A blog about New Zealand tramping / hiking
A challenging hike up to the top of Fanthams Peak and Syme Hut – the North Island’s highest DOC hut – with amazing views across to towering Taranaki and out over the Taranaki plains. Length: Around 8.5 km return, with over 1,000m elevation gain / descent Time taken: 9 hours return with lots of rests — DOC
This day-walk to Tama Lakes and Taranaki Falls is a beautiful alternative to the Tongariro Crossing. The well-maintained track swings past the impressive Taranaki Falls, before taking you between two of Tongariro National Park’s active volcanoes; Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, to reach the two lakes (sitting in craters left over from old vent explosions). Length: 17km return,
Arguably the best day hike in Fiordland National Park, Gertrude Saddle rewards you with beautiful views towards Milford Sound and the Tasman Sea. Length: 7km return with around 600m elevation gain Time taken: 4-6 hours return Difficulty: Medium Facilities: Homer Hut is a NZAC hut at the trailhead. We used public toilets at the Divide
A beautifully situated red alpine hut, and a majestic long-drop with views over the surrounding mountains and glaciers, is the reward for the steep climb to French Ridge Hut (the track was made by climbers and you can certainly tell). Length: 16.2km one-way with over 1000m elevation gain Time taken: 3 days (day one to Aspiring
The Mount Fox Route is a fantastic West Coast tramp for experienced and fit trampers, with fantastic views across to Fox Glacier. Length: ~7.4km return with 1,200m elevation gain (& then descent) Time taken: 8 hours return, we took 5 hours up, overnight stay, then 3 hours down the next day Difficulty: difficult Facilities: none.
Mueller Hut is a popular overnight trip in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park that gives you amazing 360º views over Hooker Valley towards Aoraki, and across to the icefall on Mt Sefton. Falling asleep in the hut (or tent) to the sound of summer avalanches on the other side of the valley is certainly an experience
Emily Pass is a rewarding but challenging side trip / alternative route on the Routeburn Track spanning some of the best scenery in Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. Start: Routeburn Shelter, trailhead of the Routeburn Track near Glenorchy End: Lake Mackenzie Hut on the Routeburn Track Length: 15km with 1,300m elevation gain / 700m
Gillespie Pass or the Wilkin-Young Circuit is a challenging tramp through some of the country’s best scenery, particularly the side-trip up to Lake Crucible. Start: 2.5 km north of Makarora on SH6 is a signposted carpark opposite the Young River. Starting here involves crossing the Makarora River via foot or jetboat. Alternatively, you can start
