The hike to Crater Lake at the top of Mount Ruapehu involves a steep track from Iwikau Village up to Knoll Ridge via Waterfall Descent, and then off-track scrambling over rocky terrain and loose scree.
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.
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.
A long loop walk through Yosemite, which traverses Clouds Rest, before returning via thr Sunrise Lakes. It could be done as an overnight hike, and extended to include Half Dome.
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.
A spectacular circular day walk that combines Shadow and Forgotten Lakes with an ascent of Mt Rufus (1,416m asl) and a side-trip to Little Hugel (1,274m asl). Two mountain peaks, alpine lakes, rainforest and incredible displays of flowering heath.
The hike from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay along Lake St Clair is the last (or first!) section of the Overland Track, and also makes a pleasant day walk. Although it’s a relatively boring walk in its own right – Shadow Lake circuit or Mt Rufus makes for a better day walk.
The hardened track to Dixons Kingdom and Mt Jerusalem in the in the Walls of Jerusalem National provides relatively easy access to one of Tasmania’s only remote alpine National Park, with spectacular scenery and the option of climbing a number of peaks along the track.
The Stokkvikskaret trail follows Lake Ågvatnet, with chains to assist on the steeper parts, eventually ascending to Stokkvikskaret Pass and Stokkvika village.