{"id":696,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:16","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/"},"modified":"2024-08-19T16:36:02","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T15:36:02","slug":"best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Best Day Hikes on the South Island of New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#1_Mount_Alfred\" >1. Mount Alfred<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#2_Ben_Lomond\" >2. Ben Lomond<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#3_Roys_Peak\" >3. Roy&#8217;s Peak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#4_Isthmus_Peak\" >4. Isthmus Peak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#5_Rocky_Mountain\" >5. Rocky Mountain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#6_Mount_Robert\" >6. Mount Robert<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#7_Bealey_Spur_Track\" >7. Bealey Spur Track<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#8_Lake_Marian\" >8. Lake Marian<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#9_Mueller_Hut\" >9. Mueller Hut<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#10_Hooker_Valley_Walk\" >10. Hooker Valley Walk<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#11_Alex_Knob\" >11. Alex Knob<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#12_Gertrude_Saddle\" >12. Gertrude Saddle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#13_Mount_Fyffe\" >13. Mount Fyffe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#14_Avalanche_Peak\" >14. Avalanche Peak<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/#Support_my_site\" >Support my site<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>After you&#8217;ve spent hours, possibly days, inside a stuffy cramped tin can with wings to get to these remote islands, there is no better way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air than going on a hike!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You can&#8217;t come to New Zealand and not be willing to discover the sheer vastness that it has to offer so make sure you pack your walking legs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your boots might give you a few blisters, and you will get hungry, thirsty, and tired, but once you finish the hike&nbsp;and look at all those awesome photos that you took you will know why it was worth&nbsp;the effort.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>New Zealand offers something for everyone. From treks that can last anything between 30 minutes, 3 days,&nbsp;to even&nbsp;3 months! I&#8217;ve decided to compile a selection of the best day hikes that I&#8217;ve done.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those of you who&nbsp;<strong>plan on visiting the South Island<\/strong>&nbsp;I have designed a complete&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\">New Zealand Travel Guide<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;featuring multiple road trip itineraries, hikes, photo locations, and tips.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544501499\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Mount_Alfred\"><\/span>1. Mount Alfred<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation gain to summit:&nbsp;1000m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 5-7 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13592\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-5-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Best Day Hikes on the South Island of New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-13592\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-5-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-5-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-5-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-5.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13524\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13524\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"627\" data-id=\"13593\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13593\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13594\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13594\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mount-Alfred-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is, without a doubt,&nbsp;<strong>one of the best day hikes<\/strong>&nbsp;I\u2019ve done in New Zealand, and believe me I\u2019ve done A LOT! Mount Alfred&nbsp;<strong>isn\u2019t a very common<\/strong>&nbsp;one either which makes it slightly more special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The track, which starts around 15 minutes away from the township of Glenorchy, mainly&nbsp;<strong>cuts through the native bush<\/strong>&nbsp;until merging out onto a steep plane from which the summit and ridge are accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The northernmost point along the ridge looks over Paradise (Yes there\u2019s a place in NZ called Paradise) and the Earnslaw Glacier in the near distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the South, you have a spectacular view over Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. It\u2019s not the easiest as summiting is a&nbsp;<strong>continual uphill struggle<\/strong>&nbsp;but my gosh it&#8217;s&nbsp;<strong>spectacular when you get to the top.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UPDATE:<\/strong>&nbsp;The Mount Alfred summit hike goes across private land. The owner of the land has recently prohibited access to the general public without prior permission, due to hikers getting lost or stranded on the mountain. You can join a guided tour to do it.&nbsp;If you decide to ignore the sign that&#8217;s your decision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544501999\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Ben_Lomond\"><\/span>2. Ben Lomond<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation gain:&nbsp; From Queenstown: 1437m, From the Upper Gondola Terminal: 950m&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 6-8 h return from Queenstown, 4-6 h from Upper Gondola Terminal<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13562\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-8-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13562\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-8.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13560\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-13-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13560\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-13-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-13-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-13-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-13.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13596\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-14-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13596\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-14-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-14.