Outside in Aotearoa
What's happening outdoors around New Zealand. Track updates, mountain news and good reasons to get out there.
Choose the Lake Matheson circuit or shorter Jetty Lookout walk, with mountain reflections, route stages, facilities, packing tips and two planning maps.
Read more... : Lake Matheson: the rainforest loop and mountain reflectionsPlan the 2 km Devils Punchbowl return walk at Arthur’s Pass: waterfall views, 400-plus steps, stream precautions, parking and regional and route maps.
Read more... : Devils Punchbowl: the waterfall and stair climb at Arthur’s PassWalk from Aoraki village to Kea Point: roughly 6 km return, mountain views, route stages, parking options, practical packing and two clear planning maps.
Read more... : Kea Point: a manageable mountain-view walk from Aoraki villagePlan the 3.2 km Blue Pools return walk near Makarora, with swing bridges, parking, facilities, packing tips and clear regional and aerial route maps.
Read more... : Blue Pools: a forest and swing-bridge walk near MakaroraPlan the 6 km Taranaki Falls loop from Whakapapa, with walking stages, steps, packing advice, a regional location map and an aerial route overview.
Read more... : Taranaki Falls: the forest and waterfall loop from WhakapapaAbout 2 km circuit around the sandspit; about 30 minutes, or longer with stops. Gentle and mostly flat; grass, sand and some low rocks. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Wenderholm Te Akeake: a gentle beach and estuary walkAbout 3.2 km loop; about 1 hour 20 minutes. Moderate: gravel, steps, uneven ground and road crossings. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Whakanewha Forest walk: nīkau, birdlife and a Waiheke bush loopChoose a return walk from Home Bay; about 1–2 hours walking, depending on route. Easy to intermediate; grass, bush and coastal slopes. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Motuora Island walks: quiet bays and a northern loopWharf–lighthouse–Wattle Track loop; about 1 hour walking; allow extra time for birds. Easy to intermediate, with steps and an uphill section. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Tiritiri Matangi Wattle loop: a bird-filled walk to the lighthouseAbout 5 km return from Omaha Valley Road; about 3 hours return. Advanced tramping track; sustained climb and uneven ground. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Tamahunga summit walk: a steeper bush outing near MatakanaAbout 2 km return to the lookout; about 1 hour 20 minutes return. Steep steps at first, then a forest ridge. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Dome Lookout walk: a forest climb above WarkworthAbout 2.2 km loop; about 50 minutes; allow longer at the lookouts. Moderate descent and climb; exposed coastal headland. Maps, start details and packing advice.
Read more... : Mercer Bay Loop: west-coast cliffs without an all-day hike
