Glenorchy
Less than an hour from the bustling Queenstown, Glenorchy feels a world apart but shares the same epic scenery. With strict development controls and being on a road to effectively…
Tag: South Island
Mt McIntosh & Mt Judah Tracks
An enjoyably challenging (~1,400m ascent and descent) full day loop walk along the Mt McIntosh & Mt Judah Tracks, in the hills behind Glenorchy (an hour north of Queenstown), offering…
Tableland Circuit
A great weekend walk, the Tableland Circuit offers some of the best views in Kahurangi National Park (also home to the better known Heaphy Track) and some eclectic accommodation options.…
Mt Crichton Loop Track
If you’re after a straightforward but scenic and historic walk near Queenstown you can’t go far wrong with the Mt Crichton Loop Track. Starting 12km down the road from Queenstown on…
Gunn’s Camp
Gunn’s Camp began in 1938 as Public Works Department camp to accommodate married men (unsure where the unmarried stayed) who worked on the Hollyford-Okuru Road. 8km up Hollyford Road off Milford…
Lake Marian
Lake Marian is a scenic alpine lake in a hanging valley formed by glaciers, reached by a 4.8km three hour return walk from the start of the Hollyford Road, just off…
Milford Sound
Described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is one of the most famous tourist destination in New Zealand, understandably so. I’ve been there three…
Milford Road
One of the most scenic (if also most dangerous) roads in New Zealand, the northern part of New Zealand State Highway 94, better known as the Milford Road is a…
Kepler Track Day Walk to Luxmore Hut
One of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Kepler Track makes for a wonderful winter day 28km return walk up to Luxmore Hut to soak in the views over lunch, before…
Dart Glacier and Cascade Saddle
This quite stunning day walk is a must for anyone venturing though Dart Hut on the Rees-Dart Track, if time and weather allows. For many people it is one of…
Rees-Dart Track
A classic New Zealand tramping track, the Rees-Dart circuit was closed for a number of years due to a huge slip in 2014. As soon as it reopened in late…
Arrowtown
An historic gold rush era town close to Queenstown, Arrowtown is worth visiting for it’s heritage, and in April / May is one of the best places in New Zealand…
Big Hill Track
The imaginatively named Big Hill Track is a 12.5km track linking Macetown (which is 20 mins walk from the start) and Arrowtown via Big Hill Saddle. This is true to…
Macetown
An evocative place to spend the night alone camping, Macetown is an abandoned gold rush era town about 15km from Arrowtown. Once home to 300 people, a school, a church…
Motatapu Track
The Motatapu Track is a hard but rewarding 34km tramp between Wanaka and Macetown (near Arrowtown), which offers stunning views, but for a heavy physical price with almost no flat…
Exploring Christchurch by car
I’ve been to Christchurch many times, but never with time and a car. My Best of Christchurch post from a few years ago covered what you can see on foot…
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
Just down the road from Castle Hill / Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area is an impressive 594m limestone cave, part of the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve. There are two entrances to…
Carroll Hut, Arthur’s Pass National Park
You get pretty good views from 1,120m up, but getting there requires a little effort. Carroll Hut is part of the Harman Pass Route but can also be visited to…
Bealey Spur Track & Triangle Peak
One of my favourite walks in the Arthur’s Pass area, Bealey Spur is also one of the easier and safer ones, but still rewards with stunning views. Starting from the…
Arthur’s Pass Walking Track
The Arthur’s Pass Walking Track connects many of the shorter walks in Arthur’s Pass, along well graded and relatively flat (other than by Bridal Veil Creek and the Devil’s Punch…