Outbound Collective logo
  • New Zealand
  • Backpacking
  • New Zealand

    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

    • Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

      Hike the Avalanche Peak - Crow River Valley Traverse

      2.3 mi / -2624.7 ft gain
      The beginning starts with the popular day hike climb up Avalanche Peak in Arthur’s Pass, NZ. You can view that route on the Outbound here. Scott’s Track up is a bit longer but less steep and with better views so I’d recommend taking that up. Should only take around 2-3 hours, but you’ll want to s...
      Read more
    • Castle Hill, New Zealand

      Hike Mt. Cheeseman

      9.9 mi / 4265.1 ft gain
      Follow the Hogsback Track until you reach the clearing just after the Waterfall Creek crossing. Hike through the clearing towards the toe of Mt Cheeseman's east ridge.Work your way up the ridge by linking a network of tussock slopes, ledges, scree slopes snow patches and crumbly rock. Eventually ...
      Read more
    • Rowallan, New Zealand

      Backpack the Hump Ridge Track

      37.3 mi / 3280.8 ft gain
      This loop track is intended to be walked over 3 days (2 nights) and is just over 60km long with nearly 1,000 meters elevation gain. For those of you uber fit people with an appetite for a more intense adventure, it's also possible to tackle the whole thing in a single day, but be prepared for a c...
      Read more
    • Otira, New Zealand

      Stay at Carroll Hut

      1.6 mi / 2296.6 ft gain
      This hike begins at a hidden parking lot just North/East of Kelly's Creek, about 2km north of Otira, drive carefully through to the car park and trailhead, a gravel lot with a latrine, near the creek.   Once ready, begin the hike, to the west.  In the first 5 minutes you'll cross a small tributar...
      Read more
    • Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

      Climb to the Top of Eldrig Peak

      The track to the Eldrig Peak tops begins from a small parking area on the Borland Road a few kilometers above Borland Lodge. The Borland Road is normally open in summer but it is best to call the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre to confirm - 03 249 7924. The road is dirt and gravel but a tw...
      Read more
    • Glendhu Bay, New Zealand

      Hike the Skyline Track

      11.8 mi / 4000 ft gain
      The Roys Peak carpark is an accessible trailhead 10 minutes outside of Wanaka that rewards anyone willing to spend a few hours slogging their way uphill with EPIC views of Lake Wanaka, the surrounding mountain ranges, and Aspiring National Park in the distance. For those who are interested in som...
      Read more
    • North Block Road, New Zealand

      Hike to Sunrise Hut

      6 mi / 2200 ft gain
      While on my trip in New Zealand I hiked to many of the amazing mountain huts. I loved them all for comfort, stunning views, and great experience. Most overnight trips require either reservation on doc.govt.nz website, some are first come first serve basis, as long as you have the ticket with you....
      Read more