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13595\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13595\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Ben-Lomond-Winter-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the ultimate hike from Queenstown, where I lived and worked for 4 months during New Zealand&#8217;s summer. Emerging from the forest earlier than on Mount Alfred, the&nbsp;<strong>very well-maintained<\/strong>&nbsp;(thanks Department of Conservation) track meets up with the&nbsp;<strong>Ben Lomond Saddle<\/strong>&nbsp;where one can choose to go right to Bowen Peak or&nbsp;<strong>left to the Ben Lomond summit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>summit offers unique views<\/strong>&nbsp;of the Remarkables Mountain Range to the southeast, and Walter and Cecil Peak across Lake Wakatipu in the south. Moke Lake in the West and numerous valleys and canyons to the North. There\u2019s no other way to put it apart from this\u2026.. It&#8217;s a&nbsp;360-degree orgasm-inducing view fest extravaganza from up there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those of you not looking for such a big challenge, the route&nbsp;<strong>can&nbsp;be shortened by taking the Queenstown Gondola<\/strong>&nbsp;up the first section.&nbsp;If you&#8217;re in Queenstown and you&#8217;re looking for a shorter hike then check out all the other&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/11\/02\/seven-best-day-hikes-around-queenstown\/\">hikes around Queenstown.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544503899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Roys_Peak\"><\/span>3. Roy&#8217;s Peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain:&nbsp;1250m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 5-7 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13517\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-11-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13517\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-11-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-11-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-11-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-11.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12100\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-14-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12100\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-14-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-14.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13598\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Wanaka-Bike-Tours-11-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13598\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Wanaka-Bike-Tours-11-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Wanaka-Bike-Tours-11-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Wanaka-Bike-Tours-11-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Wanaka-Bike-Tours-11.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13597\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-10-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13597\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The most popular day tramp from Wanaka (btw tramp means&nbsp;a hike&nbsp;in Kiwi)&nbsp;&nbsp;is&nbsp;<strong>Roys Peak<\/strong>&nbsp;located just 5km from the small lakeside town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 6-hour up and down of this relatively simple hike is&nbsp;worth a day&#8217;s excursion. The walk itself, which stays for the majority of the time on the eastern side of the mountain, gives&nbsp;breathtaking<strong> views continually<\/strong>&nbsp;throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be warned though, that it is&nbsp;<strong>100% exposed<\/strong>&nbsp;so take sunscreen, windproof clothes, and plenty of water although the views along the way are definitely worth writing home about, the view from the summit is out of this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roy&#8217;s Peak features on&nbsp;many of my itineraries in&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\">my New Zealand Travel Guide<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/26\/2-week-road-trip-itinerary-new-zealand-south-island\/\"><strong>.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/a>The trail is very popular now and you should&nbsp;<strong>expect to queue<\/strong>&nbsp;to take the famous photo along the undulating ridgeline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544504599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Isthmus_Peak\"><\/span>4. Isthmus Peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 1000m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 5-7 hours<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12209\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Isthmus-Peak-8-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12209\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Isthmus-Peak-8-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Isthmus-Peak-8-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Isthmus-Peak-8-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Isthmus-Peak-8.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13602\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13602\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13603\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13603\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13601\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-10-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13601\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Isthmus-Peak-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another&nbsp;<strong>great day walk near Wanaka<\/strong>&nbsp;is Isthmus Peak, located in the mountain range&nbsp;separating&nbsp;Lake Hawea from Lake Wanaka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201ccar park\u201d which is nothing more than a small gravel field verge at the side of the road can contain about 4\/5 cars max and doesn\u2019t need to be any bigger as&nbsp;<strong>not that many people go there<\/strong>&nbsp;(not nearly as many as Roys Peak). It&#8217;s one of the reasons&nbsp;making it one of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-hikes-wanaka\/\">the most rewarding hikes in Wanaka<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The path which leads mostly through private farmland has a&nbsp;<strong>nice balance<\/strong>&nbsp;between exposed and unexposed parts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>summit views are arguably more impressive than Roys Peak<\/strong>&nbsp;and you&#8217;ll meet a tenth of the people up there.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544504699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Rocky_Mountain\"><\/span>5. Rocky Mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 450m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 2&nbsp;&#8211; 3 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13605\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13605\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13606\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-2-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13606\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-2-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-2-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-2.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"635\" data-id=\"13604\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-12-1024x635.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13604\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-12-1024x635.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-12-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-12-768x476.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-12.