Photos for this blog were created in collaboration with Quin Schrock.
New Zealand – Where It All Began
It felt strange to be standing here again. I watched as a couple lingered at the sign for the Routeburn Track trailhead – one of the best hikes New Zealand South Island has to offer. A nagging sense of déjà vu swept over me.
The couple took a few giddy selfies before disappearing along the trail into the depths of Fiordland National Park. I’m almost positive I have the exact same photograph – probably in some dusty album at my parent’s house. Despite a vague sense of familiarity, it seems like a lifetime ago, as if it happened to a different person.
I’d fallen in love with New Zealand on that first trip. The initial stop on my last hurrah before adulthood – 6 months, 5 bucket list countries, 1 backpack, a new camera, and my boyfriend.
The idea for the trip had been planted while studying abroad in Australia. By graduation, it had blossomed into a particularly virulent strain of wanderlust. I figured the only cure was to travel for a few months. Then it would be out of my system, and I could get my life back on track.
When I got home I’d apply to law school, become a lawyer, and save the world from a fancy corner office desk. And for the most part—minus saving the world—that all happened. At least for a little while. . . .
Views over Lake Wanaka in New Zealand – one of the best hikes in South Island New Zealand
It’s not that I never thought I’d be here again. I promised myself I would be back someday. Although I never imagined it would be so soon, or that I would veer so drastically off my carefully mapped out life plan.
Packing my camera gear into my backpack I had this strange sensation that I was living some alternative butterfly effect version of my life. As if all those years ago, instead of returning home, I chose happiness over ambition. Passion over expectation. Life over security – and never looked back.
But life’s lessons don’t exist in a vacuum, and I wouldn’t take back the convoluted series of events that landed me back here.
The scent of damp earth filled the air as the thunder of a waterfall beckoned in the distance. We quickly overtook the couple taking photos at the trailhead. Overhearing their conversation as we passed, memories of that first trip came flooding back.
The excitement of experiencing a new place for the first time, the freedom and independence of only being accountable to ourselves. Maybe things hadn’t really changed all that much. I still had a camera on my back, a bucket list of New Zealand hikes in my phone, and with every step I could feel myself falling in love with New Zealand all over again.
One thing was different though – I now understand that my wanderlust is here to stay. There is no cure. No point in fighting it. There is only the unknown – and for the first time, I’m okay with that.
Mount Cook, New Zealand
The Best Hikes in New Zealand South Island
Personal anecdote aside, let’s get to the good stuff! Below is a list of my favorite hikes on New Zealand’s South Island to add to your South Island itinerary. While we elected to camp at a couple of these locations, all of these New Zealand hiking trails can all easily be done in a day and are some of the best day hikes on New Zealand’s South Island.
As always, please practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures. Keep in mind that regulations are always changing, and what was true for us, may not necessarily still be true for you.
When you’re hiking in New Zealand South Island it’s a great idea to check in with one of the local Department of Conservation (DOC) offices before heading out on any trail. Their friendly guidance regarding anything from weather forecasts, to local regulations, camping restrictions, and trail recommendations is an excellent resource to keep you out of trouble and improve the quality of your trip.
These are by far, my favorite and the best hikes in New Zealand. Happy hiking!
Hike 1: Lake Marian Track on New Zealand’s South Island
Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island (near Milford Sound)
Trailhead: The track begins from the Lake Marian car park. Head down Milford Road (SH94) from The Divide for a few minutes before heading 1 km down unsealed Hollyford Road.
Total Distance: 4.4 miles. Elevation Gain: 1,434 feet
Difficulty: Moderate–hard. After a short section of boardwalk, the track enters forest and becomes steep, rooty, and often slippery. Requires good footwear and balance.
Lake Marian on New Zealand’s South Island. We spent 2 nights camping here while hiking South Island New Zealand.
Lake Marian is nothing short of stunning. An alpine lake set in a hanging valley, surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and the best views. It has to be one of the prettiest settings in Fiordland National Park and one of the best South Island hikes.
When we arrived at the lake in the late afternoon, although this is a short hike, we elected to make it an overnight hike and set up camp on the far edge, away from the water – and people. The hike itself is pleasant, albeit entirely uphill through dense beech forest. After about an hour and a half of hiking, the forest ends abruptly, and there she is—Lake Marian—sparkling in her jade colored glory.
