Summary:
Enjoy varied scenery on the lower slopes of a dormant volcano, from waterfalls and rock polls to distant views and lush forest. Trail Description Mt Taranaki, also known as Mt Egmont, dominates the prominent headland in the west of North Island. The National Park has 140 km of tracks, including multi-day high- and low-level circuits of the volcano. This interesting half-day hike includes short sections of these tracks, together with parts of Wilkies Pool Loop, Enchanted, Ridge Loop and Kapuni Loop Trails.

At Dawson Falls parking area and visitor center, you get a good look at the subsidiary cone of Fantham Peak, south of Taranaki’s main summit and, on a clear day, the views stretch as far as the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.

Head to the end of the road and onto the Wilkies Pool Loop (red markers), which makes its way through forest and past a lookout point to Kapuni Stream. Cross over and continue climbing alongside the stream, which forms a series of cascades and small pools, a perfect place for relaxing on a warm day. This section of the hike is popular, particularly with families, but you tend to find that the higher you climb, the fewer people there are.

Climb back down a short way to where the Wilkies Pool trail turns left, away from the stream. Stay on it for a moment, before bearing left onto the High Level AMC (Around the Mountain Circuit). Follow this in a general north-easterly direction towards The Plateau, the end of the approach road from Stratford to East Egmont. After about 1 mile/1.6 km, and just a few minutes before The Plateau, a post marks the Enchanted Track to the right. Before you take it, detour ahead to The Plateau and a view from a lookout that stretches many miles to the east.

Return to the Enchanted Track (blue markers). There are a few more meters of ascent and, as you climb, look back for a great view up to the snow-capped summit of the volcano. Now the trail descends some 984 ft/300 m through a fascinating forest of ferns and other exotic-looking (and sounding) plants: horopito, moss-covered kamahi and totara, and astelia. The mountain acts as a rain trap, and the lush forests on the lower slopes are testament to the damp climate.

At the junction, turn right onto Waingongoro Track to loop back to Dawson Falls. The trail crosses a number of streams before approaching a deep gorge cut by Waingongoro River. The swing-bridge across the gorge is the highest in Egmont National Park – it is also long and narrow, and only one person is allowed on at a time. So if you are not very good with heights, take a deep breath before stepping on!

Bear right, ignoring a turning for Waingongoro Hut, and continue on the trail for about 0.6 mile/1 km to a junction. Turn left onto the Ridge Track (yellow markers) and follow it for 0.75 mile/1.2 km or so down to Kapuni Stream (on the way passing a connector to Wilkies Pool Loop, an alternative route back to the visitor center). Cross the footbridge.

Just a few minutes to the right is the visitor center, but to visit Dawson Falls you need to bear left onto Kapuni Loop Track (pink markers). An easy path and steps lead down to the base of the falls. Stay on Kapuni Loop, cross the road, and continue through forest and an open area by Konini Lodge to the visitor center.

FACT FILE

Location: Egmont National Park, west North Island. The Park has three entrances: North Egmont, East Egmont, and Dawson Falls on the south-east slopes, which is where this hike begins. The nearest town, to the east of the Park, is Stratford, but it is probably easier to access Dawson Falls via Eltham, 11 km to the south. Directions: From Wanganui on the coast, take Hwy 3 north-west for about 92 km to Hawera, then continue north on Hwy 3 for 21 km to Eltham. Turn left to head west on the road to Kaponga and Opunake. In about 14 km you reach Kaponga, where you turn right to head north on Manaia Road towards the volcano and Dawson Falls. Trailhead: Dawson Falls visitor center, at the end of Manaia Road. Length: 6 miles / 9.6 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: 984 ft / 300 m Duration: 3.5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined with signed junctions and colored markers in places. Features: Cascades and rock pools, forest, volcano, waterfall. Climate: Changeable with high rainfall. Tends to be most stable late summer/ early autumn (February/March). Accommodation: Lodge and more basic dormitory-style accommodation at Dawson Falls. Eltham has a couple of motels. Stratford has more choice, including motels and a holiday park with cabins, tent and RV sites. Trail Notes: Trail and topographic maps available at Dawson Falls visitor center.

