Joanna James
Craving a bit of adventure in New Zealand? The island country is blessed with scores of incredible hiking and walking trails, inviting you to set your inner adventurer free. Come, feed your appetite for fun and adventure whilst savouring some of New Zealand’s most tranquil and scenic nature.
Extending from Mārahau in the south to Wainui in the north, the 60-kilometre walking track is one of New Zealand’s most popular Great Walks. The scenic walking trail follows the coastline of the sprawling nature reserve, taking you through lush green forests and pristine golden sands. If your holiday programme only allows you a day to enjoy the Abel Tasman National Park, make your way to the 11-kilometre stretch that extends from Medlands Beach to Anchorage, which makes for a perfect one-day hike.
Anyone who is lucky enough to have a fair share of New Zealand’s Great Walks under their belts would unhesitantly agree that Routeburn Track is the most beautiful of them all. The incredible 32-kilometre tramping track in the South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its mind-blowing scenery. Cutting through slithering rivers and dramatic lakes, the track affords fantastic views across mountain peaks and valleys. Those who can’t afford to hike the entire 32 kilometres, try the 3.4-kilometre hike to Key Summit, where you are sure to get your fill of breathtaking views no less than someone who does the entire track.
Among Auckland’s whole host of volcanoes, Rangitoto may be the youngest, but it is also the city’s largest, treating adventure-craving hikers to an incredible 7-kilometre trek. The hike up the 260-metre-high summit affords magnificent city views that stretch for miles. Adding to the adventurous hike and its scenic views is the exciting ferry ride from downtown Auckland, which is the one and only way to get to the volcanic island. After a day of heart-pumping hiking, retreat to a fine Auckland city hotel the likes of Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, and call it a day.
For those looking forward to savouring a dose of adventure, no more than a day, Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often known as New Zealand’s finest one-day walk as well as one of the best in the world. This incredible 20-kilometre tramping track in the Tongariro National Park is also famous for its setting in the popular Lord of the Rings trilogy. The truly adventurous could complete the entire track in no more than 7 to 8 hours, while others may take a little bit more.
Another hiking route where the filming of fan-favourite Lord of the Rings took place, the Milford Track is arguably the most famous walk in all of New Zealand. It is a track that sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and what has been referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". You are bound to have an exciting experience here.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
