Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips
From the late 1980s through to the end of the 1990s, I exclusively used hiking boots on all of my backpacking trips. They were waterproof, durable, grippy on slippery surfaces, and provided protection and stability for my feet and ankles. Read More …
Hiking downhill is often taken for granted. In the minds of some, it represents the equivalent of “backcountry gravy”; the reward that follows the exertion of a challenging ascent. Yet hiking downhill takes its toll. Twists, slips and tumbles are Read More …
In the southwestern corner of New Zealand’s North Island lies a lonely mountain by the name of Taranaki (aka Egmont). Rising some 2,518 m (8,261 ft) above sea level, it is recognized as one of the world’s most symmetric volcanoes, Read More …
The Dusky Track is one of New Zealand’s toughest hikes. Measuring approximately 84 km (52 mi) from beginning to end, it crosses two mountain ranges, three valley systems, and includes some of the wettest, muddiest and buggiest conditions you are Read More …
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is commonly referred to as “New Zealand’s best day hike.” That’s a big call, considering the country has countless beautiful trails in a diverse range of landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to snow-capped mountains to golden Read More …
Distance: 29.8 miles (48 km) approx. (including side trip up Avalanche Peak) Avg. Time: 3-4 days Difficulty: Moderate Start / Finish: Arthur’s Pass Village / Kelly Shelter The Kelly Shelter trailhead is accessible via regular bus services from Arthur’s Pass Read More …
Distance: 19.9 miles (32 km) Average Time: 2 days Start / Finish: The Divide – Routeburn shelter. For information on getting to and from the trailheads, see the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. Difficulty: Easy to moderate Season : End of Read More …
Distance: 125 km (77.7 mi) Average Time: 8 or 9 days Start / Finish: Oban For transport options to and from Stewart Island, see the New Zealand Tourism Guide website. Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Season: Year-round A winter tramp means Read More …
Distance: 37.3 miles (60 km) Average Time: 3 days Start / Finish: Te Anau No transport required. Simply walk 4.5km out of town to the trailhead. Season: October – April. Difficulty: Easy Maps / Info: Online: For anything and everything Read More …
Distance: 48.5 miles (78 km) Average Time: 3 or 4 days Start / Finish: Brown Hut / Kohaihai Camping Ground For information on getting to and from the trailheads, see the NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) website. Difficulty: Easy Season: Read More …
Distance: 36.4 miles (60 km) Avg. Time: 3 days Start / Finish: Chinamans Flat – Rasberry Creek car park. Season : December – March. Maps / Info : See the DOC website for a basic map (all you need), basic Read More …
Distance: 18.6 miles (30 km) Average Time: 1 or 2 days Difficulty: Easy Start / Finish: Greenstone Carpark – The Divide For information on getting to and from the trailheads, see the NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) website. Season: November Read More …
Distance: 31.7 miles (51 km) Avg. Time: 3 or 4 days. Start / Finish: Marahau – Wainui car park. For information on getting to and from the trailheads, see the NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) website. Difficulty: Easy Season: All-year-round. Read More …