Summary:
One of New Zealand’s classic tracks climbs from Routeburn Valley through dramatic alpine scenery to a high mountain pass. Highly Recommended One Day Hike Trail Description The Routeburn Track is a high country traverse between Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks via the Routeburn and Hollyford Valleys. It is one of several classic multi-day hikes in south-west South Island, usually done over 2-3 days, but in good weather it is possible to cover a large part of the track as a day hike. We describe the route from the Mt Aspiring end to the Track’s highest point at Harris Saddle, with an optional ascent of Conical Hill for magnificent views over Hollyford Valley.

Cross a bridge over the river and head through beech forest. You will soon pass Routeburn Shelter, across the river to your left. The trail climbs steadily and, after crossing another bridge over Sugar Loaf Stream, turns to the west. The trail continues its steady climb as it heads into Route Burn Gorge. Beyond the gorge, the gradient levels. A bridge takes you across the Route Burn (river) and, with the river now to your right, you emerge from the forest into the open Routeburn Flats. The trail returns to the forest for a time as it approaches Routeburn Flats Hut.

About 1.5 hours from the trailhead, the track forks. Routeburn Flats Hut lies 5 minutes straight ahead, but you need to take the left path to Routeburn Falls, about 1 hour away. Now the work really begins, as there is around 1,000 ft/300 m of ascent in the short distance between you and Routeburn Falls. The climb on the narrow, rocky path is steep in places, but never particularly arduous.

Swing-bridges cross a couple of creeks – first Israeli Creek, then Emily Creek. Then you cross a large landslide area, where there are the most wonderful views down to the river and across to snow-capped peaks. A final climb takes you up to Routeburn Falls Hut, with the falls themselves a few moments further on.

The track switchbacks up and away from the hut – as it disappears from view, there is a great unobstructed view over the Routeburn Valley – and heads into Harris Basin. This high country heralds a noticeable change in vegetation and scenery – the beech forest and river flats given way to exposed tussock slopes and bare rock. In good weather, you will have no difficulties crossing this land, but it is a different story in winter and early spring, with deep snow and bitter temperatures. At any time of year, be prepared to turn back if the weather is bad.

The trail is easy to follow in good conditions, with red posts marking the route. The rocky path curves around the edge of the basin, with the Route Burn to your right winding its way down to the valley floor. As you ascend ever higher towards Lake Harris, you are rewarded with a dramatic view over the basin framed by high peaks. The lake itself remains hidden until you finally climb above it. Continuing past the lake, you reach the highest point on the trail, and then drop slightly to Harris Saddle. Ahead are the tops of the peaks lining Hollyford Valley.

This marks the turn-round point of the day hike. But if the weather is good, there are enough hours of daylight, your legs feel strong and the tantalizing glimpse of the valley proves too much, take the side track by Harris Saddle Shelter. Via switchbacks this climbs 780 ft/238 m to the top of Conical Hill and a magnificent view along Hollyford Valley towards Key Summit.

Summary of Times, Distances and Ascents
Trailhead to Routeburn Flats: 1.5 hours, 4 miles/6.4 km, 827 ft/252 m.
Routeburn Flats to Routeburn Falls: 1 hour, 1.25 miles/2 km, 968 ft/295 m.
Falls to Harris Saddle Shelter: 1.5 hours, 2 miles/3.2 km, 902 ft/275 m.

Full Day Option

If you are in good condition and hiking in summer, with good weather and plenty of daylight, it is possible to hike the entire Routeburn Track in one very full day. Estimates of the length of the track vary – we have seen 33 km and 39 km quoted – but a measurement of the topographic map produced by Infomap indicates a distance closer to 18.75 miles/30km.

Your biggest problem will be transport – although public transport is available at either end, it is unlikely that timings will fit with the necessary early start and late finish. Alternatively, take a more relaxed pace by overnighting at MacKenzie Hut (reservations through the Department of Conservation are essential in summer).

