I posted this on the Oz/Nz branch but thought I'd try my luck here as well. I spent several hours in Borders pouring over New Zeland books and found these walks/hikes. Wanted to know if any of you have done these hikes and if I have picked ones that will allow us to experience NZ's beauty without doing the longer 'tramps'.
1. Roberts Point Hike (for view of Franz Josefy Glacial Valley)
2. Hike Okarito Lagoon (west coast)
3. Hooker Valley hike
4. Lake MariAn (not MariOn) in Fjordland
5. Key Summit hike in Fjordland
6. Gertrude Saddle hike in Fjordland
7. Lake Diamond Hike (near Wanaka)
8. Nugget Point Hike (SE Coast)
Thanks!
s2s
1
umbrella69
Hooker Valley is very spectacular. One of the best short walks in the country.
I did the Okarito Lagoon walk when I was a kid but can't remember much about it. It's well known for it's white heron colony.
There are loads of places you can just wander. It doesn't have to be a named walk. Try walking up the Matukituki Valley (near Wanaka) or Dart Valley (near Lake Wakatipu) for a couple of hours. The tracks are parts of longer tramps. Or something in Nelson Lakes Nat Pk.
Are you going to the North Is? If so, I would very much recommend Tongariro Nat Pk. All the mountains are volcanoes and there is some spectacular scenery. The Tongariro crossing is justifiably famous or there are shorter walks like Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids. Very much 'Lord of the Rings' scenery.
2
travelchampion
I haven't done any of the hikes/tramps in your list but I have done one called The Banks Peninsula Track.
At 4 days long it's not exactly a 'tough one"...BUT... from start to finish it was simply delightful!!
It has a website {with some good pictures} which you could have a look at :
http://www.bankstrack.co.nz/<BR><BR>One of the nice things about the track is that the scenery is very varied, i.e. lakes, mountains, sea, cliffs etc?!
3
fridgetime
The Roberts Point Hike gives you some great views of the glacier and the valley, for relatively little work. To really get to know the country you should try to at least one of the "longer tracks" they are definitely worth it. If not see #2. The Tongiraro Crossing is a long day hike but an awesome experience (on the N. Island).
Have Fun!!!
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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