With the New Zealand Great Walks season coming to and end it's getting to that time when those who missed out start planning for next season. Whilst these multi-day hikes are amazing, they are often short but just as spectacular hikes close by. These can be great for a trip in-between great walks or even as a substitute if you're not keen to spend days out in the bush. From lush rainforests to soaring mountain peaks, New Zealand's diverse landscape offers something for every type of hiker. Here are seven of the best hikes in New Zealand that are not part of the Great Walks.
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Mount Taranaki Summit: Located on the west coast of the North Island, Mount Taranaki is an impressive volcano that dominates the landscape. The hike to the summit is a challenging 8-hour trek that takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, tussocks, and scoria fields. The views from the top are truly breathtaking.
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Hooker Valley Track: Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the South Island, the Hooker Valley Track is a 10-kilometer hike that offers spectacular views of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The trail passes over swing bridges, past glaciers and glacial lakes, and through alpine meadows. It's an easy hike, and you can take your time to enjoy the views.
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Ben Lomond Summit: Located near Queenstown on the South Island, the Ben Lomond Summit hike is a challenging 11-kilometer hike that takes you up to a summit at 1,748 meters. The trail starts in the town and passes through beech forests, up rocky terrain, and past stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It's a challenging hike, but the views from the summit are worth it.
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Roys Peak: Located near Wanaka on the South Island, Roys Peak is a challenging 16-kilometer hike that takes you up to a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The trail is steep and requires a good level of fitness, but the views are worth it.
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Abel Tasman Coastal Track: While not officially part of the Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is still a popular hike. This 60-kilometer trail takes you through stunning coastal scenery and past secluded bays and beaches. The trail can be broken up into shorter sections or done as a multi-day hike.
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Rob Roy Glacier: One of NZ's most underrated short day hikes. This spectacular climb through native scrub and forest takes you to the opening of a glacial bowl where the Rob Roy Glacier towers above you. Massive waterfalls, ice-flows and the odd Kea around make this 3-4 hour hike worth every second.
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Mount Robert Circuit: Located in the Nelson Lakes National Park on the South Island, the Mount Robert Circuit is a 9-kilometer hike that takes you through beech forests, up to alpine meadows, and past stunning views of Lake Rotoiti. The trail is well marked, and the climb to the summit of Mount Robert is rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