The Track ends at The Divide, on the road between Te Anau and Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau (85 km south of The Divide) has plenty of accommodation and travel information, and is a good place to overnight before returning to Queenstown (168 km, about 2.5 hours by public transport). Beautiful Milford Sound (35 km north of The Divide) is something of a tourist Mecca but only has limited accommodation. It is 307 km (about 5 hours) to Queenstown from Milford Sound, via Te Anau.

FACT FILE

Location: Head of Lake Wakatipu, north-west of Queenstown in south-west South Island. Directions: Take the 6A through the center of Queenstown, turning left onto Shotover Street and continue on to Lake Esplanade. This road, which becomes Glenorchy Queenstown Road, hugs the north shore of Lake Wakatipu for 50 km to Glenorchy. The trailhead is about 40 minutes drive further on. Trailhead: End of Routeburn Kinloch Road. From Glenorchy, continue north on Glenorchy Paradise Road for 7 km, branch left and shortly after turn left onto Glenorchy Routeburn Road. Turn right onto Routeburn Kinlock Road in 8.5 km, and continue for 6.5 km to a car park just before the end of the road. Public transport to the trailhead is available from Queenstown – check with the Department of Conservation visitor center for times and prices. Length: 14.5 miles / 23.2 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 2,697 ft / 822 m Duration: 7.5 hours Trail Condition: Gravel track to Routeburn Flats. Beyond this, the trail continues to be defined but is steeper and more rugged. Red posts help to mark the route beyond Routeburn Falls. Features: Beech forest, river and valley, cascades, alpine lake and meadows, snow-capped mountains. Climate: Changeable and subject to heavy rain – weather tends to be most stable in late summer (February/March). In winter or early spring, snow and avalanche risk can make travel beyond Routeburn Falls extremely hazardous. Accommodation: Motels and holiday park (with cabins, tent and RV sites) in Glenorchy. Plenty of choice in Queenstown for all budgets. Trail Notes: Trail times posted along the way are conservative – in good conditions and carrying a daypack only, you could reach Harris Saddle in 4 hours or so. Trail and topographic maps available at DoC visitor centers in Queenstown and Glenorchy.

Summary:
Dramatic views of mountains and valleys at the start of the classic Routeburn Track. Trail Description The Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand classic hikes, passes through stunning alpine scenery between Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. This trail follows the initial part of the track at the Fiordland National Park end, detouring to a summit overlooking Hollyford Valley and the Darran Mountains.

From the car park at The Divide (so-called because it lies between the eastern and western sides of the Southern Alps), the track is clearly signed. It is a steady climb through forest, with no views at this stage except the vegetation to either side.

After anything from 30 to 60 minutes of climbing (depending on your pace), in which you ascend close to 900 ft/275 m, the trail forks. The Routeburn Track continues ahead to Howden Hut, but you bear right for the top of 919-m Key Summit.

The track continues to climb, but soon you reach the top of the bush-line. As you emerge from the trees, magnificent views open up over Hollyford Valley to the north. At the summit, the panorama includes the Greenstone Valley to the south. Jagged snow-capped peaks rise majestically, seeming almost close enough to touch. It seems incredible that such a small amount of effort can lead to such a special place.

A boardwalk leads round an area of alpine bog, and a marker points out the different valleys and mountains that surround you. Take your time to soak it all in, before starting the descent back to the car park.

It is a good idea to save this walk for early or late in the day, as the chances are you may have the summit to yourself (as we did when we walked up late one afternoon). Fortunately, most of the tourists who throng to the beautiful fjord of Milford Sound simply rush past this place – just the way we would like it to stay.

