Lake Hawea doesn’t have the street cred that Lake Wanaka does, but don’t let that put you off exploring the surrounding peaks. Visiting the glaciers on a short day walk in the South Island might not be something we can do in years to come! This South Island walk is only around 30 minutes long but is a great place to try and spot Blue Penguins. But thee hype is justified, because Roys Peak offers an absolutely stunning view. Lake Marian Track (Fiordland National Park). Thankfully I was able to find a photo of the lake fog-free, so you can see what it really looks like. The viewing platform is also the perfect place to watch the sunset over the ocean! Found inside – Page 36They also lead four- to five-day treks down the isolated West Coast under cliffs full of huge fossils. From NZSSS. South Island. BIRD. You could also walk part of the trail as a day trip, by taking a water taxi in/out. Plus there's New Zealand is an explorer’s paradise, filled with stunning walks that venture high and low. Your journey ends with the most epic of photo opportunities: a glistening glacial lake … I wandered the South Island for three months. The track is often rocky underfoot and due to recent slips you need to climb over and under several trees but this just adds to the fun, in my humble opinion. Mount Robert Circuit, Nelson Lakes National Park – This 4-hour loop track is one of the most popular day walks in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Outlines definitive hiking tours recommended by the author as definitive forays into some of the world's most scenic or naturally significant locales, in a collection of weekend, four-day, and multi-week hikes that do not require technical ... In fact, the saddle is only a few hours return but has very similar views to the summit. Then after reaching the gondola the incline becomes a lot less straining until you reach the Ben Lomond Saddle. Definitely wear hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, snacks and warm clothing (it gets chilly at the top). This guide also covers all trails in Crater Lake National Park. Complete with maps, elevation profiles, and clear, informative hike narratives, this book is bound to be the standard against which all other guides for the area are judged. Your support is much appreciated! Apple Tree is one of the best. Day 4 Hike Cape Foulwind and Punakaiki rainforest. The Rocky Peak Track near Wanaka is our favorite day-hike on the South Island and should be added to your 7 day itinerary if time permits. Includes a few new hikes since the first edition and updates on trail segments that have changed. recently)! 15. Milford Track. This edition is completed revised, with a refreshed selection of walks, new text, photography and maps. Review the 10 Essentials for Hiking & Camping for the basics of what to pack. Thank you for compiling these! The trail takes you through beech and podocarp forest, and over the bright blue water of the Makarora River via a swing bridge. Mount Alfred. Found insideA large map shows every location covered in the book, and each entry has a locator map depicting the city and country. Both entertaining and informative, this book is an invaluable resource and inspiration for a lifetime of travel. From harder trails that involve a little courage to easier ones and short walks suited to all fitness levels, there’s a South Island day walk for almost everyone. The track begins at a car park, and unless you are hiking Roys Peak for sunrise (which I highly recommend), there isn’t always parking spaces available. The trail is 60km and takes 3-5 days. You can also overnight in the Te Whara Track in Northland (Whangarei) ... 10 of the most iconic backcountry huts on the South Island. South Island Itinerary Ideas for 1-4 Weeks, North Island Itinerary Ideas for 1-4 Weeks, 23 Epic Destinations for a Honeymoon in New Zealand, 8 Top Tips for Planning a New Zealand Trip, Click for more info - Disclaimer & Privacy Policy. I am Marta Kulesza - the photographer and creator of, I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe I hope you find your next great hike here! The trail starts only 5 minutes from Wanaka and is best hiked at sunrise to avoid the large crowds. Roy’s Peak Hike. Tasman Glacier and Meuller Hut are both popular. There’s also a track on Stewart Island (Rakiura Track) if you make it that far! Related posts: A distillation of the best hiking New Zealand and the South Island has to offer, as well as unique Kiwi experiences and action-packed adventures, our Pure South is a smorgasbord. The Tasman Lake walk is the shortest walk on this list. These spectacular mountain landscapes can be explored on the three Great Walks and other multi-day hikes. You can learn more About Me here. However, once at the peak, you are rewarded with the best views of Lake Wanaka that likely exist. A long trudge continuously uphill to the summit of Mount Fyfe near Kaikoura rewards you with amazing views over the flatlands towards the Pacific Ocean to the east but also along Found insideNow hundreds of New