As the afternoon sun dropped lower in the sky the wind died, and the surrounding snow-capped mountains reflected perfectly in Lake Marian’s clear, calm waters. We were the only people there that night, and it was impossible not to feel like the universe was smiling down on us.
I highly recommend a multi day hike on the South Island, New Zealand has so many stunning hikes and it’s a great way to experience these stunning locations in a completely different way.
Hike 2: Gertrude Saddle, one of the best short hikes in New Zealand South Island
Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island (on the way to Milford Sound)
Trailhead: Gertrude Valley Car Park on Milford Road (SH94). No facilities.
Distance & Elevation:
• 8 km round trip (5 miles)
• ~600 meters elevation gain (1,970 feet)
Difficulty: Difficult. Alpine terrain with rock slabs, chain-assisted sections, route-finding, and significant exposure. Extremely dangerous in wet, icy, or cloudy conditions.
The view from the top of Gertrude Saddle down to Milford Sound.
Camping at the top of Gertrude Saddle – one of the best short hikes in South Island New Zealand
Nothing can prepare you for the amazing views at Gertrude Saddle of the South Island’s west coast. The sun rays piercing through layers of peaks, Milford Sound glistening in the distance, and the sheer exposure are enough to take anyone’s breath away. And if the views don’t, the climb to the summit certainly will!
Given the right conditions, the climb to Gertrude Saddle has to be one of the world’s best short hikes South Island has to offer. There are very few places I’ve been where the effort to reward ratio is so dramatic, which is not to say that it’s an easy hike.
The hike starts out relatively level on a spectacular valley floor. It honestly feels like being dropped into Jurassic Park, as if a Pterodactyl might suddenly make a not altogether unexpected appearance. The route eventually ascends towards the saddle and the steep climb over rock slabs can be treacherous when wet or frosty in colder months. Don’t hesitate to use the steel cables for assistance.
This short walk offers breathtaking views making it one of the best hikes on New Zealand South Island.
Hike 3: Lake Mackenzie – great for one day or multi day hikes on South Island
Location:
Between Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park on the famous Routeburn Track.
Logistics: You can access The Routeburn Track either from the Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy and 68 km from Queenstown). Or from the other end at The Divide Shelter (on the Milford Road, 85 km from Te Anau). The best way to hike to Lake Mackenzie you will want to start at The Divide Shelter. . . unless you want to hike the entire Routeburn Track in one day!
Distance & Elevation:
• Approximately 12 km one way to Lake Mackenzie Hut (7.5 miles)
• ~900 meters elevation gain depending on direction (up to 2,950 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate. Well-maintained Great Walk track with steady climbing and beautiful alpine scenery.
Permit Requirements: No permit needed for day hiking. Hut bookings ARE required if staying overnight at Lake Mackenzie Hut during Great Walk season.
Lake Mackenzie is part of the famous Routeburn Track in New Zealand.
When I found out I was going to New Zealand, I immediately looked up permits for some of New Zealand’s Great Walks. On my first trip, I was lucky to have completed the Milford track, Routeburn, and Abel Tasman Coast Track in Abel Tasman National Park – all multi-day hikes requiring permits.
But, it was still the high season, and I wasn’t able to get permits for these New Zealand South Island hikes this time around. Nevertheless, Quin had his heart set on the Routeburn Track’s Lake Mackenzie. Without permits to spend the night, we decided to try it as a day hike.
Depending on which direction you hike, Lake Mackenzie is generally either the first or the last stop for most hikers on the Routeburn Track. Starting from “The Divide” side, it’s a relatively long, albeit easy 15 mile round hiking trail. Unsure of the difficulty level of the journey, we left mid-morning with the intention of getting there a little before dusk for sunset.
Unlike most of the hikes we’d experienced in New Zealand however, there was relatively little elevation gain and it was a fairly easy walk, resulting in our arrival hours earlier than expected. We spent the entire afternoon in a secluded corner of the lake, swimming, taking photos, and taking it easy before eventually booking it back to the car on our return trip for a Milford Sound sunset. Needless to say, it was a good day!
Hike 4: Roys Peak – one of the most popular New Zealand South Island hikes
Location: Wanaka, Otago Region (South Island)
Trailhead: The track starts at the Roys Peak Track car park, a short drive from Wanaka township on Mount Aspiring Rd. The trail closes periodically for lambing (usually early October through early November), so it’s a good idea to check specific closure dates for planning purposes.
