Hiking is a great outdoor activity, one that tests your physical and mental endurance levels. It broadens your horizon as you get to explore new locations and meet new people along the way. It’s a highly enriching experience as you travel through deep forests, walk along beaches, or climb steep mountains. The thrill of going on a long hike gives a hiker goosebumps.
The hiking adventure is even more satisfying when the location is New Zealand. The hikers need not pack a lot of items to carry during such trips. Just a backpack with their clothes, snacks, water bottles, and hiking boots NZ would do the trick. The latter is a must and no hiking trip could be complete without a durable set of shoes.
Here are some awesome locations in New Zealand that all hiking enthusiasts should visit.
Hiking on the North Island
- The Goblin Forest: A quaint forest located in the East Egmont area of Mt. Taranaki, the Goblin Forest has an enchanting appearance with its gnarled woods and twisted paths. The presence of liverworts, ferns, and mosses adds a distinctive effect to the forest. The natural weathering process has resulted in the formation of natural pools that attracts visitors for a dive. The Goblin Forest is famous for an excursion through the Kamahi walk and the Wilkies Pool. Women would particularly enjoy hiking through the forest as it appears to be lifted straight out of a fairy tale. You would benefit from sturdy women’s hiking boots in NZ to go on this fascinating hike.
- Te Werahi Beach: There’s a 3-hour track to the Te Werahi or Twilight beach with peachy-hued sand dunes. This is a fantastic place for walking and tramping as the landscape is quite diverse. Hikers would be able to see the Cape Maria Van Diemen from the beach, a gorgeous view with an ocean background.
- Mount Maunganui: This is not an easy peak to climb. You would have to be quite fit to reach the summit. However, the view from the top is so amazing that every effort is worth it.
- Tongariro Northern Circuit: If you are curious to hike on volcanic mountains then the Tongariro National Park is the best place for you. The place is covered in snow from May to October, so the ideal time to hike is from late October to April. You would see a lot of crater lakes formed due to volcanic eruptions. These are famously called the Emerald lakes. The beautiful view of the Emerald lakes in the volcanic region of Tongariro Northern Circuit would make you marvel at nature’s creation.
- Pouakai Crossing: Located in Egmont National Park in Taranaki, the Pouakai crossing is a popular hiking destination because of its large cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, and moss swamps. The trek goes through rough muddy terrain so get the right hiking boots in NZ to navigate the scenic track.
Hiking on the South Island
- Hooker Valley Walk: A majestic path leading through swing bridges overlooking Mueller Lake and the glaciers around it. The topography changes along the way as you would pass through moraines and valley floor finally coming to the source of the Hooker river. You may listen to the roaring sound of avalanches on the swing bridges giving you goosebumps. The region is prone to heavy rains and snow, so remember to wear waterproof shoes and carry a raincoat.
- Mount Robert: The Mount Robert track is ideal for planning a hike with your family. It is not as demanding as some other tracks mentioned above and the overnight walks assures a good bonding moment for the whole family. It is situated in the Nelson Lakes region of the South Island. The trip is just perfect for women and kids. Cover the 9-km route with the women’s hiking boots in NZ as it takes you to the beautiful Lake Arthur.
- Fiordland National Park: The park has a lot of hiking tracks that would raise your sense of adventure. The Milford Track, Kepler Track, and the Hollyford Track coursing through the Fiordland National Park give you an unparalleled travel experience. If you like the road less traveled then go for the Lake Marian track and enjoy the solitude of sitting around the gorgeous lake.
Nut Graf
Any outdoor adventure lover would marvel at the breathtaking locations in New Zealand. The scenic trekking sites over snowcap mountains, golden beaches, and picturesque forests are an absolute delight to the senses. From the volcanic mountains and golden beaches on the North Island to the snow-laden peaks of the South Island, the topographical diversity of the island nation is immense. You would need bare essentials including hiking boots in NZ to cover these beautiful tracks. Since you are likely to come across tough terrain during your hike, it is advisable to go for boots that are made of strong material and varying sole thickness according to the location, waterproof, and built to protect yourself from rain and wet surfaces.
