Endless Holiday

For numerous vacationers, hiking is the primary highlight of a visit to New Zealand. For reasonably fit individuals, all hikes in New Zealand are essentially possible. Those who are not regular hikers should prepare for such excursions in advance or choose novice trails. However, virtually anyone can enjoy hiking in this beautiful, mesmerizing country. Although almost any trail a person chooses promises an unforgettable hike, below are the routes that offer the most breathtaking views:

Mount Cook

Mount Cook is known throughout the world for its towering height. As New Zealand’s highest mountain, it has been tackled by world renowned climbers, including Edmund Hillary. Although hiking to the summit of the mountain cannot be accomplished in a day, following the trails around the base of Mount Cook Village is a wonderful experience for both expert hikers and beginners. An especially popular walk in this area is the Mount Cook Glacier Trail, which transverses blue rivers and snow covered boulder fields, eventually ending up in the glacier region, which is surrounded by a spectacular snow-covered mountain terrain no hiker ever forgets. This hike is not particularly difficult, but one must watch for ice and snow, which can potentially make the trail slippery.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a long time favorite of hikers from around the world. Many people simply refer to this trail as “the Crossing,” and it is one of New Zealand’s best-loved hikes. The entire route takes approximately six to eight hours, depending on the hiker’s individual pace. The most popular route on the Crossing goes directly through what remains of the Mount Tongariro area. Mount Tongariro was at one time the highest mountain in New Zealand before its volcano erupted with destructive force and leveled much of the land. Additional trails are available on this hiking path that take approximately two to three hours to complete. Whichever route one chooses, impressive views can be anticipated.

Emerald Lakes

Emerald Lakes is a highly diversified option for hikers who want to view various scenery. It is an especially good choice for those in search of outstanding photo opportunities. Hikers can meander across extraordinarily beautiful lakes, smoking volcano cones and large craters. The nearby volcano is still very much active, making this hike unique. Depending on the route one chooses, this hike takes anywhere from five to seven hours to complete, but on busy days visitors can expect to share the trails with as many as 1000 other individuals.

It is possible to avoid crowds at Emerald Lakes by visiting the area in September or October, when the region is not quite as crowded, or by taking the Mount Ngauruhoe side trail as opposed to the Lake’s primary trail. It is a challenging climb to reach the summit, and therefore only experienced hikers should travel on past the volcano head.

Key Summit

The Key Summit track is a terrific choice for anyone planning to hike on New Zealand’s South Island. The walk does not take more than two to three hours and features paths that are appropriate for all skill levels. It begins in the Fiordland National Park and follows the second half of the world famous multi-day Routeburn track. About an hour into the walk, hikers branch off to ascend the Key Summit.

Although largely up, the walk is not especially strenuous, and can be accessed by hikers from either end of the Milford Sound. The breathtaking views of the mountainous regions of the Fiordland National Park and its impressive glaciers and forests make this hike a terrific choice for anyone.

Mount Taranaki

Located at the far west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, Mount Taranaki is a favorite of those who enjoy flat, rolling fields along their hike, while still having access to a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains that tower as high as four miles above the trail. This route has the most diversified topography of almost any trail in New Zealand, and various paths are available for hikers of different skill levels. A beautiful, picturesque choice for anyone, Mount Taranaki will likely remain a favorite for many future years.

Rob Roy Glacier Track

Located in the Mount Aspiring National Park, the Rob Roy Glacier Track takes hikers on a meandering journey from the town of Wanaka on the South Island to the heart of the National Park. Those in search of a hike during which they can view an abundance of glaciers should definitely choose the Rob Roy. It features a tundra filled valley, a significant number of ski fields, towering mountains, and a spectacular, glacially coated rock face. No one is ever disappointed by the view on this renowned trail, but it should only be attempted by experienced hikers. It takes approximately three to four hours to complete, and offers amazing photo opportunities at virtually every point along the way.