An interesting hike from Mount Cargill, which towers over Dunedin, to the Organ Pipes – an exposed formation of columnar jointed basalt. A quite varied walk with great views along most of the track.
A short walk near Dunedin, featuring a natural sea arch and a hand-carved tunnel through the sandstone leading to Tunnel Beach. The small beach is surrounded by high cliffs and not suitable for swimming.
A loop track around the Sandymount peninsula, offering stunning views over the Otago Peninsula’s coastline and clifftops. A side-track leads down to Sandyfly Bay.
Allans Beach on the Otago Peninsula is frequented by penguins and sea lions, as well as an abundance of bird life. It’s a short 500m walk from the end of the road.
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s best-known tracks, linking the Fjordland and Mount Aspiring national parks. It varies from lush rainforest to spectacular alpine lakes and passes.Â
Located just outside Queenstown, the tough half-day ascent of Ben Lomond (1,748m) rewards – on a clear day – with sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and as far as Mount Earnslaw (Pikirakatahi) and Mt Aspiring (Tititea).
A return walk to the picturesque Lake Alta in The Remarkables. A rather dull ski service trail for the first half of the hike eventually becomes a charming alpine walking trail.
A steep and mostly off-track hike in The Remarkables to Shadow Basin Lookout, returning via Alta Lake. Stunning views over Queenstown from the ridge-top lookout.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit (which also includes the very popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing), circles Mount Ngauruhoe through a largely bleak and moon-like landscape. The volcanic landscape is occasionally broken by lush forest and tussock grass.