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Category: Hiking

  • Hiking the Sealy Tarns Track (2025)

    No trip to New Zealand’s South Island is complete without seeing the Southern Alps. This mountain range stretches from Nelson to Milford Sound and is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Roughly halfway between those two places is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the…

  • The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Coromandel

    New Zealand offers diverse hiking experiences, from coastal walks to waterfall trails. The Coromandel Peninsula, with its scenic beauty and varied terrain, is a haven for hikers. Notable hikes include the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, The Pinnacles, New Chums Beach, Wentworth Valley Falls, Owharoa Falls, Cathedral Cove Walk, Karangahake Gorge, and Waiau Kauri Grove. These hikes…

  • Hiking Rainbow Mountain: One of the Best Views in Rotorua

    Nestled amidst rolling hills and geothermal wonders lies Rotorua, a place steeped in Maori culture and natural beauty. From bubbling mud pools to towering redwood forests, Rotorua offers something for everyone and is a must-visit.  Having visited Rotorua many times, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing much of what the city has to offer. However,…

  • Visiting Ōmanawa Falls: One of New Zealand’s Best Waterfalls

    Ōmanawa Falls (Te Rere o Ōmanawa) is, in my opinion, one of the best waterfalls in New Zealand.  Located near Tauranga on the North Island, Ōmanawa Falls was closed for many years due to safety concerns. But it reopened in December 2023 after significant reinforcement works and is now one of the best day trips…

  • Hiking the Omanawanui Track: One of the best walks in Auckland

    There’s no doubt about it; the Omanawanui Track is one of the best walks in Auckland. Auckland City Council recently invested three years in renovating this track with stairs and boards to prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback Disease. Now, it’s open to the public for the first time since the rahui was placed in…

  • Hiking to Pouakai Tarns: Everything you need to know

    Nestled in Taranaki lies Pouakai Tarn. Perhaps one of the most photographed locations in the country, Pouakai Tarn offers hikers a perfect reflection of Mount Taranaki in the water.  If you love hiking, photography and great views, this is the spot for you! The key to getting the perfect photo is hiking on a clear…

  • The Best Walking Tracks in Auckland

    It’s no secret that if I could move to the mountains tomorrow and live out my days hiking, I would. This year, I’ve pledged to spend more time outside. For my physical health (I genuinely believe there is no better exercise than walking). But mostly for my mental health. I crave being in wide, open…

  • 5 Epic Viewpoints in Northland

    I can’t be the only person who thinks that Northland is one of the most criminally underrated destinations in New Zealand. Nestled above Auckland at the northern tip of the North Island, Northland is a must-visit if you love islands, pristine beaches, coastal views and miles and miles of native bush.  I love photography (so…

  • How to Spend 4 Days in Taranaki: My Dream Itinerary

    Taranaki, often overshadowed by New Zealand’s most famous destinations like Rotorua and Queenstown, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled on the North Island’s West Coast, this region boasts rugged coastlines, lush forests, and the iconic cone-shaped peak of Mount Taranaki. I’ll be honest – despite living in New Zealand for sixteen years, I only…

  • Your New Go-To Packing List for Day Hikes

    Hiking is one of my favourite ways to explore New Zealand and get acclimated to its phenomenal scenery. But if you live in New Zealand, you’ll already know how variable the weather can be. Sunny one moment, cloudy the next. Don’t even get me started on sun showers and freezing cold temperatures atop rocky peaks!…