FACT FILE

Location: Fiordland National Park, in the south-west of South Island. Milford Sound is less than 70 km north-west of Queenstown as the crow flies, but over 300 km by road. Directions: Take the 6A east out of Queenstown for 7 km, then right onto the 6 south for about 85 km to Five Rivers. Turn right to Mossburn, about 20 km away, then right onto the 94 for 70 km to Te Anau. Continue north on the 94 – the road to Milford Sound – for another couple of hours. Trailhead: Car park at The Divide, on the 94 (Milford-Te Anau Road), 85 km north of Te Anau and 35 km south of Milford Sound. Public transport, which stops at The Divide, runs between Te Anau and Milford Sound. Length: 3.8 miles / 6.1 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,270 ft / 387 m Duration: 2.5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined and very easy to follow. Sections of boardwalk loop around the summit. Features: Valley and snow-capped mountain views, alpine bog and tarns. Climate: Changeable and subject to heavy rain – Fiordland National Park is notoriously wet. Conditions tend to be most stable in late summer (February and March). Accommodation: Te Anau is geared towards hikers and has plenty of accommodation. Milford Sound is something of a tourist mecca but has limited accommodation – to our knowledge, Milford Sound Lodge is the only option. Trail Notes: Transport and travel information from Te Anau visitor center on Lakeside Drive.

Summary:
Stunning alpine scenery is your reward for this climb to the head of Rob Roy Valley. Trail Description The West Matukituki Valley is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. On this half-day hike you branch away from Matukituki River, climbing through beech forest to the head of Rob Roy Valley and close-up views of Rob Roy glacier.

The trail is clearly signed from the car park. Keep to the left of the river, then cross a swing-bridge after about 1.25 miles/2 km. Soon after, pause at the bench to admire the West Matutituki Valley. The path now climbs through a beautiful gorge, with lush vegetation framing the snow-capped peak directly ahead. Continue into beech forest.

Now there is a long, steady climb through the forest. Eventually you reach the bushline and a noticeable change in vegetation. Follow Rob Roy stream into open meadow, with Rob Roy glacier forming an impressive backdrop. A little further on and you can relax in the meadow, the glacier directly ahead, admiring the numerous waterfalls plummeting down the sheer cliff faces.

For a longer hike from Raspberry Creek car park, consider a full-day return climb to Shotover Saddle for wonderful views over West Matukituki and Rob Roy Valleys. Head across the West Matukituki valley floor following the trail towards Aspiring Hut. After the waterfall near Wilsons Camp, just before Cascade Hut, look out for a ridge leading up to the saddle. There is no marked route up to the saddle so take a map and compass. The going may be hard in places, but should get easier higher up. Just below the top is a large tarn.

FACT FILE

Location: The southern end of the Southern Alps. The nearest town is Wanaka, 45 miles/72 km north-east of Queenstown. Directions: Approach on Hwy 6, branching onto the 84 just outside Wanaka. From the town center, follow the Glendhu Bay Road west along the southern shore of Lake Wanaka to the Matukituki Valley. Trailhead: Raspberry Creek car park, at the end of the road, 50 km from Wanaka. The last part of the road is unpaved, and you need to ford a couple of streams (beware of rising water levels in spring). A twice-daily transport service also runs to Raspberry Creek from Wanaka. Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,625 ft / 495 m Duration: 4 hours Trail Condition: Well defined, easy to follow. Features: Beech forest, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, meadow. Climate: Be prepared for changeable conditions. Weather tends to be most stable late summer/early autumn (February/March). Snow in winter. Accommodation: Plenty of choice in Wanaka, including motels, hostels and tent and RV camping. Trail Notes: There is a danger of avalanche in winter and spring (June-November) – check conditions at Department of Conservation visitor center in Wanaka.

Summary:
From Arthur’s Point, head through rugged gold-mining country to the old settlement of Sefferstown. Trail Description The Moonlight Track heads north, running parallel to the Shotover River. A popular venue for jet-boating, you can often see them on the river far below to the right. There are wonderful mountain views as you follow the undulating path.

After about 1.25 miles/2km, the trail skirts a small, rocky crag and bears left (west) to follow Moke Creek. This crag makes a great vantage point to enjoy the mountains in some solitude.

The path continues for another 2 km, following the historic route into the Moonlight goldfields. It ends at a 4WD private farm track that leads to the old goldmining settlement of Sefferstown in around 0.6 mile/1 km. Branching off the road to the left, a poled route climbs to the Ben Lomond saddle.

Those wanting a longer hike can continue along the 4WD track through Moke Creek gorge for a further 5 miles/8 km, past abandoned copper mines, to Moke Lake. If you have not arranged any transport here, it will be a day’s hike out and back to Arthur’s Point.

