If New Zealand isn’t on your “list of places to go walk around in the mountains”, then you probably need to reconsider your priorities. Besides being home to Middle Earth and a noted lack of wildlife that can kill you, New Zealand has some of the most varied and spectacular landscapes on Earth.
The country is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts – you can kayak in the Bay of Islands, ice climb at Aoraki/Mount Cook, hike across ridgelines and sleep in mountain huts, enjoy waterfalls at Milford Sound, or make your own adventure as you discover the country at your own pace.
Buses, planes, and rental cars (with the occasional ferry ride) is how you’ll (probably) be getting around while exploring, but I’ve had very good luck hitchhiking my way around as well – just make sure you don’t get dropped off somewhere infested with sandflies.
Any questions, comments, or suggestions? Be sure to get in touch.
South Island Hikes
Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Length: 18.44 mi / 29.68 km
Elevation Gain: 5,775 ft / 1,760 m
Max Elevation: 7,139 ft / 2,176 m
Type: One-way/Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
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Questions? Comments? Suggestions? I’m always looking to improve my hiking guides to make them more useful to anyone wanting to get out and explore. Be sure to get in touch if you have any questions or feedback about any of the hikes here (or anywhere on the site).
Looking for more hiking guides? Check out these equally-awesome trekking destinations.
