Flatlanders
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Sawyer Burn Track
There are two walks here.
A short nature walk and the steep one up the mountain. The view is stunning indeed but the forestpart isn't to bad either. Very steep climb, so also down walkingsticks are helpfull (if you want to use your knees still when old). Never found the hut though, but made it almost to the top. Very peaceful although crowded campsite at the bottom.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Okarito ▷
Three Mile Lagoon
A gem off the beaten path with hardly any tourists.
There are 4 walks from the carpark (and icecream): The (20min) Wetland Walk, The (30min) Rig Walk and the loopwalk: The Three Mile Lagoon (3hr...or 4 when you bring your camera). Make sure you take the Packtrack first and the coastal track back (beach) at low tide. There's a tidescedule at the start, but better yet, look it up beforehand. It's a breather after trying one of the touristy glaciers. Please try and experience the real NZ like one these places and not just touristcraps...eh...tracks.
There are kiwi a.o. around, so please drive slow (after dusk)!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Lake Matheson Walk
Yes indeed, it actually is a very silent lake at the right time (early).
Even cloudy it makes nice mirror-photo's. If it's cloudy ánd windy...skip it. Track itself is a regular bushwalk with lot's of birdlife. Best part: The Robins and Fantails. They are extremely curious so will come real close (on your shoe or on a long stick on your shoulder)...if you're patient.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Arthur's Pass ▷
Otira Valley walk
There are 3 hikes here.
A viewingpoint (40 return), lake Misery or the one we did: The Otira Valley Walk. A short (90 min. return with time for pictures) curious hobbittrail where you expect orcs behind every next big rock. For us hiking thru these Misty Mountains right before dusk (low clouds) made it magical and a bit creepy at the same time. It's a rocky trail so make sure you have sturdy footwear or hobbitfeet. Your ankles will appriciate. Stepping stones, rocktrail, over several creeks, following a glacier river, dried up avalance/rockslides, to a wooden bridge where the mountaineerpart starts and your return is. Best part: no tourists. Enjoy!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Tunnel Terrace Walk
Three tunnels on a loop-bushwalk (20min) with amazing diversity on such a short walk.
It's a little precious hobbittrail. Easy pathway with rocks, wood, slighty muddy. You either return at the end or walk 100 meters back to the carpark. Challenge: Find the exit to the second tunnel on this road. Best part: no tourists. Worth the detour.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Roaring Billy Falls Walk
It's a walk indeed.
Very short bushwalk, nice big fall even after little rain, wide stoney river, blue glacierwater. Nice stack-some-stones stop on your way to real hikes/tramps. Not crowded but you sure aren't alone.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Blue-Young Link Track
There are several tracks and they all start at the Blue Pools track.
You can do overnight tramping (huts) or just a return for the Blue- or the Youngtrack. We did Young in 90 min return. You'll pass two 1p swingbridges and the scenery is beautiful and very divers. Better yet...no tourists.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Too many tourists, too many helicopters, glacier is distant (if you're an adventures hiker you've seen better).
Tip: follow the riverbed halfway to the right. This makes a more exiting trail for a bit. Made us realise why we go off the beaten path and not these touristtraps next to the highway. The only 'positive' thing is it makes you realise the impact of global warming and knowing every little bit helps...those helicopters every 5 minutes certainly do not.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Blue Pools Track
There are several trails here.
The pools are a touristthing and not very special. Swimable, not jumpable. Maybe after heavy rain or in spring. But please take the time to walk further (Young track) you'll pass two better swingbridges, beautiful divers scenery and no people. This one is about 90 minutes return.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Fantail Falls
Skippable.
Not impressive. Maybe after heavy rain or nice when your not able to get off the main roads. I do not get al the 10 ratings. There are so many better falls or scenery to be found all around NZ.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World Wanaka
Well that was fun!
Half a day rain spend inside, half a day sunny spend in the maze. Highly entertaining and definitely something else from all the nature and views ;) Worth the entree-fee. Enjoyable, felt like a kid. Crazy amount of puzzles in the cafe, nice extra treat.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Outlet Track
Nothing special.
Just a walk. Nice for locals (nearby vinexdistrict) to walk their dog. Lot's of mountainbikes too. First 15 minutes of the walk are ok, views both ways, but then just boring. Not worth a detour. There are so many better hikes in the Wanaka area.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Mt / Mount Aspiring Holiday Park
Too expensive for what you get.
48,- for powered site for 2p. It has all the facilities, and they are clean and ok. Hot showers for men is restricted to 8 minutes, not for women (weird). It's not a top10 anymore. Spots are tiny, no view, no atmosphere. Registration polite but unpersonal. It was close to our hike, but definitely no second night.