Top 5 Best Hikes in New Zealand
With trails ranging from mellow walks to intense multi-day missions that require expertise, there is something for everyone here. From rainforests to glaciated peaks to alpine deserts and volcanoes to coastal walkways, New Zealand literally has it all.
1. Te Whara Track
The Te Whara track follows an ancient Māori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay.
The track passes through some of the best coastal forests in the North Island. At the Bream Head summit, towards the Ocean Beach end and not far from the ruins of a WWII radar station, enjoy a magnificent coastal panorama.
Take in views of Cape Brett (Motukokako) in the north to Cape Rodney (Tawharanui) in the south, as well as the Poor Knights islands Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi, Taranga and Marotere Islands in the Hen and Chickens Islands group, with Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier and Great Barrier/Aotea Island in the far east.
Once you've climbed up onto the ridge, the track becomes undulating and relatively easy-going. To minimise disturbance to the area, and out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors, do not leave the marked tracks.
Getting there
The nearest town is Whangārei (38 km). Access this one-way track from the Ocean Beach car park on Ranui Road, finishing at the Urquharts Bay car park. Alternatively, start from the Urquharts Bay car park, finishing at Ocean Beach car park.
If you don't want to walk the entire length of the ridge, you can park at the entrance to Peach Cove Track and enter/exit via that track.
Nature and conservation
There are a number of opportunities to see the recently translocated Whitehead/Pōpokotea or the New Zealand Robin/Toutouwai.
History and culture
Te Whara was the principal wife of the Rangatira (chief) Manaia.
It was here that Manaia first met Puhi-moana-āriki, an early ancestor of the Ngāpuhi iwi and cautioned him with the words “Kei whara koe e Puhi i ngā tai e hāruru ana” (You may meet with disaster from the tides that thunder there).
Manaia’s wife is said to have slighted Puhi and was turned into stone. She stands as the projecting up-thrust rock at the eastern-most point of Bream Head, known as ‘Te Wahine iti a Manaia’.
Te Whara Track follows the ancient footprints of Manaia; a track that is at least 700 years old.
Source — Doc.govt.nz
2. Mueller Hut
One of the best day hikes in New Zealand is the hike to Mueller Hut. You can also extend it, as the hut provides beds, but it is also the perfect candidate for a one day adventure.
It will take you approximately 3 to 4 hours to go up to the hut which sits at around 1,800m and then another couple of hours to return.
The trek starts from the White Horse Hill, car parking close to Mt. Cook Village, around 2.5 hours drive from Wanaka. It is not a challenging trek, but you will face an exhausting set of no less than 1806 stairs.
But don’t worry, the views over New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook, will help you fight the pain in your legs and get you on top. After the stairs, you have to pass some big rocks, and you are almost there.
Enjoy a cup of tea at the red Mueller Hut offering incredible views over the mountains and then head back down on the same route!
Source — Gretastravels.com
3. Abel Tasman Coast Track
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is considered the best walks in New Zealand leaving it at top of the ‘Great Walks’ of New Zealand and there are really good reasons for this!
Towards the top end of the South Island lay Abel Tasman National Park which merges into Tasman Bay which possibly contains the most beautiful beaches in the South Island, walking the track is one of the must do’s while in New Zealand.
Starting in the coastal town of Marahau which is known for its large tidal beaches, the walk begins to meander past isolated beaches surrounded by pristine forests of Nikau palm and New Zealand flax.
What makes this trek so incredibly beautiful are the places you get to camp at as you can literally camp on the beach or if you want you can choose to spend the night under a swaying Nikau palm.
Source — Nomadasaurus.com
4. Lake Waikaremoana
Lake Waikaremoana lies within the Te Urewera national park on New Zealand's north island. This trek starts on the southern shore of the lake in Onepoto and ends in Hopuruahine in the north.
On this 4-day journey, we’ll be following the shoreline of the lake and discovering the extraordinary beauty of the park, accompanied by a passionate certified guide.
There are many rare species of native plants in the park, as well as colorful birds such as parakeets and forest parrots. You’re also likely to encounter deer, pigs, and possums.
One highlight of the walk is the stunning panoramic view of the lake you can enjoy from Panekire Bluff. You’ll also visit Korokoro Falls, a majestic waterfall which lies in a lush rainforest, discover hidden beaches and marvel at the towering Podocarp trees.
The accommodation comes in the form of cozy huts spread out along the trail, which even have heating for the colder months.
New Zealand is a country with abundant natural wonders, and this tour around Lake Waikaremoana exemplifies that fact. Join me on this exciting tour and see how the beauty of the park leaves you feeling inspired!
Source — Explore-share.com
5. The Pouakai Crossing
Close to New Plymouth, the Pouakai Crossing is a 19km relocation hike and amongst some of the most breathtaking scenery, Mount Egmont national park has to offer.
There are several variations of the crossing some of which include a night spent at the Pouakai Hut. One of several great chances to tick off 'stay in a mountain hut' on your New Zealand bucket list. If you’re doing it in a single day however expect to spend between 6 – 8 hours on the trail, depending on your fitness level.
The highlight of the crossing is the Pouakai Tarns offering reflections of Mount Taranaki (also known as Mt. Egmont). They are 15 minutes away from the Pouakai Hut, one of the best backcountry huts in New Zealand, just in case you needed any more convincing to stay the night there.
The Northern Trailhead starts at the end of Mangorei road. A 25-minute drive from New Plymouth. The eastern trailhead is located at the Egmont visitor centre a 35-minute drive from New Plymouth. The trail can be walked in either direction.
As of February 2018, the crossing has been diverted due to a landslide but a route via the Pouakai Tarns is still possible.
Length: 19km
Duration: 6 - 8 hours
Location: Mount Egmont National Park
Comments
Post a Comment