Steph
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Paines Ford Scenic Reserve
5.0/5
I have limited experience with rock climbing but there was loads of crags with different gradings, really friendly climbers - stay at Hangdog campsite for meeting climbing buddies and location - just a
short walk to Paynes Ford. Also an amazing river just across the road to cool off in after a climb!
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Mount / Mt Kaukau Walk
5.0/5
A short train ride from the centre of Wellington.
Reasonably challenging ascent but incredible views across Wellington and to the South Island. Can walk along part of the Te Araroa Trail and back down to the train station a different way. You can really tailor it for how long you want to walk as loads of options!
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Havelock North ▷
Te Mata Park
3.5/5
Beautiful views, impressive hills - longest walk is two hours but could link up with other tracks.
Can also drive up the peak so is accessible for all.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Abel Tasman Coast Track
5.0/5
Recommended to walk North if you only have a short amount of time.
Walked from Totaranui to Anapai Bay then to Mutton Cove. Beautiful rock formations, crystal water and golden sand. Take a short 10 minute walk further around from Anapai Bay and be rewarded with a smaller, quieter beach (walk in total was 3 hours return).
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Ngawi ▷
Pinnacles Track
3.5/5
Featured in Lord of the Rings before Legolas and Gimli go into the land of the dead!
Impressive rock formations, but don't get expectations too high based on the films - it is not as large as it looks. Camp at the base of the Pinnacles and do a long walk - lovely beach there to.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Abbey Caves
4.0/5
Abbey Caves were good fun - definitely adventurous!
Wear sensible shoes as there is a lot of climbing over slippery surfaces - limited glowworms - if you do not want adventure the Waipu Caves are much more accessible for children and a whole ceiling of beautiful glowing worms!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Waipu ▷
Waipu Caves Track
4.5/5
Beautiful long expanse of soft sand - really lovely to walk along/spend the day at a great cafe called 'The Cove' opposite - the salted caramel slice is to die for!
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
5.0/5
Took about 7 hours - challenging but so rewarding.
It is definitely worth walking to the lakes then past and up as the view of the red crater is amazing. Be prepared and seek advice on weather conditions before you go - mother nature throws it all at you up there!