new zealand: South Island short walks

New Zealand is filled with both family friendly - as well as more fitness demanding short walks. There are something for everyone from half day to full day treks, with an easiest access you could think of. Why not tapping into them if you are a limited with time, or you have a day to spare, or even if you have a full cloud cover but once you climb above… you have a sunshine, blinding your eyes, with a never-ending views across the region. Here are my chosen highlights… so far.

Roys peak

Wanaka, Otago / 16kms / 5-6 hours return / Easy

One of the must do. The track is only 7 kilometres from the Wanaka, and one of the most iconic walks everyone is talking about, thanks partly to Instagram. You probably have seen the photos already (just like the photo above) from that ONE famous spot of the ridge line. However why stop there, as it is only 3/4 from the actual peak? This can be extremely busy track, and therefore my suggestion is to keep an eye for a cloudy day, as it has less traffic and if lucky - you can have the whole place for yourself like I did. Another option is to tackle it witness sunrise, or sunset, to avoid the queues. Truly magical moment.

I did it in a rainy, misty day - however after 30 minutes into the climb, I was above the clouds, bathing in a sunshine, and ever stretching views of the mountain tops surrounded by a sea of clouds. Not to be missed! Take your time with this perfect family track, but be aware the climb can be hard if you are not fit. Take a gold coin with you for an appreciated track fee.

BLue Pools

Wanaka, Otago / 3kms / 1 hour return / Super Easy

This little gem is located along the way of the beautiful scenic drive through the Mount Aspiring National Park - from Wanaka to Haast. Easy and short, 1.5 hour return walk, offers you the most serene, vivid blue pools. Very family friendly flat walk, treats you with a lush forests, mountain views and an incredibly vivid clear blue water coming from the mountains, and flowing into the Makarora River. Spend a little time there admiring the views and exploring the river bends, and why not having a lunch without any rush? Perfect especially for a cloudy day.

isthmus peak

Wanaka, Otago / 16kms / 5-8 hours return / Advanced

30 minute drive from Wanaka is this less busy, little brother of more popular Roys Peak Track. This continuous climb is a bit more demanding, yet rewarding with never disappearing views of the surrounding lakes - Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, without any bigger crowds. Perfect if you want to have a little privacy. Prepare to have gusty winds on top.

Bonus is, you have an option to expand this hike for a longer one by following the Craig Burn track, or even tackle it with a mountain bike! Can’t get better than that!

Diamond lake and rocky mountains

Wanaka, Otago / Various; 2-7kms / Various; 0.5-3 hours return / Easy

This surprisingly delightful spot is only a short drive from Wanaka, with a multiple options to explore with your own time. 30 minute short lower level circuit takes you in the Lake Wanaka viewpoint, while longer upper level circuit gives you an incredible views of the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park. Great spot for a whole family. I find it a great add on to fill up your day if you have some spare time, or if you happen to drive along the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Road.

AVALANCHE PEAK

Arthur’s Pass National Park, Canterbury / 5kms / 6-8 hour loop / Intermediate

Located in Arthur’s Pass, this short but steep climb offers you amazing views of the surrounding peaks and clouds slowly drifting through the valley like waves. There are two options up to the Peak you can choose from, Avalanche Peak Route or Scotts Route, only 700 metres apart - both starting from SH73 at Arthur’s Pass village. You also have an option to make this a loop, or just a return trip. Check the conditions and be prepared accordingly, as there has been unfortunate deaths on this steep climb.

My tip, start early and you can have this incredible place all for yourself before crowds!

CASTLE HILL AND CAVE STREAM SCENIC RESERVE

Kura Tawhiti Conservation Area and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve, Canterbury / 3kms / 1 hour each / Easy

On the way from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, this easily accessible spot is worth exploring due its long history and importance to the Ngāi Tahu tribe. As you drive past, you simply cannot miss these unusual limestone formations - however make a short stop and take a closer look to truly appreciate the scale of the rocks, as some of them are up to 30 meters high.

