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    Looking for the best backpacking in New Zealand? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Zealand. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Backpacking Spots in and near New Zealand

    • Bainham, New Zealand

      Backpack to Adelaide Tarn

      5 mi / 1213.9 ft gain
      See "Backpack to Boulder Lake for the first half of this trip. From Boulder Lake Hut cross the stream in the direction indicated by the sign at the most advantageous point. There is no evident trail through the tussock so make your way to the spur at the head of the valley that leads to Green Sad...
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    • Cape Reinga, New Zealand

      Backpack the Cape Reinga Coastal Track

      5.0
      22 mi
      This is a point-to-point trek so you can either begin at Te Paki Stream or the Spirits Bay campsite at Kapowairua. This description starts from the Te Paki Stream. To get here, you need to drive north on SH1/Cape Reigna Road until you reach the tiny village of Te Paki. Turn left onto the Te Paki ...
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    • Thames, New Zealand

      Hike the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Track)

      8.7 mi
      The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail  is a 1-2 day hike. The hike itself spreads over a number of tracks that range from approximately 6-10 hours. The track can be summited in a out-and-back track in a day or as a circuit (loop). There is a serviced hut (80 bunks - bookings required) available as well as m...
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    • Staveley, New Zealand

      Hike the Mount Somers Track Circuit

      5.0
      16.2 mi
      The Mount Somers circuit is a tough 26km adventure, but it rewards you with constantly changing but beautiful scenery. From the start at the Sharplin Falls carpark, the trail immediately climbs upward through lush forest. As soon you reach a highpoint, you descend again to cross the river (via a ...
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    • Motueka Valley, New Zealand

      Hike Mount Arthur and the Tablelands

      4.8
      Mount Arthur and the Tablelands are a unique and beautiful portion of Kahurangi National Park. The area is remote, making it perfect for astrophotography.There are many hiking options and places to stay - consult the map at the Flora Car Park shelter for options. Here is a short circuit that can ...
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    • Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

      Hike the Temple Basin Ski Field

      4.0
      4.3 mi / 3300 ft gain
      Arthur's Pass National Park is an extraordinary area of New Zealand's South Island, nearly untouched, with accessible trails into the mountain pass, which is part of New Zealand's "Southern Alps". This trail leads into the free ski camp, a basin that allows for good speed and access. The hike gai...
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    • Marahau, New Zealand

      Kayak Camp Abel Tasman NP

      23 mi / 328 ft gain
      This beautiful national park can be explored by boat and/or by foot, so we decided to incorporate both before catching a jet boat back to Marahau. The entire coastal track is almost 50 km one-way without side trips, and the coastline can also be done entirely by kayak. Before arriving in Marahau,...
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    • Ataahua, New Zealand

      Hike to the Packhorse Hut and Mt. Bradley

      5.0
      3.7 mi / 2460.6 ft gain
      Park at the trailhead and begin the trail by crossing through farmland. As always be respectful of the property owners and animals, and close any gates you walk through.After a long walk up Kaituna Valley you will arrive at the Packhorse Hut, a great place to stay the night and enjoy the views of...
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    • Makarora, New Zealand

      Backpack the Gillespie Pass Circuit, New Zealand

      5.0
      44.7 mi / 4266 ft gain
      The small township of Makarora West is the kickoff point for this 3-5 day circuit that guides you through a strikingly beautiful and wild corner of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. My tramping companion and I decided to hike the route anticlockwise, although the trail can be traveled in both dir...
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    • Mount Aspiring, New Zealand

      Backpack the Matukituki Valley

      5.0
      24.9 mi / 4822.8 ft gain
      The West Matukituki Valley is a playground for those who love the outdoors. There are 2 sub-alpine huts, one on either side of the river, that make great backpacking destinations. French Ridge Hut (1470m) and Liverpool hut (~1140m) are both about 40km return trips from the carpark, and each can b...
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    • Charteris Bay, New Zealand

      Hike to the Summit of Mt. Herbert

      4.0
      9.3 mi / 2985.6 ft gain
      Begin at the trailhead at the end of the gravel road in Orton Bradley Park. The trail follows a stream through an impressive forest of Beech, Kauri, Eucalyptus and Cypress. The trail eventually emerges from the forest and begins climbing through pastures populated by sheep and cows.Follow the tr...
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    • Saint Arnaud, New Zealand

      Hike the St Arnaud Track in Nelson Lakes NP

      3.4 mi / 3668 ft gain
      Park in the Kerr Bay Car Park and take a moment to enjoy views from the iconic Kerr Bay Dock.The well signed track starts just to your left.The lower section of the walk crosses moraine terraces deposited by past glaciers while gaining very little elevation. The track cuts through a lovely beech ...
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    • Tapawera, New Zealand

      Backpack to Granity Pass Hut

      10.4 mi / 4593 ft gain
      Once in Tapawera, follow the signs indicating Kahurangi National Park by way of the Wangapeka Valley. The road winds, becomes gravel, and narrows before it dead-ends at Courthouse Flat where you'll find picnic tables and restrooms. Begin the trek by following either the ridge or the Blue Creek Tr...
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    • Mount Earnslaw, New Zealand

      Hike the Rees Track to the Cascade Saddle

      5.0
      33.6 mi / 4921.3 ft gain
      The Rees Track and Cascade Saddle Route is located in the heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park. This backpacking trip brings together 2 different routes to make a unique and awesome trip through stunning mountain scenery, alpine vegetation, past the Dart Glacier, and over the unforgettable Cascade...
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    • Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

      Valley of the Trolls

      1.9 mi / 1312.3 ft gain
      The Valley of The Trolls can be accessed from the head of Lake Harris, off the Routeburn track. The trail in the valley is a lot tougher going than the well maintained Routeburn track. The valley floor will quickly become a swampy bog after a rain.  Getting to the trail is easily done about 300 ...
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    • Mount Aspiring National Park, New Zealand

      Backpack MacPherson Creek to Lake Barra

      5.0
      7.5 mi / 5249.3 ft gain
      If you’re ready for an advanced challenge to suit any adventurous spirit and have the skills to navigate complicated terrain then the narrow MacPherson Creek drainage on the fringes of Mount Aspiring National Park may grab your interest. Diving in from the MacPherson Creek bridge on the Haast Roa...
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