Want to hike one of New Zealand’s most instagram worthy trails? Hike Roy’s Peak Track in Wānaka on the South Island. This trail zigzags up Mount Roy from Wānaka Lake with mesmerizing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. It’s very challenging, as it’s a 2-3 hour ascent up the side of the mountain, but well-worth it for the views. Especially at its saddle as you can get a photo that looks like you’re standing on a cliff with nothing but mountains and lakes surrounding you. This post covers Roy’s Peak Track, how to get here and what to expect. Roy’s Peak Track Roy’s Peak is one of the…

Planning to visit stunning Queenstown and want know what the best things to do are? This extraordinary city is considered the adventure capital of the world, with exhilarating options like bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, white water rafting, hiking, and much more. Yet it’s more than just an adrenaline-junky paradise, it’s also perfect for those that want to experience the beauty of this unpretentious town surrounded by its majestic mountains and incredibly blue Lake Wakatipu. Plus it’s the gateway to several other epic locations on the South Island, including Milford Sound, 3 of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”, Wānaka, Franz Josef Glacier, Tasman Glacier, and more. It’s no wonder Queenstown…

Want to see a beautiful view of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and the Cecil and Walter Peaks in Queenstown? Walk the Queenstown Hill Walking Track. This short but steep track is 2-3 hours with return up Queenstown Hill, known as Te Tapu-nui by the Maori, or “mountain of intense sacredness”. It’s within walking distance of the center of town and manageable for those with a good level of fitness, making it a perfect way to spend an afternoon. This post covers the Queenstown Hill Walkway, how to get there, and what to expect. Queenstown Hill Walking Track Queenstown Hill Walking Track is a 3 mile (4.8 km) out and back…

Ben Lomond Track is one of the most popular hiking trails near Queenstown offering stunning views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu from various points along the trail. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Mount Earnslaw and Mount Aspiring in the distance. You can choose the challenging hike up to the saddle of Ben Lomond or the very challenging trek all the way to its peak. The higher you go, the more impressive the views become. This post covers the details of hiking Ben Lomond Track, how to make it easier to get to the peak, and what to expect. Ben Lomond Track The…

Te Anau is the gateway to majestic Fiordland National Park, known for its dramatic fiords, towering peaks, pristine lakes, lush, fern-filled rainforest, and cascading waterfalls. It sits on Te Anau Lake, the largest lake in the South Island, about a 2 hour drive from Queenstown and a 2 hour drive from Milford Sound. And while most people visit, or pass through, only to see Milford Sound, this area is definitely worth a stay with many other incredible things to see and do. This post covers the best things to do in Te Anau. Te Anau Te Anau is a small town, with a population less than 3,000. It’s full of…

Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”, is a 3-4 day rainforest and sub-alpine loop track in the Southern Alps of Te Anau. This spectacular hike treks from the beach of Te Anau Lake, up through fern-filled forest to some impressive limestone bluffs before reaching a golden, grassy summit overlooking the lakes and the mountains. After this, it continues along a razor-like ridge with more stunning views, before heading down and around back to Te Anau. If you don’t have time for the full hike on the Kepler Track, you can still appreciate this trek with a day hike from Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut, which is considered…

Planning to visit Milford Sound from Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand? Outside of chartering a flight, driving is the best way to visit. It may be a long drive, but it’s well worth it. Especially when savored by self-driving and stopping for views, walks, and detours in the stunning foothills of the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park. This post covers the best photo stops, detours, and cafes between Queenstown and Te Anau, the first part of the journey to Milford Sound. My post on the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, covers the second part. Both are spectacular. Drive From Queenstown To Te Anau When…

Breathtaking Milford Sound is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand, sometimes even referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. From the dramatic cliffs that solemnly tower over the glass-like sea, to waterfalls that pulse down lush greenery, alcoves so quiet you can hear the birds sing, and the tumultuous Tasman Sea at its far end, Milford is mesmerizing. Especially on a sunny day. But even on a rainy day, which happens more often than not, Milford Sound is still beautiful. Its cliffs become shrouded in mist, the waterfalls multiply, and the air turns melancholy and mysterious. I’ve been lucky to be here for both and…

The winding drive along Milford Road, in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, to get to spectacular Milford Sound from Te Anau, is more than just the journey, it’s part of the destination itself. Together, both the drive and a majestic cruise in the Milford Sound, are an epic experience. While most people opt for a tour bus to take them from Te Anau or Queenstown to Milford Sound, they have no idea what they’re missing. Self-driving to see the stops along the way is 100% the most rewarding option. This post covers the gems and side detours along the drive between Te Anau and Milford Sound, a postcard-come-to-life-journey past rolling green…

Key Summit Track, which offers breathtaking views of Fiordland National Park’s dramatic peaks, brilliant lakes, and lush valleys is a short, but challenging day trek. One that should not be missed if you’re visiting Milford Sound or hiking the Routeburn Track, which Key Summit is an optional trek on. Taking only 2-3 hours, it’s the perfect addition to a variety of options in this stunning area. This post covers Key Summit Track, how to get here, and what to expect. Key Summit Track Key Summit Track is located at the Divide Shelter and car park, which is one of many stunning treasures on the drive between Te Anau and Milford…