South Island

Cass Lagoon saddles

  • Bushwalk
  • One way — 36 km
  • 3 days
  • Medium
  • 5/5
This is a classic tramp in the Arthur’s Pass region with amazing views. It’s accessible to most people and has no perilous sections but you need to check the Cass river water level with DoC staff in Arthur’s Pass before going as you have to cross it several times. It follows a part of the Te Araroa trail and although some parts are classified as a route, it’s very easy to find your way. You’ll encounter four huts along the track so you can choose to walk it in two or three days depending on the time (and weather !) you dispose of and you’ll also find plenty of camping spots. As (...)

North Temple track

  • Bushwalk
  • Return — 10 km
  • 4 hours
  • Easy
  • 5/5
You’re tired of the tourists' crowds in Otago and want to enjoy a short and easy walk to an amazing place, only a two-hour drive from Wanaka ? This one is for you ! As Lake Ohau is not along the highway and as they have to do a little detour to get to the next cafe of their trip, people often bypass it. That’s a pity for them as it’s probably one of the most beautiful Southern Lakes but it’s a chance for the ones who want a bit of fresh air. This is not a difficult track and you should be able to return to the starting point in four hours, if you don’t take the time to (...)

Bealey Spur and Jordan Stream circuit route

  • Bushwalk
  • Loop — 27 km
  • 2 days
  • Hard
  • 5/5
Bealey Spur views This epic adventure takes you along the tops of Bealey Spur, down Jordan Saddle and to the Waimakariri River following Jordan Stream. In that journey you will pass an historic 1935 musterer hut, walk on a spectacular ridge up to 1,875 metres, with 360° views on Arthur’s Pass and Southern Alps peaks, and climb down rocks in a mountain stream. A true tramping adventure, requiring fine weather, good tramping skills and the ability to find an unmarked route through the landscape. Access Public transport: the TranzAlpine train operates daily from Greymouth to Christchurch, (...)

Luxmore Hut

  • Bushwalk
  • Return — 27 km
  • 9 hours
  • Accessible by public transport
  • Hard
  • 5/5
Access and details Trailhead: Kepler Track car park (Lake Te Anau Control Gates). Access: by car, bicycle or foot (you can walk the 6 kms from the city centre, but this would make for a very long and hard day walk). Some private operators have a shuttle running from the town. Facilities: drop toilets and water tanks at the car park. Toilets, water, shelter and a large dining room at Luxmore Hut. Nearest town is Te Anau, 6 kms from the car park. Warnings: this is a long walk with a 1,000 meters climb, make sure to start early. Mt Luxmore is exposed, it might (and will) be windy, and cold. (...)