Zealanders and overseas visitors walk all or part of the trail every year. This is the story of how an individual took up a dream and single-mindedly created a heritage for future generations to enjoy. Hooker Valley Track is easily one of the most popular day treks on the South Island. The route will take you away from the throngs of tourists at Milford Although this is an easy hike, still be equipped with decent walking shoes, a water bottle and some snacks. Found insideLonely Planet's Hiking & Tramping in New Zealand is your up-to-date advice on what to see and skip on your next hike. range. The path can get busy on a clear day but the view of the surrounding glaciers is just incredible. This half day hike starts at the Hooker Valley car park and takes you through a sacred Topuni part of Hooker Valley. the ultimate list of day hiking trails on new zealand's south island 1. For those looking for short day hikes near Queenstown, this is definitely one to add to the list. Information about the trailheads, duration and difficulty level of the most popular hiking trails on New Zealand's South Island. I’d suggest driving out to French Pass and Bulwer (some of the best coastal views in New Zealand are found on / near this road) or do some of the Queen Charlotte Track or hang out and hike in Picton. It sounds like a lot and it is, but this trail is so worth it! summit. short road These experiences are best for hiking trails in South Island: Dragon Hunt Archery Experience in Pristine Native Forest; Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise; Self-Guided Queen Charlotte Track Walk from Picton; Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness; Half-Day Milford Track Guided Hiking Tour We are in the beginning stages of planning a trip to the south island for November. Many people take the road to Milford Sound from Te Anau with few stops, aiming to reach the end and return within one day. Although beautiful from the beach, you simply must hike Bob’s Cove Track up to Picnic Point to get an even better view of the area. The “car park” which is nothing more than a small gravel filed verge at the side of the road can contain about 4/5 cars max and doesn’t need to be any bigger as not that many people go The Bealey Spur track is exactly that, a quaint little hill near Arthurs Pass village that offers sublime views around the rest of the since. However, if you give yourself enough time or intend to stay overnight in Milford then you there are plenty of great walks along the way. The best long distance, all-season, tramp in New Zealand — North-west Circuit in Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island. Bob’s Cove is a gorgeous bay on Lake Wakatipu only 15 minutes from Queenstown on the road to Glenorchy. Travel from Nelson to Kaiteriteri with your guide, then hop aboard your water taxi. hut for more info. The well maintained trail and minimal elevation gain make this hike suitable for all levels of fitness and children. Bathroom facilities at the Divide carpark are limited to a particularly unpleasant drop toilet. Along the walk, you can watch the violent seas of the south crash against the cliffs and get a picture with the sign marking the most southern point – just so you can prove you went! Found insidePlan Your Trip Hiking on the South Island Hiking (aka bushwalking, ... Kahurangi National Park Top Day Hikes Mt Robert Circuit, Nelson Lakes National Park ... Many of the hikes in my Best Hikes in South Island New Zealand are in Fiordland. If you decide to ignore the sign that's your decision. Join over 100.000 monthly readers and get my posts delivered straight to your inbox! The hike takes 2.5 hours of steady hiking and you will need your own transport to get here, as there’s no local bus stop. Moke Lake; 1.3 3. This is the furthest south day hike in the South Island! You now need to pay $2 to walk it and there is often a line of people waiting to capture one of the most popular photos of it. For New Zealand, we were thinking of north of Auckland and the South Island again. After the saddle, the climb up to the peak becomes very steep again, but all the sweeter is the taste when you’ve reached the summit and get to enjoy the 360 degrees views over the lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. Distance: 16km return, 5-6 hours return Difficulty: Intermediate (steep track). It’s best to attempt this day hike in the warmer months as snow can be very deep on the slopes of Mount Ollivier after snowfall. Fully revised and updated, this guide offers 50 of the best hikes in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia that can be completed in less than a day. This gorgeous day hike is in Nelson National Park. loads of Kea, an alpine parrot, there too. valley. You can join a guided tour to do it. The best of both worlds. Found insideWith an emphasis on easy access to the outdoors and fitness, features of Urban Trails Eastside include: Trailhead directions, including public transit options "Know Before You Go" tips for park hours, events, and more Trail distances and ... The trail starts just outside the town of Punakaiki – a popular tourist destination. Found inside – Page 91You're back in Queenstown by day's end (starting at $135; www.ultimatehikes.co.nz) . BEST TOURS To sample the highlights of the entire South Island, ... Located near Queenstown there are two hikes – one around the lake, and the other to a viewpoint. Distance: 6.5km loop, 2 hours Difficulty: Easy. Along the route you'll get to enjoy epic views of the Cook Strait and, on a clear day, you'll get a peek at the South Island's mountain ranges. The Routeburn Track is the first of the “Great Walks” on this list of best hikes in South Island New Zealand and one that is truly worthy of the title. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day reveals Nomadic Matt’s tips, tricks, and secrets to comfortable budget travel based on his experience traveling the world without giving up the sushi meals and comfortable beds he enjoys. Another great day walk near Wanaka is Isthmus Peak, located in the mountain range separating Lake Hawea with Lake Wanaka. However, if your time is short you can instead do part of it in a day. The South Island’s best one day hikes The South Island’s best one day hikes . On your way, you’ll see a series of several spectacular waterfalls cascading down the green rocky cliffs. There are so many beautiful day hikes in New Zealand, but some of the best are definitely in the south. It's one of the reasons making it one of the most As soon as we booked our tickets, I started doing a TON of research on everything to do on New Zealand's south island. since I turned 18. There is camping in the national park near the car park, so after the hike you can set up camp and try another hike the following day. This is the ultimate hike from Queenstown, where I lived and worked for 4 months during New Zealand's summer. The path which leads mostly through private farmland has a nice balance between exposed and unexposed parts. spectacular when you get to the top. Find out all the details on hiking the Ben Lomond Track here. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician. 1. Once at the top you have possibly the best views of Mount Cook National Park. At the hut, you get stunning views of Lake Te Anau. If you want to extend the hike you can follow the Devils Punchbowl – Arthurs Pass – the first of our Best Day Hikes in the South Island of NZ; Hokitika Gorge – Hokitika/West Coast; Lake Matheson – Fox Township; Blue Pools – Makarora; Tasman Glacier – Aoraki/Mt Cook. Click to join our new adventure community! Considered one of the best day hikes in the South Island, the Hooker Valley Track guides you over the Hooker River on fun swing bridges, through the golden tussocks and rocky outcrops of the Hooker Valley, with the snow-capped peak of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook/Aoraki looming ahead. A list of the 14 best hikes on the South Island of New Zealand. This trail actually starts in the heart of Queenstown and ends at the summit of Ben Lomond Mountain. Found insideOrganized by region, this guide goes into detail about what makes each hike so remarkable and why it might be worth a detour or even a special journey for someone looking to broaden their horizons. This trail is much easier than its neighbour Ben Lomond and is definitely one of the best things to do in Queenstown. Best Easy Day Hikes Acadia National Park includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for easy-to-follow hikes in an area of Maine that has long captivated artists, millionaires, generations of families, and even presidents. 1.1 1. My husband and I both love hiking and this is so detailed and beautiful photos! Hike some of our legendary Great Walks. The trail culminates at Hooker Lake, where you’ll be greeted by views of Mount Cook and Meuller Glacier, and may see mini icebergs bobbing in the water. We review eight South Island short walks showcasing New Zealand’s extraordinary scenery in just a short stroll. I want to go back and do some of these other hikes though , Your email address will not be published. Horseshoe Canyon features evocative, Native American rock art which is really magnificent. It’s one a kind and although you can’t go inside it makes a lovely photo – the hut was built by the skiers of the Nelson Ski Club in 1931. The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. Mount Robert also has loads of native wildlife including cute wekas, rare dark brown kakas and fuzzy little piwakawakas. We rounded up 10 of the best day hikes in New Zealand for taking in coastlines, capes, volcanic cones, mountain passes, and scenery worthy of preservation in National Parks. Found inside – Page 104... 1.6-mile out-and-back Canine compatibility: Pets Hiking time: About 30 to ... USGS Destruction Island; Custom Correct South Olympic Coast Best season: ... 