by New Zealand is a beautiful island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is divided into two main landmasses, the North Island and the South Island. It is also home to more than 700 small islands.
New Zealand is described as having a temperate climate but the north enjoys more of a subtropical climate during the summer season while further inland and the South Island can get as cold as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Most of the country’s population reside near the coastline, which is known for more moderate temperatures, light rainfall, and abundant sunshine, which creates incredible terrain for hiking with its variety of thriving vegetation.
Below are some of the best hikes in New Zealand that allow scenic views of this country’s beautifully unique landscape:
Explore the Glowing Abbey Caves
The small city of Whangarei not only offers incredible views of the Northland, but is also home to the Abbey Caves. The Abbey Caves feature incredible hiking trails that make you feel as though you are transported back in time. The hike begins as you walk through ancient-looking fields and slip into the entrance of the Organ Cave, the first of the three caverns. This cavern features several hundred feet of a small stream (it is about shin-deep). Here you will see a seemingly infinite amount of glowworms. The Abbey Caves are home to one of New Zealand’s largest populations of glowworms, which has helped it gain popularity. These glow worms are turquoise orbs of light that hang from the ceiling and other walls of the cave. Their color makes them seem almost alien-like and make the experience truly magical. After the Organ Cave, the trail leads to the Middle Cave, which not only has glowworms, but also an abundant amount of fluted limestone stalactites. This is often referred to as a “Green Milky Way” as you truly feel as though you are under the stars as you make your way through this cavern. This hike is by no means treacherous but the ground can be rocky, so take your time before you enter the last of the cavers, the Ivy Cave. The Ivy Cave is entered by descending steep boulders amongst a rushing stream. This maneuver is well worth it as the last cavern is just as beautiful as the prior two and is known for being speckled with phosphorescence (substances in the cave that glow in a greenish color). Each cavern offers a slightly different surreal experience that can only be found here. Once you have made your way through the caves, you can begin your trip back by trekking through the grass fields.
Take in the Mountain Views at Fiordland National Park
Located in the Southland, the Fiordland National Park offers incredible panoramic views of New Zealand’s unmatched landscape. This national park is popular to visit and features the Luxmore Hut, a 54-bunk “hut” that sits right on the Kepler trail for those who would like to stay overnight in order to begin their hike with the breathtaking sunrise shining over the mountains. The Luxmore Hut as well as the Kepler trail both overlook Lake Te Anau. This lake is serenely still as it sits peacefully between the mountain tops.
The Kepler Trail is famous for being nicknamed one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” as the trail can actually be a four-day trip for those who want to hike its entirety. However, it can also just be a day-stop for those who are less interested in the camping aspect of exploration and would prefer the comforts of a hostel at night. If you do choose to hike this full Kepler trail, you will be in for powerful views as New Zealand has done an incredible job of preserving its landscape, leaving hundreds of miles untouched by modern society. The vibrant blues and greens of the rolling hills, mountains, and crystal clear lakes are some of the last of their kind. Additionally, if you choose to go on this journey, you will have plenty of company as the Kepler Trail has become increasingly popular to visit.
Overlook the City with a Scenic View at Mount Victoria
For those who do not want to leave society behind completely while pursuing their love of nature, a hike on Mount Victoria is perfect for you. Located near the city of Wellington on the North Island, Mount Victoria offers a beautiful cityscape view of Wellington while also allowing you to appreciate the peaceful elements of nature on the trail. On the Mount Victoria Peak trail, you can view the rolling green hills that surround Wellington along with the sea in the background- it is a perfect combination of nature and city life. The summit is 643 feet, which may sound intimidating but the climb is definitely worth it. Plus, the trail allows you to choose if you would like to head back the way you came or continue on back down to sea. Please note that this hike is considered one of the easiest and most accessible for beginners and a great way to appreciate New Zealand’s landscape and bustling city.
Bask in the Beauty of the Rob Roy Glacier
This hike is marked as moderate difficulty as you follow a narrow path above the Rob Roy Stream which is fed by glacier water. This path is mostly uphill as you walk through the ancient forests that hug the trail that leads to the Rob Roy Glacier. This journey is truly mystical as the first lookout point features panoramic views of the glacier, its stream, and the surrounding dense forest. Please note that you should not go past the first lookout point during the winter months due to avalanche risk.
If you go to the upper lookout point in the summer months, you will stand under the base of the Rob Roy peak allowing for a beautiful, up-and-close view of the glacier. To return, stroll down the hillside you just walked up, which features glimpses of the valley. This trail is known for offering an uncountable amount of photo opportunities as the scenery is too stunning not to capture.
New Zealand’s landscape offers a variety of scenic views and its hiking trails offer a submersive experience that is tough to find in our modern world. These trails will truly make you feel like you are where no man has been before and offer a profound sense of peace and tranquility.
