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I highly recommend hiking (tramping) in New Zealand. The views are amazing everywhere (except in the cities). I just got back Wed. and would recommend the Tongariro Crossing, advertised as the best day hike in New Zealand. It was great hiking through the volcanos in "Mordor" but even in there late spring there was plenty of ice on top and a stiff wind with rain. The views were other-worldly with the crater lakes and volcanic rock. It was 10 miles and we did it in 6.5 hours with a 45 minute stop at the hut. It wasn't a difficult hike or technically challenging (more of a walk with significant uphill) similar to an easy high peak hike. The trails were impeccably maintained. After the summits, the weather cleared and was sunny for the trek down. Definately bring gloves and winter clothes. There are buses that leave from Lake Taupo or you can stay at Tongariro National Park.
I did another even more wonderful hike that was not well publisized at all (visit the DOC in Queenstown to find out more). It was a mountain called Ben Lomond and the trail started in Queenstown at the base of the gondola. I got 360 views of the southern alps and an expansive view of Lake Wakatipu at the top of this 1748m (5735') mountain. The trail was easy to follow as most of it was above treeline (sunscreen and a hat were life-savers). It was up the entire way with no leveling off at all. There were many switch backs but it was still walking - no climbing and nothing technical (wear hiking boots though). I met people from all over on this hike: Switzerland, England, Korea, South Africa, Ontario, and France. Go early if you want to avoid a lot of people. It was never crowded but there were a bunch of people on the trail especially when I was coming down. If you want to be a good samaritan, bring extra water and food. Most people that I ran into were not prepared and ran out of water and didn't bring much if any food. I saw people in leather jackets, flip-flops, and those with no water. I gave away food and water. There wasn't any snow on the trail in late November/early December. I did it in seven hours but spent a lot of time on top and talking with people and I'm a slow hiker so those with a moderate pace could easily do it in much less. Remember to savor the views...
Another great place with amazing views was Mt. Cook National Park. I stayed in Glentanner down the road about 20 minutes with a wonderful view of Mt. Cook. There were glacier walks and other interesting walks including Sealy Tarns which is short but quite steep. Most of the serious stuff required climbing experience and possibly a guide so I didn't do them but I was happy with my walks (since I had a cold when I was there).
E-mail me if you're considering going to New Zealand or would like to know more... Remember their summer is our winter.
I did another even more wonderful hike that was not well publisized at all (visit the DOC in Queenstown to find out more). It was a mountain called Ben Lomond and the trail started in Queenstown at the base of the gondola. I got 360 views of the southern alps and an expansive view of Lake Wakatipu at the top of this 1748m (5735') mountain. The trail was easy to follow as most of it was above treeline (sunscreen and a hat were life-savers). It was up the entire way with no leveling off at all. There were many switch backs but it was still walking - no climbing and nothing technical (wear hiking boots though). I met people from all over on this hike: Switzerland, England, Korea, South Africa, Ontario, and France. Go early if you want to avoid a lot of people. It was never crowded but there were a bunch of people on the trail especially when I was coming down. If you want to be a good samaritan, bring extra water and food. Most people that I ran into were not prepared and ran out of water and didn't bring much if any food. I saw people in leather jackets, flip-flops, and those with no water. I gave away food and water. There wasn't any snow on the trail in late November/early December. I did it in seven hours but spent a lot of time on top and talking with people and I'm a slow hiker so those with a moderate pace could easily do it in much less. Remember to savor the views...
Another great place with amazing views was Mt. Cook National Park. I stayed in Glentanner down the road about 20 minutes with a wonderful view of Mt. Cook. There were glacier walks and other interesting walks including Sealy Tarns which is short but quite steep. Most of the serious stuff required climbing experience and possibly a guide so I didn't do them but I was happy with my walks (since I had a cold when I was there).
E-mail me if you're considering going to New Zealand or would like to know more... Remember their summer is our winter.
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