Walks & Hikes in New Zealand
Guides and reviews of short walks and longer hikes in New Zealand, with a focus on those in the Canterbury area.

Includes a mix of great solo hikes as well as hikes suitable for young children.

View photos, walking stats, and more.
Recent Hiking Reports

Glentui River Bridge Flood Damage

Flood Damage at Glentui Loop Track

Check out photos and video of flood damage to one of Canterbury’s walking tracks following a heavy rain storm in June/May 2021.

Trig Point at Mt Grey Summit

Mount Grey via Lake Janet

A 2.5-hour ‘out and back’ in North Canterbury that sees you at a fire watch lookout point in 50 minutes and Mt Grey summit in 90 minutes. At the summit you’ll be treated to 360° views; mountain ranges to one side and the ocean to another. 

The author at the Te Ara Matairangi Monument

Tiromoana Bush Walkway

The Tiromoana Bush Walkway is a hilly coastal walk in Waipara, North Canterbury. It features a number of points-of-interest along the way.

A route in the Footpath app

3 Mapping & Route Planning Apps for Hikers

Three of the best mapping and route planning apps for hikers. Apps that allow you to export a route to a GPS device.

Kathmandu Kids Kite v2 Size

Kathmandu Kids Kite V2 Review

I reviewed the Kathmandu Kids Kite v2 because I couldn’t find any photos or info it on the web. So check out mine here before you buy.

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug Size

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug with Flex Sip Lid

I researched a few coffee mugs and chose the Hydro Flask 12oz with Flex Sip Lid. Perfect for throwing in a hiking pack without fear of leaks.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket in Andes Blue

Review of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

The time has come to get a new, light weight, waterproof jacket. I wanted to make an ethical choice, and after a heap of research I finally settled on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Find out why.

Fairyland Painted Rocks

Visiting Fairyland in Canterbury

If you have young children, whether you’re a painted rock enthusiast or not, you’re going to love Fairyland at Leithfield Beach. And if you don’t have young children… go anyway. It’s a nice walk with something that will appeal to anyone.

A boy walks through forest at Ashley Gorge

Ashley Gorge Loop Track and Waterfall

If you’re looking for a less-than-half-day forest nature walk within a short drive from Christchurch that’s easily accessible, varied and interesting for young children, and offers the reward of a waterfall for those want to add a more challenging extension, then the Ashley Gorge Loop Track ticks a lot of boxes.