16km return approx 6-7 hours Four great day trips
On these "lite" hikes, you still get stunning views of our national parks.
Think of it as the ‘‘lite’’ version of hiking but still getting a stunning menu sampler of the views and diversity of New Zealand’s national parks.
In less than a week you’ll be up close and personal with Tongariro’s volcanic landscapes, the coastal bays of Abel Tasman National Park and the lush beech forests and alps of the South Island.
All you need is a bit of planning to experience a day on the trail amidst the splendour of several New Zealand Great Walks in one holiday while still enjoying the comfort of your hotel room that night.
For travellers on a tight schedule it’s a great way to get a taste of three or four Great Walks in as many days without the logistics and expense in the form of return shuttles, booking ahead for accommodation on the track and taking a gamble on the weather.
Another bonus is that groups with differing levels of fitness can simply agree on a turnaround time to ensure people can travel at their own pace and arrive back at the trailhead together.
For travellers who don’t have the time or the inclination for overnighting on the trail, here are four great day options for the Great Walks.
Tongariro Crossing – Mangatepopo – Emerald Lakes
Traversing the moonscape of colourful volcanic rock, craters, pools and active vents on the full length 19.4km Tongariro Crossing makes for a memorable day.
The volcanoes that feature in New Zealand’s most popular Great Walk are a dramatic contrast to the tussock, bush and lush farmland of much of rest of the central North island.
A practical one-day return option which includes most of the highlights of the walk is hiking from the Mangatepopo car park to the Emerald Lakes.
The walk will bring you to 1886 metres above sea level at the rim of the Red Crater and enables stunning views of the plateau and Mt Taranaki to the west on a clear day.
From the car park where your transport drops you off, the first hour of the walk is relatively flat on boardwalks following the Mangatepopo stream up the glaciated valley and crossing a number of lava flows.
A short side trip can take you to the Soda Springs before the track starts to climb towards the saddle above South Crater, which takes about an hour. From there a poled route takes another hour to the saddle above the Red Crater and the highest point and a short descent to the photogenic Emerald Lakes.
The colour of the water is due to the minerals contained in the rocks nearby leaching into the water, also making it unsuitable for swimming.
For your return, once you climb back up to Red Crater, it’s pretty much downhill for the rest of the day.
More information:
The summits of Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are off-limits to hikers at the request of local tribes who consider them sacred. Please respect their wishes.
The route can be very exposed to wind and cold temperatures and the weather can change quickly so please take advice on the local forecast and what you need to carry from the local Department of Conservation office before setting out.
Shuttles from Whakapapa, National Park Village, Turangi, Taupo, Ohakune and Raetihi are strongly recommended as there is a four-hour parking limit at the Mangatepopo road end.
Best walked from December to March as snow is possible outside those months.
Abel Tasman Coastal Track One-day options:
Boat one way and walk back from Medlands Beach to Apple Tree: 17km, 5 hours.
Or walk in from Marehau to Anchorage (12.4km) or the closer Observation Beach and return.
Golden sand, turquoise waters, remote coves with no road access and one of the highest sunshine rates in the country make this coastal National Park a bucket list destination for a number of visitors.
The track from Marehau starts in open coastal country then changes to lush native beech forest and large kanuka trees.
Depending on your hiking speed, Observation Beach or Anchorage will be your turnaround point.
The walking surface is a well-formed track suitable for use with light walking shoes rather than heavy boots. The highest point on the track is 200m above sea level so there are no strenuous climbs.
Taking the Vista cruise offered by Wilson’s tours from Kaiteriteri to Medlands Beach then getting picked up again at Apple Tree Bay is recommended as having the best scenery for a one-day tour. You also get the local knowledge from the wellinformed staff on the boat.
More information:
Wilson’s Abel Tasman www.abeltasman.co.nz is a longestablished operator for boat access to the Abel Tasman track.
Be aware that tidal movements can affect the start of the walk from Marehau.
Heaphy Track From Golden Bay or Karamea
First used by Golden Bay Ma¯ori to reach central Westland and gather pounamu, the Heaphy typically takes four to five days. Kiwi can be heard and the Kahurangi National Park is renowned for its birdlife, such as kea.
From the Golden Bay end expect a steady climb through native beech forest and a big day to reach the suggested turnaround point of the Aorere shelter in about four hours. Fit hikers can reach the Perry Saddle which is 17.5km from the trailhead. Your efforts will be rewarded, however, with views to Mt Taranaki on a clear
day. From the Karamea end, nikau palms, flaxes, booming surf and sea breezes are a feature of the the first leg, which is a mainly coastal walk to the Katipo Creek shelter 9km from the trailhead at Ko¯ haihai. The Heaphy Hut is another 7km along the coast which makes for a very big day out for a return trip. High tides and heavy seas can make some of the coastal track impassable at times.
More information:
Consult the local Department of Conservation office before setting out. Weather, time of year and tides are all major factors for planning a safe, successful outing in this remote area.
Routeburn Track
Lush beech forest trails opening up to views of the Southern Alps reward day trippers from either end of this iconic trail.
From the Glenorchy end, aim for an early start for the drive to the start of the trail to ensure a full day of walking. The Routeburn Falls Hut is 8.8km from the road end. However, the Harris Saddle is worth the extra hour or so to view the Alps from above the treeline. The trail winds along the side of the Routeburn River before reaching some grassy flats and then a gradual climb to the hut.
From the Te Anau end another early start is recommended as the trailhead is 85km from the Te Anau township.
A good option is the Key Summit hike which is 2-4 hours return and gives panoramic views over the Humboldt and Darran mountains. The turnoff is approximately an hour from the Divide carpark and shelter.
More information:
The trails are well formed and signposted but there have been several instances of hikers ignoring advice, straying from the track and getting lost. Check weather and local conditions at the local Department of Conservation office before setting out.