Summary

We all know Australia is the place for bushwalking... New Zealand has some good tracks too... but surprisingly the rest of the world has some places worth visiting too! (imaging that!)

This is the place to share walks from outside of Australia/New Zealand.

Walks in North Island NZ

(New Zealand)

Hard

19.4 km one-way

7 hrs

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

This is a wonderfully atmospheric walk through an active volcanic area. It is considered as being one of the best day walks in the world. Highlights include, soda springs which is a waterfall, views of Mt. Ngauruhoe which was used in the lord of the rings films as Mount Doom, south crater, red crater (1868) which is the highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing if done with no diversions, emerald lakes, blue lake and Mt. Tongariro.

Easy

3.2 km return

90 mins

Upper Silica Rapids Track

Experience a range of vegetation types as well as the creamy-white Silica Rapid terraces.
The boardwalks makes walking over swampy ground more comfortable and reduces the impact of foot traffic on delicate vegetation. This is a great place to enjoy mountain views particularly Mt. Ruapehu.

Medium

10 km return

3 hrs

Urupukapuka

Urupukapuka is an island criss-crossed with walks. The article covers the main ones.

Medium

3.8 km one-way

90 mins

Whakapapanui Track

Follow Whakapapanui Stream and enjoy the shelter of the forest.
Water-logged clearings are passed as the track follows Whakapapanui Stream. Here, storm damaged beech forest is slowly regenerating. Keep a look out along the river for the endangered whio/blue duck. They are the same colour as the rocks so can be very difficult to spot, but you may hear the male’s whistling call.

Walks in South Island NZ

(New Zealand)

Medium

60 km one-way

4 days

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Discover Cleopatra's Pool – natural rock pool with a moss-lined waterslide.
Admire the beautiful inlet to Falls River as you walk across a 47 m suspension bridge.
Keep an eye out for fur seals/kekeno.
Crystal-clear waters of Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

The track is well marked and signposted, but some sections may be steep and rough and the track could be muddy.

There is one compulsory tidal crossing – check the tide tables for when it's safe to cross.

Part of the Abel Tasman NP. Easy but challenging walk on well maintained coastal track. Day walks are possible as drop off and pick up by water taxi is available. Combining with sea kayaking amongst the seal colony is a special experience. Many coves, beaches, even a few crossings on hanging bridges. Stunning scenery and lots of birds and wildlife.

Easy

1.4 km return

30 mins

Ayrburn Waterfall Walk

A short walk from the Ayrburn entertainment & eatery complex to a waterfall.

Hard

13.4 km return

8 hrs

Ben Lomond

A physically challenging ascent to the summit of the most iconic mountain in the Queenstown area.

Medium

5 km return

2 hrs

Castle Hill

Castle Hill Basin lies between the Torlesse and Craigieburn mountain ranges and is characterised by its distinctive limestone rock formations. These limestone rock formations are the water eroded remnants of limestone formed during the Oligocene age 30-40 million years ago when much of present day New Zealand was covered by the sea.
The area is of special cultural, spiritual and historical significance to Ngai Tahu who named it Kura Tawhiti (treasure from afar). Hidden amongst the limestone outcrops of Castle Hill are traces of 500-year old charcoal drawings traditionally said to have been left by the Waitaha, the first people to travel through this area.

Easy

400 m return

15 mins

Christie Falls

A short walk to Christie Falls on Falls Creek.

Medium

18 km one-way

7 hrs

Copland Track

This popular tramp gives a glimpse of Westland’s spectacular forest, river and mountain scenery, with natural hot pools at Welcome Flat an added attraction.