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12016\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-9-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12016\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rocky-Mountain-Summit-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rocky Mountain though not very long (it only takes 1,5 hours to the summit) has been equipped with quite a few steps and ladders along the way, and if there is one thing I don&#8217;t like when hiking, you guessed it, steps and ladders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re craving more adventure then try to get up there just before sunrise. Just make sure you come prepared! The mirador at&nbsp;<strong>the top looks directly east over Lake Wanaka<\/strong>&nbsp;and more importantly, toward the sunrise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several viewpoints along the way including great views of the Diamond Lake just at the start of the hike. The&nbsp;<strong>7km<\/strong>&nbsp;(return) route is very well maintained, easy to follow, and great for families with older kids.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544505999\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Mount_Robert\"><\/span>6. Mount Robert<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 600m&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 3-5 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13615\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-9-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13615\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13614\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-6-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13614\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13613\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13613\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12318\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12318\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Nelson-Lakes-National-Park-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mount Robert<\/strong>&nbsp;in the Nelson Lakes National Park is a&nbsp;<strong>moderately easy half-day<\/strong> loop circuit&nbsp;that gives&nbsp;outstanding panoramas over Lake Rotoiti&nbsp;and the nearby mountains, which separate the Tasman\/Marlborough regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a fantastic option if you\u2019re not an avid hiker and at the same time want something a little harder than just walking around the pier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mount Robert also has&nbsp;<strong>loads of native wildlife<\/strong>&nbsp;including cute wekas, rare dark brown kakas, and fuzzy little piwakawakas. Sounds like I\u2019m just making up names, doesn\u2019t it? Just google them and you\u2019ll be surprised.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The track is a&nbsp;<strong>9km loop<\/strong>&nbsp;which can be steep at times but is generally manageable and&nbsp;fine for families.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544506099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Bealey_Spur_Track\"><\/span>7. Bealey Spur Track<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain:&nbsp;550m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 3-5 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Bealey-Spur-Track-Arthurs-Pass-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12326\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Bealey-Spur-Track-Arthurs-Pass-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Bealey-Spur-Track-Arthurs-Pass-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Bealey-Spur-Track-Arthurs-Pass-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Bealey-Spur-Track-Arthurs-Pass-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now when I talk about Spurs I\u2019m not talking about shoes that are designed to stab horses or the London football team. I\u2019m talking about&nbsp;a projection from a mountain or mountain range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<strong>Bealey Spur track<\/strong>&nbsp;is&nbsp;exactly that,&nbsp;<strong>a quaint little hill near Arthurs Pass village<\/strong>&nbsp;that offers&nbsp;<strong>sublime views<\/strong>&nbsp;around the rest of the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The slowly ascending path, which lies mainly within the tree line, is a&nbsp;great day walk and offers&nbsp;unique views of the Waimakariri River&nbsp;and of all the surrounding mountains, namely Avalanche Peak which is featured later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544500399\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Lake_Marian\"><\/span>8. Lake Marian<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain:&nbsp;300m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 3 hours<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Marian-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13616\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Marian-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Marian-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Marian-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Lake-Marian-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail underfoot is often laden with tree roots and you have to concentrate at times but I certainly wouldn&#8217;t describe it as difficult. It&#8217;s a short but sweet track that climaxes at a brilliantly iridescent lake in a hanging valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route will take you away from the throngs of tourists at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/12\/13\/milford-sound-the-8th-world-wonder-in-8-beautiful-photos-tips-for-visiting\/\">Milford Sound<\/a>&nbsp;and along the roadside pullouts. I&#8217;ve often found that with most hikes in New Zealand if you&#8217;re willing to go 5 minutes away from the top spots there&#8217;s lots of solitude to be found.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the winter avalanches can happen, please check the avalanche conditions with the DOC before heading out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544506999\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Mueller_Hut\"><\/span>9. Mueller Hut<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain:&nbsp;1050m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 6-8h<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12152\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-21-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12152\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-21-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-21-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-21-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-21.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13617\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-15-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13617\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-15-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-15-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-15-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-15.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13618\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-11-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13618\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Mueller-Hut-Hike-11.