And as you are here, why not stopping nearby to explore, or even walk through an underground cave in a pitch darkness for 600 meters? And by walking, I mean crawling and walk against the flow of water stream sometimes up to your chest level, while the only light source is your torch. Excited? Or nervous….? Just don’t drop your car keys into the river! Yep, it happened!!

If this doesn’t sound like your thing however, you still have an option to wonder around the area and witness diverse landscape of limestones and sculptured rock formations which is worth checking out.

BEALEY SPUR

Arthur’s Pass National Park, Centerbury / 6kms on way / 5 hour return/ Easy

While being in Arthur’s Pass, go explore this short and easy hours return track if you are not into climbing mountains. Another stunning scenery, with an incredible views across the Waimakariri River valley. The trek is less steep, and therefore more suitable for people with a reasonable fitness level. Enjoy the dramatic views appearing out of nowhere while trekking through the native bush. Great alternative if there is rain in Arthurs Pass. And as a bonus, you most likely will make new friends with a cheeky keas.

BEN LOMOND SUMMIT

Queenstown, Otago / 11kms / 6-8hrs return to Summit, 3-4hrs to Saddle / Advanced

This demanding return track, right to the top of Ben Lomond summit, lies right next to the Queenstown and is another must do! You have an option to start the climb from the base of the Skyline Gondola station, or you can skip the first part of the climb to make up some time, and take a Gondola up and start the climb from the top after the scenic ride. From the summit you are treated with an incredible 360 degree views across the region, however if you short of time or doubt your fitness level, you can aim to reach the Ben Lomond Saddle prior the last bit of the climb. Reserve enough time to challenge yourself with over 1400 meter elevation change, but it is all worth it with the most rewarding panoramic views of Otago.

MT ARTHUR SUMMIT

Kahurangi National Park, Tasman / 9kms one way / 5-9hrs return / Advanced

One of the most scening hikes of the Kahurangi National Park offers plenty of options to keep it short day walk, or extend the hike for multiway adventure due the ever appearing cross-sections. This highly exposed track is fairly easy however it is good to be prepared for sudden weather changes. After steady climb throughout a lush forrest the track offers ever changing view of unique rock formations typical for this region.

Even if the summit itself is clouded over, you won’ the disappointed with the views along the way so don’t let the clouds hold you back. Little note… the road to the car park is a bit rough side and if any doubt, leave a car and hitch hike a ride to the start of the track.

HOOKER VALLEY

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Canterbury / 5kms one way / 3hrs return / Easy

You coulnd’t find easier track with swing bridges and ridges to get up and close to glacier lake where iceberg are floating quietly as occasional avalanche echoes of the Mouth Cook and the Souther Alps. This little gem is perfect for families, especially at dawn or sunset, to witness incredible scenery without crowds and beautiful hues of ever-changing colour of the scenery.

quick tips:

Check the weather for the national parks, again and again.

Plan well, allow time to complete the treks, or road trips… and let someone know about your plans, even with a short walks.

There are no water some of the tracks, so take roughly 1.5-3 litres of water and sunblock in all seasons. As weather can change quickly, other equipment worth taking is a waterproof jacket and pants, warm layered clothing, hat and gloves and a head torch. Better to be prepared - even with a short hikes.

Take food and snacks to keep your energy up. Just remember to bring ALL your rubbish - including food scraps - back with you. It’s a great practice to learn, no matter where you hike, to support sustainable activities, as well as preserving nature.

Hiking boots are not always required, but I suggest having them just to make walks more care free, especially winter time. You can do a lot of the walks wearing athletic shoes but make sure they have a good support and fit. There is nothing worse than being uncomfortable during the walks. Some of the tracks are very rugged at times with steep sections - so it’s better to have strong, rigid footwear. Definitely no sandals, ever!

For a winter hike make sure you might need crampons. Check out the DOC site for any additional information off any of the tracks.

As always, it is good to have a cellphone. Even thou the trails are pretty straightforward and well marked, you are expected to stay on marked paths.

There are something for everyone if you want to explore incredible hikes with extremely easy access!