Distance & Elevation:
• 16 km round trip (10 miles)
• ~1,300 meters elevation gain (4,265 feet)
Difficulty: Hard. A constant, steep uphill slog on a wide farm track with minimal shade. Incredible panoramic views at the top.
Coromandel Peak above Lake Wanaka at sunset.
Roy’s Peak track has to be one of the most well known day hikes in New Zealand and for good reason. As such, I foolishly assumed it would be easy. But New Zealander’s don’t mess around when it comes to best day hikes New Zealand has to offer, Roys Peak will quite literally kick your ass.
While the trail is well formed, and a well traveled, popular hike the hike itself is a relentless uphill slog. Don’t let this scare you away though. Take your time, plenty of water, and remember that if you keep putting one foot in front of the other you’ll be rewarded at the summit with sweeping views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, and the surrounding peaks!
We did the hike for sunset, but it would be beautiful any time of day and is without a doubt one of the best New Zealand hikes on the South Island.
NOTE: The above photo was taken at Coromandel Peak – which is apparently different than Roys Peak although we didn’t realize it at the time. Our group made its way to this spot by following the ridge from Roys Peak in search of alternative perspectives on the view. The view from Coromandel is substantially similar to the one at the Roys Peak viewpoint, although arguably more lined up and less obstructed.
Hike 6: Isthmus Peak
Location: Between Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, Otago Region
Trailhead: Isthmus Peak Car Park on SH6 at Stewart Creek about 20 minutes from Wanaka. There’s an “Isthmus Peak” sign at the parking lot. The trail closes periodically for lambing, so it’s a good idea to check specific closure dates for planning purposes.
Distance & Elevation:
• 16 km round trip (10 miles)
• ~1,200 meters elevation gain (3,937 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate–hard. Similar to Roys Peak but generally quieter. Long, steady climb with wide-open views.
The views from the Isthmus Peak trail are endless!
Another one of the best day hikes in New Zealand South Island and same-same as Roys Peak – but different. From the trailhead, you follow a clear route along the true right of Stewart Creek that eventually turns into a 4WD track.
It’s an unrelenting uphill tramp, but the endless views in every direction are an excellent distraction. The track overlooks impossibly blue Lake Wanaka and Lake Hāwea, with the Southern Alps on the horizon. Like Roys Peak, Isthmus Peak can be extremely windy and cold. Make sure to layer up so you can enjoy the summit!
Hike 7: Hooker Valley Track – swing bridges hike with incredible views
Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island, New Zealand.
Trailhead: The Hooker Valley Track starts at the White Horse Hill Campsite and car park at the end of Hooker Valley Road. It’s an easy walking track, with level terrain.
Distance & Elevation:
• 10 km round trip (6.2 miles)
• Minimal elevation gain (~100 meters / 328 feet)
Difficulty: Easy–moderate. Mostly flat, well-formed path with boardwalks and three suspension bridges. One of New Zealand’s most accessible iconic hikes.
The famous boardwalk on the Hooker Valley Track.
If you believe that good things should only come to those that toil and sweat for them, then this South Island hike probably isn’t for you. It’s hard to beat the picturesque Hooker Valley Track without putting in some serious effort
Once you’re on the trail it’s not difficult to see why Mount Cook National Park holds special significance in traditional Kiwi culture. The scenery is otherworldly from start to finish.
Shortly after starting the track you’ll cross the first of three suspension bridges. From the first of the swing bridges, enjoy incredible views of Mueller Lake. The second bridge, a popular spot to stop for photographs, offers a beautiful backdrop of mountain ranges. The third swing bridge is the last before you reach Hooker Lake.
From there, you’ll continue along a well maintained boardwalk on the expansive valley floor surrounded by alpine meadows, where you get your first glimpse of Mount Cook! As you meander further there’s not much left to do but take in the spectacular views.
Shortly after starting the track you’ll cross the first of three suspension bridges. From the first bridge, enjoy expansive views of Muller Lake. The second bridge, a popular spot to stop for photographs, offers a beautiful mountain backdrop.
From there, you’ll continue along a well maintained boardwalk on the expansive valley floor, where you get your first glimpse of Mount Cook! As you meander further there’s not much left to do but take in the spectacular views.
Hike 8: Mueller Hut
Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island, New Zealand.
Trailhead: The hike starts at the White Horse Hill Campground, located at the end of Hooker Valley Road. The trailhead has parking, bathrooms, and clear signage for the Sealy Tarns / Mueller Hut Route.
