hiking trails in New Zealand

Off the beaten hiking trails in New Zealand

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New Zealand might prove the right vacation fit for you if you are looking for off the beaten touristy destinations, lesser chaos, serenity, and picturesque landscape. Backpackers heartedly sign up for it due to a plethora of daring activities on the board. Be it skiing, diving, hiking, trekking, or just wandering free in the meadows, the place is no short of electrifying treats.

You might find a lot of hiking treks splattered around New Zealand yet there several off the beaten destinations that are not talked about much. Due to the diverse landscape of New Zealand, there is something for everyone. The treks snaking through the farmlands, coastal lines, mountains, and river valleys are dusted by rugged paths, daring plunges, and unspoiled surroundings.

New Zealand might seem a long shot. But believe us, the place is worth your time, effort, and money. It is the perfect destination to hit upon when social distancing is the new normal these days. The unblemished settings of New Zealand are ready to treat you with an air of freshness, excitement, and enchantment. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s roll in.

Tongariro National Crossing

This 19.4 km long Tongariro Crossing trek is located in the Tongariro National Park-North Island. North Island is the 14th largest island in the world and is populated with sturdy mountains and a series of volcanoes. The trek can be crowded sometimes yet it qualifies to be on your bucket list for all the exciting reasons.

Three of the volcanoes i.e., Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe are present on this trek. The picturesque landmarks along the trek include the Devil’s Staircase, the three Emerald Lakes, and the Red Crater.

On this 7–8-hour long hike, one gets to adore all the bewildering landscapes of New Zealand. Be it barren volcanic fields, the impressive shades of the emerald lake, or the serene rainforest, the place is no short of scenic shots. A similar hike in Patagonia -Mount Fitz Roy Trek is packed with so much adventure and thrill that one feels like going to the track over and over again.

Te Whara Track

The next trek on the list is quite challenging due to its steep paths, and ridges. This one-way 7.5km hiking track is dotted between Ocean beach and Urquhart Bay. Keeping aside its difficult terrain, the lushing surroundings that you get to appreciate while passing through the coastal forest are unmatchable.

The coastal panoramic views towards the Ocean Bay summit are worth capturing behind the lens. Ocean bay summit is quite close to the WWII ruins of a radar station. The summit captures the beautiful peaks of Cape Brett, Cape Rodney, and Poor Knights and nearby island in one frame.

Te Whara Track also holds some cultural associations with it. You will get to see the symbolic rock structure of the wife of chief Manaia towards the eastern side of Bream Head. The track is considered to be 700 years old and is believed to have the footprints of Manaia.

Abbey Caves

Caves always carry an air of mystery with them. And what is a better treat than setting off on trekking in the caves? Abbey caves are a series of three caves namely Organ, Middle, and Ivy and are located in Whangarei.

Get ready to be welcomed by a trek sprinkled with limestone structures, sinkholes, glowing worms, and an air of thrill and excitement.

Organ cave instantly takes you to an underworld. Tree roots wrapped around the rocks, a knee-deep stream rushing under the feet, and the soft hues of light emanating from glittering worms; the actual feel cannot be wrapped in the words. Located at a distance of 5 minutes from the Organ cave, the Middle cave is also packed with a crystal-clear water stream, and an endless series of fluorescent worms dangling from the cave roof.

Ivy cave has the most bewildering entrance of all the caves as the door of the caves is dotted with limestone rocks, soft bushes, and moss. All three caves have opened at both ends. Still craving for some more surreal experiences like this? We have got you covered. Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain dipped in the mystifying hues of rainbow colors is a must-do hike to satisfy your wandering and carefree nature.

Mueller Hut

Muller Hut overnight hike is quite demanding yet exciting at the same moment. Muller Hut trek is located in the Mountain Cook region and is believed to be a 5.2 km long track with an 1800-meter elevation. Kicking off from the White Horse Hill campground, nearly 7 hours are required to cover this difficult trek on both sides.

The first part of the trek is a series of never-ending stairs. The stairs are unofficially documented to be around 2000 in numbers. The part first can be quite draining as the stairs get steeper while moving upwards. It takes around 2 hours to complete the journey on staircases and get welcomed by the sight of a picturesque lake at Sealy Tarns. This resting point is perfect to relax, breathe out, take a snack, and get ready for the next part of the trek.

The second part of the hike is quite slippery, rocky, and daunting. Get ready for hiking on a steep uphill with boulders climbing, unmarked rocky paths, and some loose rocks. Keeping trekking past the ridgeline until you reach the Muller Hut dipped in cobalt orange colour. Opt for an overnight stay or trek back down, the views are equally mesmerizing and enchanting to feast and adore.

Lake Clearwater Circuit

Stationed near Methven-Canterbury, this 10.5 km long trail is studded with wildflowers and green patches all around. The track is 6 hours long (to and back) and proves the best fit for families due to its moderate difficulty level. The hike starts at Lake Clearwater in Clearwater village.

Clearwater lake is itself so inviting and alluring that one cannot resist spending some hours here. Windsurfing, Ice skating, and fishing are the most exciting activities of the lake. The hiking trail starting from the lake snakes through the village spreading along the northern facet. The trail is branched towards two destinations. One ends up at Mount Guy Summit whereas the other concludes at the Mystery Lake.

Both paths are enriched with natural wonders and leave no means to impress its trekkers. Trekking Mount Guy in winters gives an instant relief with the enchanting views of the mountain powdered with the fresh snow. Trekking in summers has its perks. Trek along the rugged trail, go for biking on the mountains, or just feast on the mesmerizing views, the picturesque landscape is simply irresistible.

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