Adventures in Aotearoa

By Rose Langbein

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We’ve always been a family that loves adventures. Growing up, we would often do an annual tramp — days spent hiking through the bush, tackling a great walk, and sharing blister woes always created lasting memories together. We were always the last ones up in the morning, and the last to the huts at night. As a family, we would stay up late cooking, eating, playing cards, and laughing.

I was lucky to spend some time back home recently after living abroad for 10 years, and wanted to soak up as much time in nature as possible. We have so many incredible walks in NZ that are (mostly) easily accessible, which we often take for granted. Whenever I am homesick, I have these memories I can turn to, to remind me of Aotearoa and our beautiful natural world.

There are, of course, many more walks than the below list! The DOC website is a great resource that shows you where all the huts and walks are. There are so many beautiful tracks, all over the country, that offer you the chance to immerse yourself in nature.

Some of my recent favourites are:

Day Walks

Rob Roy Track — this 4 hour return takes you up the Rob Roy Valley, looking up to the Rob Roy Glacier. It’s my favourite day walk around Wānaka, the beech forest is so magical and the air is so fresh. There are lots of great picnic rocks at the top too.
Isthmus Peak — a great alternative to Roy’s Peak with similar epic views but less people. It’s very exposed so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, and take lots of water.
Blue Pools Track — Nestled among beech forest, these pools of deep, clear brilliant blue water offer a moment of calm. It’s a great spot for a swim in the summertime if you’re feeling brave — the water comes right off the mountains so it’s very fresh!
Siberia Experience — this is a one day trip up in Makarora where you fly in on a little Cessna plane, walk, and then jet boat out. A very amazing day and the perfect special treat.

Overnight Walks

Mueller Hut — overnight walk up in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. This was amazing!! You get such good views of Aoraki / Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki and the track is really well maintained. Definitely a bit busier.
French Ridge — overnight walk in the back of Aspiring National Park. I found this one VERY hard but it was well worth it for the spectacular views. It’s pretty incredible that you can walk for a few hours and be surrounded by these big majestic mountains.
Copland Track — this is a great walk to do in the winter when it is less busy and there are less sandflies. There are thermal hot pools at the end so make sure you pack your togs!
Humpridge — three days down in Fiordland in the most beautiful bush and big beautiful beaches. You can do this one a little more luxe if you like and have private rooms with fresh linen and hot showers which was a big treat. Plus there’s a bar in every lodge!! Need I say more.
Abel Tasman — a really lush walk to do in the summertime! The whole walk is coastal with the most tropical surroundings and lots of ocean swims. The sea is the most incredible colour and huts are fully equipped.