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Tiffany YoungExplorer

Chick from the coast that found love in the mountains.

I hiked up this for the sunrise with a backpacker in my hostel and it was absolutely worth waking up for. We took the 4WD track up (which I think may be an easier way up if you like a steady climb without stairs) and then the Oruahine Track down. We had the most epic view as the sun was rising and rain clouds were right behind us with a rainbow on its tail. From the top watch as all the sheep run around on the base of the track too. The walk down with the stairs was really chill and so beautiful. As Grant said, bring your togs! I regret not bring them for a cool down swim after!

There are so many hot water creeks/pools in the Rotorua area and this one would probably be the most popular with the Stray bus visiting there and tourist hot spot. Go early! I went on a Saturday and around 10 was when the Stray bus was leaving and it was fairly quiet. The creek itself is also much bigger than I expected! The first spot is smaller and the water flow is almost strong enough to feel like a massage on your back ;) the second spot is much bigger space to hang around. Going down to the bottom can be slippery so be careful! The area can be known for trouble sometimes. It's advised to try to not make it obvious you're life is in your car and bring your stuff to the other side of the creek so it's easier to keep an eye on it.

When Rotorua has a perfectly sunny day and it's in the 30's, you know the right thing to do is to go enjoy some of Rotorua's amazing nature. And Lake Tikitapu is a local favorite with clear and clean blue water, grassy edges, and a sweet 5km+ walk around the lake! Going clockwise when I went, the beginning of the walk on the lake edge was overflowing the trail and the walk was a bit wet, but after a quarter of the way the elevation picked up. I loved when we got to a smaller beach on the other end of the lake (which you could also park near.) A lot quieter from the main lakefront. The walk itself was through open trails surrounded by tall trees! Highly recommended before a cool swim, after or both!

I found words hard to put together for this backpacking trip. So much natural beauty, so much to see, such open land, and so many different angles to see everything! It's so different from any backpacking trip. But because it's so exposed, one must absolutely prepare for the conditions and hike with caution! Do hike Mt. Tongariro and do hike Mt. Ngauruhoe. Do backpack with a little bit of wine and do enjoy it over the amazing sunset Tongariro will present you.

Due to weather conditions starting from The Divide, we had couldn't reach The Harris Saddle on the first attempt. But on our second trip around we did this exact hike! (Couldn't say we were mad about leaving all that extra weight at the base ¯\_(ツ)_/¯) In this hike, you get flat valleys, waterfalls, mountains, and more! You really just have to see it for yourself, it's unbelievably breathtaking.

Kicked my butt but it was worth the long wait to finally hike! Roys Peak is popular for a reason and also exhausting, but definitely a rewarding feeling when you reach the top. And when there are switchbacks, be aware of your knees on the way down!

Great beach, great area! The walk from the car park to the beach itself is a beautiful adventure. Soft black sand, giant Lion Rock, and a scenic beach with a lot more to see close by.

It's unreal how close this site is to Queenstown and manages to avoid the crowds! Up hills and on gravel for about 10-15 minutes, we were surrounded by total peace. Moke Lake was a magical experience with beautiful natural surroundings and the basic toilet and water supplies (not for drinking).

At this time I was interning with the NPS and my friend (now ranger) had just finished another NPS program! It was awesome to take in all the beauty of one of the countries most beautiful and historical parks. This was my first time in Yosemite and even though we had planned to do a different hike, we were so happy to have done this hike! It was definitely incredibly crowded, but once you past Vernal Falls, a good chunk of the crowd dies down. The only downside to going on such crowded days is seeing the amount of people hiking off trail, stepping on plants, and feeding wild animals (this was clearly my first time in a NP on a busy summer day.) At one point, we were hanging out in the shade past Vernal and what most likely seemed to be a bobcat jumped out from a tree and snagged a squirrel. A mom didn't react too well to that, but hey keep feeding the animals and it may come for you next. Oh, but hiking up to Nevada was torture and beautiful at the same time! The moment we were climbing the switchbacks and the Nevada Falls stood right in front of our face and totally refreshing and motivating.

A friend and I hiked this before we went to watch Find Dory (yes, it was a great combo) and the sunset was beautiful! This is why I appreciate SF for its blend of city and nature. You'll see over the bay and mountains from afar. What more can you ask for in a city?

