New Zealand suggestions

[Taotao]

Hi,

I am plan to spend two weeks in New Zealand in Dec. I would like to do one of the "Great Walks" (either stay in huts or tent). Milford seems very crowded and we prefer more alpine hike than rain forest. What's your favorite?

Other than the great walks, what other areas do you recommend (for landscape photography)?

Thanks
Tao

[Richard Mahoney]

Dear Tao,


Hi,

I am plan to spend two weeks in New Zealand in Dec. I would like to do one of the "Great Walks" (either stay in huts or tent). Milford seems very crowded and we prefer more alpine hike than rain forest. What's your favorite?

Other than the great walks, what other areas do you recommend (for landscape photography)?

Thanks
Tao

Two weeks is no time so I'd suggest staying in one place and getting to know it well.

Assuming you're coming to the South Island and landing in Christchurch then I'd recommend a short trip South to Mt Peel. It's just up the road from Geraldine. If you holed up at Peel Forest Lodge (http://www.peelforestlodge.co.nz/index.php) you'd be well placed for day trips. (Actually I can't recommend it enough.) Don't forget to bring a copy of Butler's Erewhon and whatever you do don't forget to drive round the corner and up the Rangitata to Mesopotamia. I won't bore you with descriptions of the local podocarp.

You might also like to look here:

Mt Peel | Tracks | New Zealand Tramper
http://tramper.co.nz/?1767


Kind regards,

Richard

[Vaughn]

I have been on part of the Routeburn Track, though it was in 1975 in the middle of winter. But it is a beautiful alpine hike, not far from the Milford Sound/Track. From 1500 to 7500 feet elevation...nice lakes, huge U-shaped valleys, etc.

For general info (I have no knowledge of the company):

http://www.ultimatehikes.co.nz/en/guided-walks/the-routeburn-track

For a non-alpine hike in paradise, the Abel Tasman Track is incredible. I have not been on that one since 1987 when I did a loop hike -- along the coast and back through the mountains. Probably a bit crowded now I suppose.

Another incredible hike, but in a temperate rain forest, is around Lake Waikaremoana on the North Island. Might not be your cup of tea.

Or stay in Authur's Pass (South Island) and hike straight up into the alpine country from the town -- a different hike everyday and a cozy bed at night (I stayed in the Youth Hostel there in 1981). It is pretty neat...I would just start hiking (w/ 4x5) in the morning and never knew exactly where I would end up.

Vaughn

[Richard Mahoney]

Tao,

I've just had a look at the DOC site and was surprised to see how good it is. Gives pretty decent background on all the main parks and huts and so on. Should certainly help when you're trying to get your bearings. You could, for example, use it to search for details on the various places Vaughn has mentioned:

New Zealand Department of Conservation
http://www.doc.govt.nz/


Kind regards,

Richard

[mdm]

From Wanaka go to Aspiring hut in the Matukituki Valley, cross the Cascade Saddle and exit via the Dart River and Glenorchy, very demanding climb and very dangerous if there is still a lot of snow on the cascade saddle, outstanding views of Mt Aspiring and the Dart neve. The Kepler track out of Te Anau is hard to beat, huts all the way. The Routeburn track is an alpine classic. Wilkins Young circut from Makarora is nice, combine with a jet boat or spectacular alpine flight. If you want something harder then Rabbit pass is a good one but includes a little exposed scramble. On the way to Milford take a walk up to Gertrude Saddle from the Homer Tunnel. Walk up to the Mueller Hut from Mt Cook Village.

There is a lot of snow about and it is possible many of the graet walks will not have opened, even in December, depending on how fast it all thaws.