Aotearoa
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42-54: Must see Kiwi destinations from
South Canterbury to Wanaka

Words by Stephanie Holmes, Karl Puschmann, Maggie Wicks, Juliette Sivertsen
Design: Thomas Bywater

We’re not so keen on “bucket lists” (too morbid!), but we are all for having something to aim for. While we spend this time getting to know our own country, here are 65 #KiwiTravelGoals we think you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.

How many have you ticked off so far?

Undoubtedly Akaroa: Hector's dophins are a common sight in Banks Penunsular. Photo / File

42. Say hi to the Hector’s

The only place in the world you’ll find the unusual Hector’s dolphins is in our southern waters and the best place to see them is undoubtedly Akaroa. These highly distinctive mammals are among the world’s smallest but a trip with one of the many tour operators will ensure you have no trouble spotting these little treasures. Some operators even let you hop in the drink for a dip with the dolphins if you’re so inclined.

Postcard-pretty: the Mueller Hut is scenically placed. Photo / Francisco Siller; CC

43. Conquer the Mueller Hut Track

If some items on this list have sounded a little easy, a little tranquil, a little ... boring, then pull up your bootstraps and take on the challenge of the Mueller Hut Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. You’ll be presented with a trail that ascends 1000m towards heaven in a rapid five kilometres. It’s tough and incredibly steep and is not something to be taken lightly. The track also hides its treasures, offering only a view of the Mueller Lake as you begin trudging up to the top. But get higher and Hooker Lake appears, then Mt Sefton and Mt Cook. Along the way the wooden steps of the track disappear, upping the challenge as you follow a series of orange poles sticking out of the rocky mountainside to reach the peak. The Herculean effort is, we’re assured, more than worthwhile as once you reach Mueller’s hut, you’re presented with a postcard-pretty panorama of the area and a true sense of accomplishment. But again, it’s not something to attempt on a whim.

Footsteps of Hillary: the Hooker Valley trail. Photo / Canterbury, Fraser-Gunn

44. Walk the Hooker Valley

The Hooker Valley is the Aoraki region’s most popular short walk and one that should absolutely be on your list. At a leisurely 10km, the round trip is about three hours and offers a plethora of photo opportunities including Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook. We don’t want to build it up, let you down or mess you around but if you keep your eyes peeled along the way you might even spot the world’s biggest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily.

Look up: Hire a telescope in the Mackenzie region. Photo / Miles Holden

45. Explore the universe

One of the best things you can do in the Mackenzie region is simply look up. The whole area has been declared a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning you’ll get the best, purest, look at all the stars in our unfolding universe without any light pollution or bulb-bright satellites diminishing their natural glow. It’s one of only eight of these reserves in the world so hire a telescope and gaze into the abyss and you’ll see colourful constellations, the whirl of the Milky Way and millions of stars staring back.

Blue views: Soak in Tekapo Springs' soft alpine water. Photo / Supplied

46. Wind down while you enjoy the views

A nearby underground spring provides the soft alpine water for Tekapo Springs. This is then pumped into three pools and heated to a range of muscle-relaxing temperatures. The rejuvenating waters won’t be the only thing you’re soaking up; each pool boasts a magnificent view of Lake Tekapo and the snowcapped mountain ranges behind it.

Waitaki bike Trail: Wheeling into the trail’s end in Oamaru. Photo / Dr Burtoni; Flickr.com

47. Get on your bike in Waitaki

A stunning 300km ride that takes you from the foot of Aoraki Mt Cook or the shores of Lake Tekapo all the way to Victorian Oamaru, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is an epic but absolutely achievable cycle journey. The trail takes in the best of the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts, running through Twizel and along Lake Ōhau, through Omarama where you can soak in the outdoor hot springs before cruising through Kurow, Duntroon, and on to the trail’s end at Oamaru. Alps 2 Ocean is broken into nine parts (taking about six days in total), so riders can choose to complete sections or the full experience, and is graded between beginner and intermediate level. alps2ocean.com

Great Walk: Lake Mackenzie on the Routeburn Track. Photo /Ultimate Hikes

48. Hike the Routeburn Track in luxury

Enjoy one of Aotearoa’s Great Walks in style by going on a guided three-day walk of the Routeburn Track, staying in private lodges along the way instead of huts and campsites. The walk is a mixture of forest track and alpine trails through one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions and makes for an epic alpine adventure. Prepare to hike up to 12 kilometres each day. The guided walk is all-inclusive, so covers all meals and snacks on track — and of course the company of experienced guides to help make the most of your trek. ultimatehikes.co.nz