Distance & Elevation:
• 10.4 km round trip (6.5 miles)
• ~1,000 meters of elevation gain (3,280 ft)
Mueller Hut Booking / Permit: An advance booking is required if you want to stay overnight at Mueller Hut. Reservations must be made through DOC (Department of Conservation), especially in the summer season when spots fill up far in advance.
I hiked the Mueller Hut Route in late November, and even though it was “spring,” the second half of the trail was completely covered in snow. The hike starts at White Horse Hill Campground and climbs straight up to Sealy Tarns on what feels like an endless (but impressively built) staircase. The views open up fast, and it’s one of those climbs where you’re rewarded the whole way.
Right after Sealy Tarns, the snow began — not little patches, but a full snowfield all the way to the hut. We rented microspikes in Tekapo, and I was so glad I had them. Even with perfect weather, a few sections felt a bit sketchy, and traction made a huge difference.
We managed to grab last-minute bookings at the hut, which I highly recommend. Even though the distance isn’t huge, the elevation gain makes this a big day if you aren’t staying overnight. Plus, the views from the hut at sunset and sunrise are unreal. If you aren’t able to snag spots in the hut, consider camping!
If you go in shoulder season, check conditions with DOC, bring spikes, and be ready for anything. It’s a challenging hike, but it’s one of the most memorable experiences I had in New Zealand.
Hike 9: Sealy Tarns Track
Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, South Island, New Zealand.
Trailhead: The hike begins at the White Horse Hill Campground parking lot, the same starting point as Mueller Hut and Hooker Valley. Clear signs mark the trailhead.
Distance & Elevation:
• 5.8 km round trip (about 3.6 miles)
• ~600 meters of elevation gain (1,970 ft)
Difficulty:
Moderate to strenuous due to the steep climb and the large number of stairs. This route is nicknamed the “Stairway to Heaven.”
The Sealy Tarns Track is often called the “Stairway to Heaven,” and honestly, that feels accurate. The trail starts from the White Horse Hill Campground and after a short section that cuts through the valley, it heads straight up a huge series of stairs. The stairs are pretty relentless, but the views get better the higher you go.
I did this hike in late November, and even though the stairs were completely clear, the snowline began right above the tarns. If you’re stopping at Sealy Tarns, though, you won’t need any special gear. The trail is steep but well-built, and the views of Mount Cook, Mueller Lake, and the whole valley make every step worth it.
The tarns themselves are a peaceful spot to rest, eat a snack, and take in the scenery. I don’t have a photo of it, but there’s arguably the worlds most picturesque picnic table right at the view point! If you want a challenge without committing to the full Mueller Hut Route, this is the perfect middle ground.
Start early or late for the best light, expect a solid leg workout, and enjoy one of the best viewpoints in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Everything You Need For A Day Hike In New Zealand
Whether you are heading out for a quick day hike or something a little more ambitious, the right gear can make the whole experience smoother and way more enjoyable. This is the setup I’ve been using lately out on the trail, including the pieces I reach for again and again because they actually work in real conditions.
DON’T FORGET! You should always carry The TEN ESSENTIALS for outdoor adventure with you. They might just save your life!
Storage
BACKPACK: Osprey Tempest 22 Pack for women and the Osprey Talon 22 for men. My go to when I need a little more space without sacrificing comfort. It carries beautifully, cinches in close, and has enough pockets to keep everything organized without feeling fussy.
RUNNING VEST: I’ve started using a running vest for hikes when I don’t need much gear because it keeps everything light, close, and easy to grab without taking off my pack. The Salomon Active Skin 8 has become my favorite because it fits like a hug, carries water up front, and has just enough space for the basics without ever feeling bulky.
Clothing
SUN SHIRT – The Crater Lake Hoody is my favorite sun shirt because it’s so light and soft it almost feels like air. It offers full UPF 50+ protection for long days in exposed terrain, so I don’t have to carry buckets of sunscreen.
SHORTS – You don’t need to reinvent the wheel here. Whatever works for you! I’ve been really enjoying the Lululemon Pace Rival High Rise Shorts and Outdoor Voices Warmup 5” Shorts.