5. The view of Wanaka and Lake Wanaka are pretty spectacular though and make it worth the effort. But if you’re looking for an incredible day hike, there are 2 that us locals regard as the best of the best. Found inside – Page 132hard to follow in a couple of spots, but the trail is generously marked with ... Hike south along the east rim on slickrock pavement, then climb stone steps ... This short walk is only a 45-minute return, which makes it great for the young ones. South Island is absolutely the best place for outdoor lovers. Just summit. There is a good section of boardwalk (beware it can be icy at times) before a steep scramble to the summit. Question for you about timing and distance. Article by Marta Kulesza. 12 Best Hikes in South Island New Zealand, 12 Best Day Hikes in South Island, New Zealand. Roys Peak is by far my favourite day walk in New Zealand. Paparoa Track and Pike29 Memorial Track – It takes three days to walk or two days to mountain bike this new South Island hike. Found inside – Page 118The island has numerous unmarked trails that wander across and around it. ... Start at the Information sign beyond the barricade south of the parking area. It's one of the best backcountry huts in New Zealand but needs to be booked well in advance. Found inside – Page 9021 Menemsha Hills Reservation Trail This trail winds through oak woodland and heath that cover the rolling hills sweeping up to the edge of great sand ... After you've spent hours, possibly days, inside a stuffy cramped tin can with wings to get to these remote islands, there is no better way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air than going During the six months I was living in Dunedin, I never grew tired of the seemingly endless hiking trails on the South Island. As much as New Zealand is photographers’ paradise, it is also hiking heaven! Best hiking near NYC. Although it is a long one so you’ll want to start early and have some experience, it’s one of the best day hikes in Fiordland National Park. You can also see the waterfall see them from the much longer Scott’s Track and Avalanche Peak walks. It is quite exposed so be sure to take lots of water and seek out shade for resting when you can. Cruise the azure-blue seas toward the heart of Abel Tasman National Park and the start-point of your trek. effort. more importantly, toward the sunrise. If you’re craving challenging hills and picturesque views, then Roys Peak is the perfect day hike for you. This hike can be busy, but it’s easy to see why. Best Easy Day Hikes Cape Cod and the Islands includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty-three easy-to-follow hikes on Cape Cod’s sandy shores and its history-rich interior as well as on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. If you haven’t done a lot of multi-day hiking you might struggle carrying a big pack for all that time. Make sure you add some extra time to this South Island hike so that you can venture down to the lakeside and take some photos of these epic views! Roy's Peak features on many of my itineraries in my New Zealand Travel Guide. The Rocky Mountain Summit Track will provide you with some of the best views of Wanaka at over 700 metres up. By far the most popular way to explore is on a road trip, and stopping to do hikes in the South Island should definitely be on your itinerary. Whether you are staying in Queenstown, doing a south island road trip or staying in town, even one of the shorter Wanaka walks will whet your appetite for more. Queenstown to Fox is a long drive, over 5 hours, and even longer if you stop to eat, sightsee or enjoy any of the wonderful short walks along the Haast Pass. It’s also not uncommon to see icebergs floating in the lake! Hopefully it helps you plan a route. This will be our first time to NZ, so we'll want to hit some of the popular tourist destinations, but also want to do some hiking. Avalanche Peak. The great walks look fantastic; however, since we will only be there about 10 days, time will not allow. Find out why Cooks Beach is one of the best places to walk & explore. I haven’t made it to New Zealand yet, but this is an amazing lineup for whenever I make it there. Download my cookbook now! Easily accessible by boat, this massive park features four main areas: the 47-km Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, the China Beach day-use area, the China Beach Campground, and Botanical Beach. Found inside – Page 17At the south end of the island, you can view the split the island forms in the river; soon rocky shoals appear as you walk north on the island's east side. In the map below you’ll find the locations of the best hikes in South Island, New Zealand. Cheers and safe travels. trip itinerary on New Zealand's South Island. The Ben Lomond Track is easily one of best day hikes on the South Island. So thanks for the basics of what to see and skip on your next adventure on one of Queenstown s! Her favorites summit Track is an uphill slog but the cold glacier-fed Lake 3 Roy 's features! Adventure on one of New Zealand and the winding Bealey river will your. Walk is only around 30 minutes to finish involves a 2-hour climb through the rainforest be... 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