A blog about New Zealand tramping / hiking
Autumn colours herald my favourite season by far (not at all related to my birthday being in April). I love the cooler temperatures, the explosions of bright colours, and crunching leaves underfoot. New Zealand can experience ‘four seasons in a day’ as the saying goes, but one of the only places that really has a
Breast Hill is a challenging track near Hāwea & Wānaka that offers incredible views on a nice day across the lake and surrounding mountains. Start & End: trailhead on Timaru Creek Road, 10 minutes’ drive from Hāwea Length: ~5km one-way with almost 1000m elevation gain = very, very steep Time taken: 3 – 4 hours
Being heavily pregnant, I’m sadly becoming limited to shorter walks, rather than the longer tramps I’m used to. I think I’ve walked around all the Invercargill locals a zillion times by now. I wanted to get out and see something new! So when the Mountain Safety Council asked if I wanted to test out their
Lake Nerine is a gorgeous alpine lake hidden in Mt Aspiring National Park between the Routeburn and Rockburn Valleys. It offers those with appropriate backcountry skills an amazing trip over three alpine passes; North Col, Park Pass and Sugarloaf Pass. Start & End: Routeburn Shelter, trailhead of the Routeburn Track near Glenorchy Length: approximately 44.5km with 2,700m cumulative
Roys Peak is one of the most popular hikes in the country, with beautiful views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains, including Mt Aspiring. Length: 16km return with over 1200m elevation gain (& descent) Time taken: 5-8 hours return carpark-summit. Times will differ drastically depending on fitness and amount of time taking in the
Heather Jock Hut is one of the best hikes from Glenorchy located in Whakaari Conservation Area. This is either a day or overnight trip to a beautiful Central Otago backcountry hut, full of mining history and gorgeous views. Length: ~17km return with 900m elevation gain / descent Time taken: 3.75 hours up, 2.5 hours down.
Rangiwahia Hut is one of the most popular walks in the Ruahines. It’s only a two hour walk up, with a picturesque bridge, views over the rolling hills to Ruapehu & Taranaki. (As well as the most beautifully painted long-drops I have ever seen.) Length: about 4km return to the hut, including a 500m climb Time taken: 2hrs to the
Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake is an epic trip. Not only are you climbing the highest peak in the North Island – you’re also climbing an active volcano. The prize at the top is Crater Lake, a warm sulphuric lake sitting on top of the volcanic vent, and amazing views as far as Mt Taranaki on a