HIKING PANTS – To be honest I’ve never been a big hiking pants person. I generally just wear one of my favorite pairs of leggings, because that’s what I’m most comfortable in. But this summer I picked up a pair of REI Trailmade Pants and they were nice! The Trailmade Pants are affordable, durable, and surprisingly versatile for hiking and backpacking. And I have to admit it was nice to have a pair of pants that were a bit more airy than leggings.
INSULATED LAYER (Down Jacket) – The Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Jacket is a cold-weather essential I bring on alpine or winter trips when serious warmth is non-negotiable. It’s stuffed with premium 800-fill down, so it’s incredibly warm for its weight. I’d recommend sizing down. But when I’m really trying to go lighter without sacrificing warmth it’s hard to beat Rab’s Mythic G Down Jacket. Best to pick this one up on sale if you can!
RAIN JACKET: The Rab Phantom Jacket is an ultralight, fully waterproof shell that packs down small and disappears in your bag until you need it. I’m a fair weather hiker, but in the mountains weather can change fast, so it’s great to have rain protection that doesn’t weigh me down.
Shoes
TRAIL RUNNERS – The Hoka Challenger Trail Running Shoes is my go-to shoe for warm weather hiking. I prefer trail runners over hiking boots because they’re lighter, more breathable, and dry quickly. I’ve worn mine on everything from day hikes to multi-day trips like the John Muir Trail, and they’ve been incredibly durable for how lightweight they are.
BOOTS – The Danner Inquire Chukka Mid is my favorite hiking boot! I wear it when I want more ankle support than a trail runner but still need something light and flexible. Or when I just want to look cute!
Hiking Gear Essentials
WATER PURIFIER – The Katadyn BeFree is my favorite filter for speed and simplicity. It’s ultralight, easy to squeeze, and perfect for quickly filling bottles on the go.
The Grayl Water Filter is much heavier but unbeatable for international travel or areas with questionable water sources because it removes viruses as well as bacteria and protozoa. It works like a French press—fill, press, and drink—with no need for extra bottles or gear.
HEADLAMP – Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp
GPS COMMUNICATION – I carry the Garmin InReach Messenger Plus for peace of mind on backcountry trips — it lets me send texts and share my location even when there’s no service. The battery lasts for days, and it’s a small, reliable way to stay connected and safe when I’m off the grid. AND you can send photos and voice notes! Watch the video I made about the Garmin Messenger Plus! It’s one of my favorites.
** Garmin also recently released the new inReach Mini 3 with photo and voice messaging capabilities. So you’ve got lots of good options!
SMART WATCH – I’ve been wearing the Garmin Fenix Watch to track my activity for years. Plus it’s so fun reviewing and sharing hike details after!
TREKKING POLES – Durston Iceline Trekking Poles. I just picked up the Durston Iceline Trekking Poles because I wanted something ultralight but sturdy to take pressure off my knees on big hikes. They’re incredibly light (under 10 oz per pair) and I couldn’t be happier with them.
MULTI-TOOL – Swiss Army Classic Knife
FIRST AID – Band-Aids, Leukotape, pain relievers, and antibacterial cream.
POWER BANK – Nitecore Power Bank
Camera
SONY RX100 VII – The Sony RX100 VII is my favorite compact camera for backpacking because it’s small enough to slip in a pocket but still delivers professional-quality photos. The 24–200mm zoom range makes it incredibly versatile, and it’s the perfect option when I don’t want to carry one of my heavier cameras but still care about image quality.
| Just a quick heads up. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I might earn a tiny commission if you decide to make a purchase. It does not cost you anything, but it’s one of the simplest and most supportive ways to help me keep creating these guides. I’m not paid to recommend anything, and every opinion here comes from real experience with gear I actually use and love. If you’re planning on picking something up, using my link truly makes a difference and I appreciate it more than you know. |
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Excellent! I have been looking around for day hikes with great views for our upcoming trip. No more searching required!
That’s awesome to hear! I’m so glad that you found it useful. Obviously there are so many hikes that we didn’t have time to do, and I’m sure they are equally beautiful. But you definitely can’t go wrong with these! Have so much fun on your trip!
I live in New Zealand and I really enjoyed reading this! Love you guys!
Thank you so much Oliver! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. New Zealand is such a beautiful country, and will always hold a really special place in my heart. I only hope I’m lucky enough to visit again someday!
Hi Jess,
Excellent and timely post, as I have been enjoying these same hikes during my time in New Zealand for the past two months. I enjoy your IG posts as well, so please don’t take this as a negative question/comment, but it appears both of the Roys Peak photos are from Coromandel Peak. Did you hike up to Roys Peak lookout and then make your way over to Coromandel Peak, or did you hike straight up to Coromandel Peak? All the best in your continued travels.
