Tramping in New Zealand
Along with astronomy, one of my great passions is experiencing the landscapes and unique wildlife in NZ. We first visited in 2007 and have returned in 2018 and for New Year 2019-20. The country has well established hiking (or Tramping) trails and a few have been designated as Great Walks by the NZ government’s Department of Conservation (DOC). We have been lucky enough to walk a number of these routes and see some incredible sights and meet some wonderful people - both tourists from around the world and locals. This blog shares some of our best Tramping experiences.
Gallery of NZ Birds
This gallery page features images from all our trips, specifically of the unique birdlife. This includes our recent visit to Stewart Island and Ulva Island, one of the great bird spotting destinations in the world due to its variety of endemic species and predator free environment. Many of the birds are incredible friendly and will come and find you. Sadly, most of these species are also endangered and form part of active conservation efforts to control pests and increase the populations. NZ is a world leader in this regard.
The Grand Traverse 2019
This guided tramp combines the Greenstone and Routeburn into a 6-day loop. We walked these tracks over Christmas 2019 with Ultimate Hikes - and it was fantastic.
The Rakiura Great Walk 2019-20
The Rakiura on Stewart Island can be completed in either direction as a 3-day or 10-day loop. We walked the 3-day loop over New Year 2020.
The Hump Ridge Track 2020
A new addition to the Great Walks list, this varied and spectacular 3-day route combines forests, mountains and beach walking.
The Hollyford Track 2018
We walked the 3-day Hollyford Track in March 2018 to celebrate ‘significant’ birthdays. This privately run track involves a long first day of walking, followed by jet boat transfers and a spectacular helicopter ride into Milford Sound to finish.
The Tongariro Crossing 2007 coming soon
This is one of NZ’s most popular one day tramps, crossing the volcanic landscapes in the centre of the North Island.
The Routeburn Track 2007 coming soon
Our first multi-day hike was the Routeburn, which we walked independantly over 3.5 days from Glenorchy to The Divide in 2007. We revisited this track as part of the Grand Traverse in 2019 and it remains our favourite route due to the enormous range of spectacular scenery you experience each day.
The Kepler Track 2018
We have only walked a few hours on these trails and have not yet completed the loop. Our attempt to walk the first day was cut short due to illness. It is on the list to return and complete.
The Milford Track 2018
Described by many as The Best Walk in the World, the Milford Track is the most popular Great Walk in NZ. Taking in the spectacular landscapes around Milford Sound in Fiordland, it can be walked independently or as a guided trail. We did a one-day taster nature hike on the track in 2018 with Real Journeys.
Abel Tasman 2007 coming soon
This route captures the beautiful beaches and coves along the northern coast of the South Island. Tour operators run a mixture of walking and sea kayaking trips, with drop off at various locations.