Outside in Aotearoa
What's happening outdoors around New Zealand. Track updates, mountain news and good reasons to get out there.
Choose between gentle sandspits, Gulf headlands and west-coast cliffs. Compare six Auckland coastal walks, with route maps and practical planning advice.
Read more... : Auckland coastal walks: six routes compared by scenery and effortCompare ten Auckland walks by time, terrain and effort, from a short waterfall loop to coastal hills. Find a route that fits your day.
Read more... : Short Auckland walks: 10 routes around two hours or lessChoose 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 WhakapapaDOC reports more than 285 orange-fronted parakeets counted on one survey day at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, an encouraging result for the rare bird.
Read more... : Nelson survey brings encouraging news for kākāriki karakaSix wildlife facilities will share $150,000 for bird-flu surveillance and care. Know who to call if you find sick or dead birds outdoors.
Read more... : Wildlife carers receive funding for bird-flu surveillanceAbout 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 loop