Pretty cool trail climbing with lots of different view points and just things to see in general. You're totally covered by the trees until it suddenly opens up at the top. But like McKenzie said, totally temperamental weather and it can get real close to you! This was an awesome hike, but I think it was the most scared I've ever been with the wind constantly pushing us over and a giant black storm cloud rolling right above our heads. We figured it was about time and once we ran back into the trees, it blocked out all the wind. Awesome adventure! And I'm sure the stargazing is great on a clear night.

Get down low at the base of the tunnel or fly sky high at the top of the cliffs. Tunnel Beach is truly beautiful. It's clean. Easy parking. Nice walk. Great place to adventure and for photographers, there is some crazy cool angle at every turn!

The peninsula is so easy to explore. Easy parking and you'll walk right out to the water. The town itself is a really cool and quaint place. Hiking up the hills is pretty easy and you'll get amazing views of green land and blue mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.

It's an easy hike that'll take you to a beautiful waterfall, yes. But my favorite back about the hike here was how historical it is. You'll find signs and pictures with captions in important historical areas. NZ does an amazing job at taking care of their nature and this range is a great example.

I've been in awe many times in my life, even for the simplest things, but Bash Bish picked me up off of my feet. This wasn't the biggest waterfall or the highest waterfall I've ever seen, but I believe it was the most unique with the way the water falls and the beautiful area in the park. When you stand next to the fall and listen to the roars of the falls it's pretty mellow. And my goodness, that water, it's so beautifully clear! I honestly felt like I could've sat there all day and if a storm wasn't rolling in, I would've.

I did this exact trip from Milford Sound! We road tripped over to sound and camped out the night before then work up bright and early for an amazing three hours with GoOrange. Our guide was awesome and filled with classic Kiwi sarcasm and knowledge of the history and myths of the fiord. To top it off, it was beautiful sunny day! GoOrange provided us with snacks in between breaks while on the kayaks and brought us right next to the base of the giant waterfall. Luckily, the Fiordland rains most of the time during the year and the waterfall was rushing. We also turned into some small waves coming our way and road with the current. Totally exhilarating! Regardless of rain or shine, kayaking the Milford Sound is a hell of an adventure all would appreciate.

Great Walks are called Great Walks, for a reason. This was one of the most interesting, most beautiful backpacking trips I have done. The trails are fantastic, the climbs are perfect, the waterfalls, the mountains, everything. Even the huts are perfect. Each one has it's own personal feel and made the experience wonderful.

After we kayaked the Milford Sound, we were talking to a worker at the hostel we were staying at for short hike recommendations... and boy, was this a perfect suggestion! From elevation gains, to climbing up tree roots, and amazing views, the opening to Lake Marian was absolutely climatic! My friends and I were in awe and lucky had the place to ourselves. We tired to go swimming. It was too cold. Lake Marian has definitely not seen the last of me!

The Wadsworth Falls area is awesome! You can either park right at the fall or or take the easy hike and if you don't like being too isolated in nature, it feels like half in the middle of nowhere and in a neighborhood because of the houses in the area. Great for camping and picnics with plenty of other places to adventure in the area!

Nuff' said.

SF is one of the most amazing cities because of it's accessibility to nature. When I was here for the summer, though chilly and far from downtown, I loved living in the Sunset District for it's beauty. Normally I would go for a run on Ocean Beach up to the Cliff House, but I finished with more time than expected so I furthered my run on the Lands End Trail for the first time and it was one of my best choices in the city! The trail itself was beautiful and there were plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the coast.

The GG Park is the perfect place to get lost and be carefree for a run! When I was in SF for a summer, I played ultimate frisbee at the park every Saturday and one day I decided to extend the workout and finally explore the park. I thought the park had a good car/bike/people balance and all paths took you somewhere very explorable. This hill specifically was a good workout and had a great view!

My friend and I decided to do Twin Peak on the spur of the moment while in the city and it was a great choice! We went around sunset and just Google Map where to go to find a set of wooden stairs (that kept going, and going, and going.) It was definitely a different hike from anything we've done before with a mix of mountain and city while climbing stairs in between houses, but it was a great workout and well worth view at the top, especially at sunset. Bring warm clothes! Really windy at the top.

I love Enders! The hike may not be long, but it's one of those place where you can explore for hours. I've been there when the water is frozen and when the trees are green and it's always an amazing adventure. It is a beautiful spot a get in a little zen time to the sounds of water falls.