–Brian
Hey Brian! No worries, I really appreciate the feedback. To be honest, I had no idea that this view point had a separate name. We hiked to Roys Peak and were way too early for sunset, so we traversed the ridge looking for a more lined up shot until we reached the spot in the photos. Now that I know it has a name, I will certainly add it to the text. Thanks again!
Jess
That’s great, thanks for the clarification, Jess! I think it definitely helps, especially for those who are inspired by these photos and descriptions and want to hike to these places. That ridge is a bit steep in places but the views are epic. I’ve been traveling around the world for five years now so hopefully our paths will cross at some point.
All the best,
–Brian
What a phenomenal read! It’s as if I’m there in my imagination as you do so well at painting the perfect picture in my head. So many beautiful sites to see and super information! Thank you! Been on my list for some time now. I’ll look to this for my checklist!
-Jade Thomas
Bellingham, Wa.
Thanks Jade! I’m so happy that you found the information useful, and the stories interesting. I hope that they help fuel your wanderlust and that you are able to check New Zealand off your bucket list one day soon!
You are such an incredible writer! I am from New Zealand, and while I have done a few of these hikes (or tramps as we call them!) you make me want to go back and relive them!
Absolutely love your writing style. Can’t wait to read more.
Really appreciate that Talia! Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. I’m still confused about tramps, treks, trails, and hikes lol. When I was writing this I felt like I was mixing them all up! I do think tramp sounds the coolest though! 😉
Hi Jess! I have been admiring you and your pictures for quite a while now – you were one of the first people on Instagram I had followed. I am leaving to New Zealand in few days and this article literally made my day perfect now. I was struggling to make a plan for our trip for quite a long time but now we just decided that we will follow your steps and do every hike which you suggested. Now I have my itinerary ready and it´s gonna be massive! 🙂 Thank you Jess!
That’s so awesome to hear Jakob! I have no doubt that no matter what you do in New Zealand you will have a wonderful time. Safe travels, and I’d love to hear how everything goes!
Hello Jess,
First, thank you for taking us to great heights and giving us all the beauty of the south islands. The voice in your writing is amazing, it reads as if I’ve already been there. I will be able to use all these information from you, when I get to New Zealand in a few years. You and Quin are a great wandering team of ever changing horizons ❤️
Thank you so much for the supportive words Erwin! To be honest I get quite nervous before publishing each blog post, so it’s very nice to hear that you enjoyed the writing. I do hope you make it to New Zealand. It’s such a wonderful country!
Hi Jess,
This is awesome. I’ve been traveling around NZ for almost 2 months and have about a week left without a set plan. The timing for this piece is just right because I was researching day hikes to in this last week. Could you give an estimate of the time it takes to complete the first couple of hikes? You give the time frame at the last few hikes, but not the first 🙂 Thanks again for this, really inspirational!
Cheers,
Robin
Hi Robin! That sounds like an amazing experience. I would love to spend 2 month in New Zealand. I didn’t keep very good track of the time on the first couple hikes, but I’ll give you my best estimate! All times are round trip:
Lake Marian – 3.5 hours
Gertrude Saddle – 5 hours
Lake Mackenzie – 4 hours
Enjoy your last week!
Hi Jess,
Thank you for sharing your amazing pictures and your blog.
We are planning our next trip to NZ in 2019 and this article appeared with perfect timing!
Safe travels
Marcello
Thank you so much for stopping by Marcello! It was such an amazing trip – it only made me realize how much more time I would like to spend there. I hope you have a wonderful trip next year!
Hi Jess,
Thank you for the hike suggestions! Love your photos! Did you rent a campervan when you were in New Zealand? And if so, which company did you use? Thank you!
Hi Serena! We did rent a camper van while we were there, and it really allowed us to have the flexibility we wanted during the trip. We actually didn’t have one the first few days, and we had a lot of time finding last minute accommodations that weren’t extremely expensive. we used Jucy.
Hey Jess, epic post! what month of the year / season were you travelling in? Lucky with the weather!
Hi Mike, thanks so much! This was just about a month ago now – so mid-May. The weather was a real mixed bag actually. I just didn’t post any photos from the crappier times. 😉
Beautiful pictures and such great advice on the hikes! We are going for our honeymoon in December and can’t wait! Curious about what female hiking shoes you recommend? thanks!