FACT FILE

Location: Southern South Island, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, 304 miles/487 km south-west of Christchurch and 119 miles/190 km north of Invercargill. Directions: Approach on Hwy 6, which becomes the 6A just outside Queenstown. This road will take you into the center. Continue up Stanley Street and turn right at the second roundabout onto Gorge Road. Head north on Gorge Road for 5 km to Arthur’s Point. Trailhead: From Arthur’s Point, switchback up McChesney Road, pass a sign for Arthur’s Track and bear left at the fork. Continue to the parking area at the end of the road. Length: 6.2 miles / 9.9 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: N/A Duration: 3.5 hours Trail Condition: Narrow, defined path. Final 1 km follows a 4WD track. Features: River and mountain views. Climate: Changeable – weather tends to be most stable February/March. Accommodation: Limited lodging at Arthurs Point. Queenstown has plenty of choice for all budgets: cabins, tent and RV sites, backpacker hostels, motels, hotels and apartments. Trail Notes: Trail information from the Department of Conservation visitor center, Shotover Street.

Summary:
Awe-inspiring from the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Wakatipu Basin. Trail Description Queenstown, with its stunning setting surrounded by high peaks on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, bills itself as the adventure capital of the world. Here, popular multi-day hikes and adrenaline-pumping sports such as bungy jumping, jetboating and white-water rafting are the prime draws. Maybe this is the reason you can hike to the top of Ben Lomond on a perfect summer’s day and have the spectacular views practically to yourself. The 3,000-ft ascent in less than 3 miles will tug on the muscles of all but the most athletic hikers. The spectacular panorama from the top is a worthwhile reward, all the more enjoyable for having to work hard for it.

There are good views over Queenstown as the gondola lifts you 1,476 ft/450 m to the Skyline Chalet at the top of Skyline Hill. From here, a clear, signed trail leads up through Douglas fir to connect to the Ben Lomond Track.

At this higher elevation the vegetation changes noticeably, from forest to tussock slopes, and a wonderful view over Lake Wakatipu opens up behind you as you climb the relatively gentle slope (you will see why this gradient is considered gentle when you start the final pitch to the summit!)

Eventually the trail veers left as you reach Ben Lomond saddle. This level section, with its wonderful views north and south, soon gives way to the final, punishing climb to the summit. The effort is more than rewarded at the top – a 360 panorama of lakes and snow-capped mountains, stretching as far as Mount Aspiring on a clear day.

When you are able to pull yourself away, climb back down to the saddle and return the way you came.

An alternative descent route leads north from the saddle towards Sefferstown, where you turn right to join the Moonlight Track. Ending at Arthurs Point, 5 km north of Queenstown, you will need to arrange transport to get back to your starting point. This strenuous route will take a very full day, and the poled route is subject to landslips, so get more information and check trail conditions with the Department of Conservation.

FACT FILE

Location: Southern South Island, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, 304 miles/487 km south-west of Christchurch and 119 miles/190 km north of Invercargill. Directions: Approach on Hwy 6, which becomes the 6A just outside Queenstown. This road will take you into the center, connecting with Shotover Street. Trailhead: Top of Skyline Hill – ride up in the gondola cableway (fee charged). The gondola terminal (with car parking) is at the end of Beacon Street, 0.5 km north of Shotover Street. Length: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 3,116 ft / 950 m Duration: 5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined. Final climb to the summit is very steep. Features: 360-degree views of mountains and lakes. Climate: Be prepared for changeable conditions. Weather tends to be most stable late summer/early autumn (February/March). Accommodation: Queenstown has plenty of choice for all budgets: cabins, tent and RV sites, backpacker hostels, motels, hotels and apartments. Trail Notes: Trail information from the Department of Conservation visitor center, Shotover Street. If you don’t want to take the gondola, you can walk to the track via Skyline Access Road, off Lomond Crescent – obviously, this will increase the hike length and elevation change given in the Fact File.

