Whether you are a newbie to hiking or an adventure addict, there is a trail for you in this list! Summer is here, and we can’t get enough of it, so what better way to celebrate than to offer 5 of our top trails for you to hit these holidays!
1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing (North Island)
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is infamous among hikers, named the ‘World’s Greatest Day Hike.’ It has been acknowledged for its natural beauty and vital cultural significance, being a World Heritage site. It is popular to hike in all seasons; however, we see a few more newcomers getting amongst the hiking crowds in summer. This track is one to try. However, we recommend a guide for absolute beginners as this track can be dangerous due to unexpected alpine conditions.
- Length: 19.4km
- Peak: 1,886m
- Difficulty: Moderate
2. Mangorei Track to Pouakai Range (North Island)
The Mangorei Track is a great day out for any adventurer. Whether you want to enjoy some native NZ greenery or get a solid workout in, this track is for you! Explore the sub-alpine bush area and overcome the rugged terrain to accomplish an excellent trail while making the most of the fabulous weather. To top off this spectacular trail, you get treated with the outstanding view of Mount Taranaki!
- Length: 14km return
- Peak: N/A
- Difficulty: Moderate
3. Pinnacles Track (North Island)
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (rather known as the Pinnacles Track), is a very popular trail which leads to the Pinnacles summit, offering majestic views of the Coromandel Peninsula. This track is child friendly, and relatively easy until the final climb to the summit. However, there are many steps, so a moderate level of fitness is required. The views and native bush make this trail worth the effort and you can’t replicate the sight of the Coromandel landscape that the Pinnacles summit offers!
- Length: 14km return
- Peak: 759m
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
4. Saint Arnaud Range Track (South Island)
Saint Arnaud Range Track begins at the eastern end of Lake Rotoiti, pasts Parachute Rocks to the summit of the range and into Nelson Lakes National Park. This trail is one of the more challenging tracks NZ offers and being an alpine route, proper preparation is essential, especially throughout winter. Checking the weather forecasts before hitting this track is a must, but it offers spectacular views of NZ’s native trees and landscapes once you are out there.
- Length: 10.5km return
- Peak: 1787m
- Difficulty: Hard
5. Robert Ridge Trail to Lake Angelus (South Island)
The Robert Ridge Trail is the longest of the five but is well worth the distance. Located close to Saint Arnaud, you get breathtaking views of Lake Angelus throughout. However, part of the trail is extremely rugged and exposed due to unexpected alpine conditions, offering little aid to even the experienced hiker. If you are planning to hike throughout the summer (which we recommend), you will find the trail offers a challenge but is an exciting track to accomplish.
- Length: 22.2km return
- Peak: 1288m
- Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Looking for a Guided Tour?
Not sure whether you want to tackle these trails alone? The are many other options when it comes to New Zealand hiking. So, what are you waiting for?! With summer finally amongst us, sunblock up, get outside and tackle some of NZ’s best trails!