Shilpa
Sounds amazing! And a great time of year to be there. I take my Terradora Keen boots everywhere. But I do have really narrow feet, so that’s one thing to keep in mind! Have a wonderful honeymoon, and congratulations!
Incredible photos of an incredible country. I lived in NZ for a couple of years and now constantly miss the amazing scenery and hiking.
Hey Rob! I bet. I miss it already! What a great experience getting to live in New Zealand. 🙂
I really enjoy reading your blog…. it actually inspires me to travel around like you… hope that I can make it to hike in my coming trip to NZ…. keep it up !
Hi Carmen! That’s awesome to hear that it actually inspires you to get out and have your own experiences. I really do hope that you are able to do some hiking while you are in New Zealand. It’s such a beautiful country!
Incredible photos!! I just discovered you this morning and can’t get enough!! I’m dying over New Zealand!! My husband and I are going there next month. I’m a hiker but unfortunately, he is not. Any suggestions? So you know of any hiking groups I could hook up with or any suggestions of small hikes we can do together?! Please and thank you
Hi Judy! You are going to love it. Unfortunately I don’t know about any hiking groups there. Although I’m sure there are some! Milford Sound is a great place for some short walks, plus you can take a beautiful boat ride, and the drive out there is stunning as well. I think there are probably some smallish hikes in the Mount Cook area as well. Both areas have very helpful visitor centers that can give you more details!
Hi Jess,
Love all of your blog and gorgeous photos (of you and scenery)
It’s such an inspiration of traveling.
Thanks for all.
My husband and I decided to travel by driving around South island NZ in Nov. (after reading your blog)
How long was ur trip in NZ ? And you mentioned about permit if hiking multi days, could you advise me how to attain that permit?
Thanks in advance. And hope you and Quinn safe travels. !
Skylar
Hi Skylar! Thanks for dropping by the blog. Quin and I were in New Zealand for around 2 weeks. You can reserve and check for available permits on the Department of Conservations website. Have fun!!
Hey Jess!
I know I’m a little late to the party on this post, but I was wondering about Coromandel Peak! My husband and I are pretty avid hikers and would prefer to do that peak but can’t find much information on it! I saw you got to Roy’s peak first, how long did it take you to get to Coromandel from there? And did you completely backtrack to get down or did you go straight down from Coromandel? Thanks!!
Hi Haley! You’re never to late to a post. 🙂 I think it probably took about another hour to get there, although I have a feeling the trail is probably more defined now, and from Roy’s Peak I seem to remember that it was mostly level or downhill to get there. We didn’t backtrack the entire way. We cut more or less straight down from Coromandel until we ran into the main trail.
Hi Jess,
Great blog, beautiful pictures! Two quick questions… if you had to choose one hike between Roy’s Peak and Isthmus Peak, which would it be? My husband and I will be in Wanaka in March and want to do one of those hikes (just not sure which one we should do). Also, somewhat random question, but where is your white bathing suit from? I love it and have been looking for something similar.
Thanks!
Michelle
Thanks Michelle! That’s a hard one. Roy’s Peek is more crowded, but is arguably a more lined up view. Although I kind of felt like Isthmus had a more diverse range of views on the way up. No matter what you chose you won’t be disappointed! But I definitely think doing one is a good idea. The bathing suit is from Londre Bodywear!
Is any of them wheelchair accessible ?
Hi Fahad. Thank you for stopping by the blog. Unfortunately none of these hikes would be wheelchair accessible. However the New Zealand Department of Conservation is a great resource for hiking in the country, and I’m sure they could recommend some wheelchair accessible destinations. 🙂
Hi Jess,
Just wondering where that first photo is taken, on top of the tall rock? This is what drew me to this post but I am not sure where it is after reading.
Thanks!
Hi Annie! That photo was taken just down from Coromandel Peak. I don’t think it’s technically part of the trail as we got a little lost trying to find our way down. But the view is basically the exact view as the one at Coromandel Peak.
Which way did you go down from Coromandel Peak?
This is so beautiful! Wow! This is so breathtaking and serene! ❤️
Thank you Yolanda! I really appreciate that. New Zealand is a hikers dream come true!