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rumors are circulating that Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin, wrote the song \u201cStairway to Heaven\u201d after going up to the Mueller hut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The path that includes&nbsp;<strong>1806 steps<\/strong>&nbsp;and loads of&nbsp;<strong>steep&nbsp;switchbacks<\/strong>&nbsp;is not the easiest of day walks and though doable in a day I would&nbsp;<strong>recommend staying in the hut overnight<\/strong>&nbsp;and enjoying a sunset\/sunrise\/stars combo. It&#8217;s one of&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-backcountry-huts-in-new-zealand\/\">the best backcountry huts in New Zealand<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;but needs to be booked well in advance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s 5km one way to the hut and no easy feat by any means. The path can get busy on a clear day but the view of the surrounding glaciers is just incredible. You can also overnight in the hut.&nbsp;Just go to&nbsp;my other article about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/mueller-hut-hike\/\"><strong>hiking and staying in the Mueller hut<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;for more info.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10544506699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Hooker_Valley_Walk\"><\/span>10. Hooker Valley Walk<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain:&nbsp;100m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 2-3 h<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12153\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12153\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-5.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13619\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hooker-Valley-Mount-Cook-National-Park-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13619\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hooker-Valley-Mount-Cook-National-Park-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hooker-Valley-Mount-Cook-National-Park-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hooker-Valley-Mount-Cook-National-Park-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Hooker-Valley-Mount-Cook-National-Park-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12203\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12203\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Winter-Mount-Cook-National-Park-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a>Now this walk has by far the highest amazing views to effort ratio. The two-and-a-half-hour return journey to Hooker Lake&nbsp;is&nbsp;mind-bogglingly<strong> beautiful<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hike takes you northbound along the Hooker River but it honestly doesn&#8217;t matter if you were looking upstream or downstream, left, right, east or west everything is just magnificent&nbsp;at all times of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You&#8217;d be crazy to miss Mount Cook<\/strong>&nbsp;if you&#8217;re planning&nbsp;a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/11\/15\/one-week-new-zealand-travel-itinerary\/\">short&nbsp;road trip itinerary on New Zealand&#8217;s South Island<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/26\/2-week-road-trip-itinerary-new-zealand-south-island\/\">.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hooker valley hike is 5km one way, mostly flat, and&nbsp;highly recommended even for families with small kids!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12038536799\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Alex_Knob\"><\/span>11. Alex Knob<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 1100m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 5-7 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"12350\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-9-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12350\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-9-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-9-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-9-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-9.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13620\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13620\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-1.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13621\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13621\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Alex-Knob-Hike-New-Zealand-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>west coast hike in Glacier country<\/strong>&nbsp;that offers incredible views over the Franz Josef glacier and valley. It\u2019s a long 17km return but worth every second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The track is often rocky underfoot and due to recent slips you need to climb over and under several trees but this just adds to the fun, in my humble opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the summit, you\u2019ll have&nbsp;<strong>incredible views of<\/strong> several peaks over 3000m&nbsp;and the famous Franz Josef Glacier. Great alternative for those who don&#8217;t have a few hundred dollars to spend on a glacier helihike in town.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12038538599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Gertrude_Saddle\"><\/span>12. Gertrude Saddle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 650m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 4-6 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13622\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-4-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13622\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-4-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-4-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-4-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-4.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13623\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-14-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13623\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-14-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-14.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13531\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-10-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13531\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-10-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-10.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13624\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-6-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13624\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gertrude-Saddle-6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gertrude Saddle is another great hike in Fiordland National Park. If you\u2019re not in the position to do a scenic flight around Milford Sound then this is the next best option. The&nbsp;<strong>views into the surrounding glacier-carved valley<\/strong>&nbsp;to the Fjord will quickly make you forget the hurdle of getting up here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The no pain no gain rule applies here.<\/strong>&nbsp;Although the track is not that long, the use of chains is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Near the top of the hike, you need to cross a large section of smooth rocks which become very slippy in wet weather.