of the bay. Driving in to the town, it's impossible not to see this massive piece of land jutting above the flat town and ocean around it.Once you have found parking, which might take awhile, the trail starts at the end of the beach walkway along the sand. There ...

Explore the Mangapohue Natural Bridge

Te Anga, New Zealand

4.7

1 mi / 0 ft gain

Mangapohue Natural Bridge is about 30 kilometers past the infamous Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo. Continue on Te Anga Rd and you'll run into the beginning of the trail on the right. It's only about a 10 min walk out to the cavern so no need to worry about bringing a day pack.You walk through a tree covered gorge of limestone with the stream running below until you run straight into the cavern. The...

Evening at Piha Beach

Piha, New Zealand

4.8

The beautiful black sand stretches as far as the eye can see at Piha Beach. Just a short hour drive from nearby Auckland, Piha Beach makes for the perfect evening getaway.Hike to the top of Lion Rock (well almost the top...the last portion of the trail is closed due to loose rock and hazardous conditions) for an amazing view of the breaking surf and setting sun. Ease of access and stunning beau...

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