New Zealand Hiking Blog

Magical Landscapes around every corner...

In the North Island, visitors can easily discover epic landscapes like Tongariro – the home of the Dark Lord Sauron. In the South Island, you’re free to imagine yourself floating down the glistening Pelorus River, just like the escaping Dwarves did in The Desolation of Smaug.

New Zealand's Great Walks – Choosing the Right Track for You

We all know one of the ultimate reasons to visit New Zealand is for the jaw-dropping scenery. Luckily for you, our Department of Conservation has designated nine New Zealand Great Walks spread throughout the country, each showcasing a different set of iconic New Zealand landscapes, flora, and fauna. These experiences are outlined below – take your pick, from vertigo-inducing alpine splendor to tranquil forests and glittering sandy shores. First, you’ll need to decide whether to freedom walk or take a guided tour.

With such iconic names as the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks walk including Arthurs Pass and Mount Cook, National Parks and Fox Glacier.  The New Zealand Trails - World Heritage New Zealand Hiking Tour ticked all the right boxes - but was I up for the challenge?

After only a few weeks in New Zealand our intrepid Dutch intern, Remy de Jong,  decided to hike the West Auckland 4 Day Hillary Trail – Mid Winter. The Hillary Trail Named after the New Zealand mountaineer, Sir Edmond Hillary (The first to the top of Everest) The Hillary Trail is a tough but worthwhile 4 day 3 night wilderness hike. The 70km (43 Mile) trail is is known for its lush native forests, giant stands of mature kauri and huge dunes that backdrop the volcanic black sands that stretch along endless roaring beaches.