&nbsp;Think twice about going if it\u2019s raining&nbsp;(or has been raining recently)! Deaths have occurred on this track previously.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recently came across this fantastic video from the NZ Mountain Safety Council with footage from Gertrude Saddle showcasing the difficulty of the trail. Make sure to check it out&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=j0g9XgQNVj0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12038591699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Mount_Fyffe\"><\/span>13. Mount Fyffe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 1400m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 5-7 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12398\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-9-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12398\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12396\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12396\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"12397\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12397\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mount-Fyffe-Kaikoura-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A&nbsp;<strong>long trudge continuously uphill<\/strong>&nbsp;to the summit of Mount Fyfe near Kaikoura rewards you with amazing views over the flatlands towards the Pacific Ocean to the east but also along saw tooth&nbsp;<strong>jagged&nbsp;Seaward ranges to the west<\/strong>. The best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route follows a wide road until you reach the tiny&nbsp;<strong>Mount Fyffe Hut,&nbsp;<\/strong>a great place to stay if you have an extra night. From here it\u2019s another hour and a bit to the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The summit views are great and because this&nbsp;<strong>isn\u2019t a very popular hike<\/strong>&nbsp;on New Zealand\u2019s South Island it\u2019s also quite serene. If you want to extend the hike you can follow the ridgeline until you reach Gables End.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12038592899\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Avalanche_Peak\"><\/span>14. Avalanche Peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Elevation Gain: 1050m<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration: 6-8 hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13625\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-5-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13625\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-5-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-5-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-5-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-5.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13628\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-9-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13628\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-9.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13626\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-16-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13626\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-16-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-16.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13627\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-17-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13627\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-17-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Avalanche-Peak-New-Zealand-17.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a&nbsp;<strong>demanding<\/strong>&nbsp;tramp that requires light scrambling over large boulders whilst navigating along a well-maintained path through the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After about an hour and a half, you\u2019ll emerge from the bush line with spectacular views of the valley. From here it\u2019s another 2 hours to the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the summit, the&nbsp;<strong>vistas are expansive and rewarding.<\/strong>&nbsp;Several huge peaks, a &nbsp;light blue cirque glacier, and the winding Bealey River will catch your attention. Plus there&#8217;s loads of Kea, an alpine parrot, there too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A huge plus of this hike is that it can be&nbsp;<strong>turned into a loop using the Scotts Tracks<\/strong>. Scotts Track offers great views of the Devil Punchbowl Waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#24ad9936\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_my_site\"><\/span>Support my site <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you found the articles in my <a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/new-zealand-travel-guide\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">New Zealand Guide<\/a> useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" style=\"font-size:22px\">\n<li>Book a rental car with<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/queenstown\/zqn?a_aid=inafarawayland\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/new-zealand\/queenstown\/zqn?a_aid=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Discover Cars<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reserve a campervan with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental?affiliate=inafarawayland\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.motorhomerepublic.com\/new-zealand-motorhome-rental?affiliate=inafarawayland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Motorhome Republic<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find hotels with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1188554\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=1188554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Booking.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book your tours &amp; activities with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=New%20Zealand&amp;customerSearch=true&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;cmp=NewZealand\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/s\/?q=New%20Zealand&amp;customerSearch=true&amp;partner_id=TYYOXUU&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;utm_source=info%40inafarawayland.com&amp;cmp=NewZealand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Get Your Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>P.S<\/strong>. If you have any questions, post them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After you&#8217;ve spent hours, possibly days, inside a stuffy cramped tin can with wings to get to these remote islands, there is no better way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air than going on a hike! You can&#8217;t come to New Zealand and not be willing to discover the sheer vastness that &#8230; <a title=\"14 Best Day Hikes on the South Island of New Zealand\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 14 Best Day Hikes on the South Island of New Zealand\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4121,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-696","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-hiking-and-backpacking","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=696"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28039,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/696\/revisions\/28039"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=696"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}