Undoubtedly Akaroa: Hector's dophins are a common sight in Banks Penunsular. Photo / File

Footsteps of Hillary: the Hooker Valley trail. Photo / Canterbury, Fraser-Gunn

Postcard-pretty: the Mueller Hut is scenically placed. Photo / Francisco Siller; CC

Look up: Hire a telescope in the Mackenzie region. Photo / Miles Holden

Blue views: Soak in Tekapo Springs' soft alpine water. Photo / Supplied

Great Walk: Lake Mackenzie on the Routeburn Track. Photo /Ultimate Hikes

Waitaki bike Trail: Wheeling into the trail’s end in Oamaru. Photo / Dr Burtoni; Flickr.com

65 #KiwiTravelGoals

How many have you ticked off so far? ✅

On the Central Otago Rail Trail. Photo / Tim Hawkins, Supplied

Sample the Otago region’s most famous drops in Cromwell. Photo / Central Otago

God Zone: Mt Aspiring's views have earned the name of Te Wāhipounamu. Photo / Wanaka

That Tree: Lake Wānaka's willow is not camera shy. Photo / Kuno Schweizer

49. Embark on the ultimate river adventure

If you like adventures that get the heart rate going, try river-boarding down the rapids of Queenstown’s Kawarau River. You’ll bodyboard up to 12 kilometres of river over grade 2 to 3 rapids, surf river waves and catch underwater currents while enjoying the Central Otago landscape along the way. If you still want more, stop for a rock or cliff jump too. You’ll be provided with a wetsuit and booties but you’ll need to bring the sense of adventure to survive the thrills and spills along the way down this high volume river. riverboarding.co.nz

On the Central Otago Rail Trail. Photo / Tim Hawkins, Supplied

50. Take on three trails in three days

If you’d rather tackle a whole slew of trails on your holiday, then head to Central Otago, where you could take on sections of three of New Zealand’s Great Rides in just three days. Start on the Otago Central Rail Trail at Auripo and cruise through the bridges and tunnels all the way to Alexandra. From there, hop on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, which travels through the gorge with a boat transfer through the middle section, to Lake Roxburgh Village. From the village, you’ll join the Clutha Gold Trail, an easy ride that’ll take you to Miller’s Flat (or all the way to the trail’s end in Lawrence if you still have energy to burn).

Sample the Otago region’s most famous drops in Cromwell. Photo / Central Otago

51. Tour and taste your way around Central Otago’s cellar doors

Central Otago has so many wineries to choose from, get yourself on a tour or trail to make the most of a day. The 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail is a path that meanders through Cromwell and takes you to four premium cellar doors — Misha’s, Aurum, Scott Base and Wander past orchards and around Lake Dunstan, and sample some of the region’s most famous drops — you can taste all four for $30. The walk is self-guided and self-paced, so grab a map (you’ll find copies at Misha’s, which is the first stop on the way) and get moving. facebook.com/4BarrelsCromwell

That Tree: Lake Wānaka's willow is not camera shy. Photo / Kuno Schweizer

52. Get a photo in front of that Wānaka Tree

The willow of Lake Wānaka has become the most photographed tree in New Zealand, thanks to its photogenic looks and the help of social media. It sits not far off the shore in Roys Bay and budding photographers from all over the world have been capturing the lonely tree and sharing to social media as #thatwanakatree. The tree is believed to have had its origins as a wooden fence post to keep stock from wandering, more than 70 years ago. Beat the crowds and head down first thing in the morning to capture the tree in the soft dawn light.

God Zone: Mt Aspiring's views have earned the name of Te Wāhipounamu. Photo / Wanaka

53. Explore the Unesco Mt Aspiring National Park

Recognised internationally as a great natural area of the world, Mt Aspiring National Park is a spectacular wilderness area made up of glaciers, mountains, native forests and valleys. It’s also home to some incredible wildlife habitats and ancient trees and plants. This particular region is part of the southwest of New Zealand known as Te Wāhipounamu, considered the place of gods by the main South Island iwi, Ngāi Tahu. Take a scenic drive through the winding road, or work the legs with a number of hiking options, such as the Blue Pools Track which leads to picturesque glacier-fed pools.

65 travel goals to achieve before you leave the country