Summary:
Stunning volcanic scenery on one of the world’s best one-day hikes. Outstanding One Day Hike of the World Trail Description Superlatives are inadequate to describe this outstanding one-day hike on New Zealand’s North Island. The trail takes you through a stark volcanic landscape that makes you feel like you are walking on the surface of another planet. Yet, incredibly, it is a walk of extreme contrast – you start the hike in scenery similar to Scottish moorland and finish by walking through woodland! What’s more, this hike is challenging physically, taking in several steep ascents.

The trail, widely acknowledged as the country’s finest one-day hike, is found in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and a world heritage site. It encompasses three volcanoes: Ruapahu, Tongariro, and the perfectly formed Ngauruhoe.

The track heads through Mangatepopo Valley. After 1 mile/1.6 km, a side trail leads off left to Mangatepopo Hut. You continue ahead, climbing gently to the right of a stream. As you pass through old lava flows, Mt Ngauruhoe dominates the skyline to the left. 1.5 miles/2.4 km later, and now nearly at the head of the valley, a short detour along a path to the left leads to Soda Springs, a cold water spring surrounded by lush vegetation.

Return to the main track and soon the real climbing begins as you head up from the valley floor to the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Your reward for reaching the saddle are great views of Tongariro and, if it is clear, Mt Taranaki to the west. The saddle is also the starting point for those wishing to make an ascent of Ngauruhoe, a strenuous climb over loose scoria that takes around 3 hours (it is important to check conditions before attempting an ascent, as ice can make it treacherous).

From the saddle, the trail crosses South Crater – the way is clearly signed. 4.4 miles/7 km into the trail, after a further stiff climb, you reach the highest point, spectacular Red Crater. It is still active, as evidenced by the clear smell of sulphur as you peer into it. From here, there is a stunning view down towards aptly named Emerald Lakes, two small, water-filled craters, brilliantly colored due to a high mineral content. You will want to linger, but the summit of Red Crater is very exposed, and high winds can make it bitterly cold.

The descent down to Emerald Lakes is steep, through loose scoria. Just after the second lake, pass a side trail on the right (it leads to another hut) and continue northwards over Central Crater. A final, short climb leads up to magnificent Blue Lake. An old vent, Blue Lake was originally called Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s Mirror), and it was Rangihiroa’s descendent who donated the main part of Tongairio National Park in 1887.

The track continues north, quickly leaving Blue Lake and skirting North Crater. As you descend to Ketetahi Hut, the scenery changes, and views open up ahead of Lake Rotoaira. Close to the hut, the track passes plumes of steam and mineral-streaked rocks, Ketetahi Hot Springs. Be aware that you are now crossing private landv and there is no right of access to the springs.

The long descent continues for 3 miles/4.8 km, down tussock slopes and finally through hardwood forest, yet more contrasting scenery on this wonderfully diverse hike. Finally you reach a car park where you pick up the hikers bus, marking the end of the Tongariro Crossing.

FACT FILE

Location: Central North Island, south-west of Lake Taupo. Directions: From the southern end of Lake Taupo near Turangi, take Hwy 47 south-west for 39 km, then turn right onto Hwy 48 to head into the National Park. The visitor center at Whakapapa is in 7 km. Approach from the south via Hwy 4 and 47. Trailhead: Mangatepopo Road-end, north of the visitor center off Highway 47. A hikers bus runs from the visitor center to the trailhead in the morning, and picks up at the end of the day from the trail-end at Ketetahi, off Highway 46. A return ticket in 2000 cost NZ$15. Length: 10.4 miles / 16.6 km Trail Type: One way Elevation Change: 2,362 ft / 720 m Duration: 6.5 hours Trail Condition: Defined track. Some rough and steep sections. Features: Active volcanoes, emerald lakes, lava flows, hot and cold springs. Climate: Severe weather possible at any time of year. Conditions tend to be most stable late summer/early autumn (February/March). Ice axe and crampons required in winter. Accommodation: Hotel rooms, tent and RV camping inside the Park. Further lodging in National Park village on the intersection of Hwy 4 and 47, 10 km south of the 48 turn-off. Trail Notes: Exposed terrain, so be prepared for changeable weather. Transport and trail information from Whakapapa visitor center.