Hi Jess! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures and beautiful photos! I also loved hearing about remembering the familiar feeling of NZ and how your wanderlust wouldn’t go away. So interesting that your plan was to become a lawyer! I think I’m starting to realize that once you are bit by the travel bug, it doesn’t just heal and go away: I’m forever stuck with wanderlust even though I hold an engineering job in the midwest. That being said, NZ is at the top of where I want to travel to next, as I’ve visited in the past and am still obsessed. Would you mind sharing what time of the year that you had this NZ adventure in? It looks like you both had fantastic weather! Also, did you do anything else in the area besides hiking? How were crowds when you were there? I visited back in Nov. 2016 and am currently debating what time of the year to visit for my next trip there! I want to weigh weather versus crowds, and I appreciate any information that you can share! Thank you!
Hi Megan! The photos for this blog post were taken in March. It was pretty nice while we were there, but we had our fair share of bad weather as well (I just don’t have pictures from those days). I’ve been to NZ one other time, and that was actually in November. I think the weather was probably better overall in March – but I’m not sure if that’s typical or not. We didn’t do anything other than hike, and I don’t recall thinking that the crowds were particularly bad. Although we weren’t able to get permits for any of the Great Walks, so if you’re interested in those I’d plan way in advance. I hope that helps!
Wow amazing pictures! New Zealand is my favourite country in the world. It looks like you had better weather than me though 🙂
Would you consider making a blog post about wildcamping spots in NZ? (In case I am so lucky to go back some day)
Did you have to wait long at the Hooker glacier lake to get rid of the crowds? I remember it being the most busy place we visited.
Our weather was actually pretty mixed while we were there. I just only have pictures from the times it worked out! It was actually raining really hard when we hiked to Hooker Lake, which is why I don’t have any photos of the lake itself. There weren’t many people there at all, but I’m sure it was because the weather was terrible, and we had to hike back in the dark. As far as wild camping goes, if you ever go back I’d highly recommend stopping at any of the Department of Conservation Offices to ask about it. They are really friendly, and always have the most up to date information on trails, permits, and camping regulations.
One of the best part of your website is the pictures. You have been to some really beautiful spots. You manage to get some great shots. I wish my vacation shots looked that amazing! I especially liked your Kaua’i article.
Thank you so much Sonia! That’s so lovely to hear. Kaua’i is such a beautiful island, it’s hard to take a bad picture. 🙂
Reading your travel chronicles is so exciting. Which destination would you recommend for hiking with teens between Hooker Valley track and Lake McKenzie?
Hi Sonia. Thanks so much! That’s a really hard one, because they are both great hikes. Hooker Valley might be slightly easier, but it is also more popular. So I guess if your teens like hiking I’d say Lake McKenzie, but if not then maybe they would find Hooker Valley a little more interesting.
Do you know if there’s a trail between Roys Peak and Coromandel Peak? I’d love to see the latter, but I want to be conscious of stepping off trail especially if it’s a fragile environment. Would you recommend bushwhacking to it? I’m from the US so don’t know if there’s a different attitude toward going off trail in NZ.
Hi Jo. There is a pretty clear trail from Roys Peak to Coromandel (although not as well defined as the official Roys Peak trail which is basically a road). Coromandel Peak has become quite popular over the past few years, so you shouldn’t need to bushwhack or go off-trail to get there. Good luck!
These really are wonderful photos. How do you manage to get such great shots? I’ll be checking back often as this blog, from what I’ve seen so far has been extremely enjoyable. Keep up the amazing work!
Thank you so much Ted! I really appreciate that, and I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy the blog. As far as the photos go, my partner is an amazing photographer – but it also helps when the location is as beautiful as New Zealand!
How was the camp up on Gertrude Saddle? Was there a few good spot to pitch a tent?
It was great! I’d say there were probably 5 solid spots up there.
Hey, Jess.
I’ve been looking all over the place trying to find that lone rock you’re standing on in the second photo. I’ve seen you and one other person on the rock but neither of you post where it is. I’m doing my first out-of-country trip this winter/New Zealand summer over there and it’s a “must visit” photo opportunity place for me. Any extra information on how to get to it would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Jessica. It’s difficult to give a location because it’s just a random rock on a hillside. But we got there by hiking down from Coromandel Peak. I hope that helps! Have a wonderful trip.
Have u hired any track guide for these single day hikes?
No, we did all of these hikes independently. No need for a guide.
I did all of them independently as well. You definitely don’t need a guide. Hikes in New Zealand are very well maintained and marked.