It is no secret that New Zealand is home to some of the most outstanding scenic views and natural landmarks on earth. Millions of people around the world visit this small island country every year to tackle the numerous running and hiking trails and enjoy the best Mother Nature has to offer.
In order to make the most of your visits to these extraordinary places, it is vital to equip yourself with the right gear to guarantee comfort and safety. Weather-appropriate clothing, a lightweight rain jacket, and your favourite Men’s running shoes will set you up for the perfect day out.
The Milford Track
The Milford track is an easy-to-intermediate running track roughly 34 miles long. This scenic route passes some impressive natural sights, including glacier-carved fjords and Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
Before planning the perfect day out, ensure you have been given approval from the Department of Conservation to complete the run in one day. You will also need to get tickets from the same department if you choose to do the four-day hike instead.
The running track is arguably one of the wettest places in the world, so pack a lightweight raincoat. But never fear—the trail maintenance is world-class, with plenty of drainage ditches to keep the water at bay.
Nugget Point
Nugget Point is an easy and relatively short picturesque trail run that is the ideal way to spend an afternoon in the sun. The panoramic views along the track are quintessential New Zealand, with a never-ending ocean view, dramatic coastlines and whimsical off-shore islands flanking you on either side.
On a hot day, a protective sun hat and water are a must. Enjoy spotting nesting Royal Spoonbills and Fur Seals during the summer months as you make your way to the viewing platform at the base of the lighthouse.
Ben Lomond Track
The Ben Lomond Track is not for the faint-hearted. Despite only being 12 km long, it is a challenging track that looms over the beautiful city of Queenstown. This well-trodden route has a number of very steep sections along exposed ridgelines, with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Despite its easy access, you should be well-prepared for changeable conditions and an exhausting trek up a major peak. Navigating the downhills can be tricky due to uneven grounds, rocks and exposed tree roots. While the trail can be started from Queenstown itself, starting from the top of the Skyline Gondola will save you an hour of work and roughly 400m of uphill climbing.
Kepler Track
Kepler Track is a 59.1 km, intermediate-to-difficult track in the Fiordland National Park. As part of the Great Walk Tracks, its condition and standard are higher than many others across New Zealand. It has clear navigational markings and is fairly wide, depending on the terrain.
Kepler Track perfectly contrasts dramatic mountains and alpine vistas with peaceful lakes and forests. The majority of rivers and streams that cross these tracks are equipped with sturdy bridges, but smaller streams can be easily navigated. However, be aware that wet winter weather can cause river levels to rise and flood the route.
Routeburn Track
Located in Mount Aspiring National Park on the South Island, the Routeburn Track offers exceptional alpine scenery for those who tackle this intermediate-to-difficult trail. With cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers, and pristine views, it is considered by many to be one of the premier trails in the country.
Despite a few challenging sections and unpredictable weather, this 31 km track does not have overly steep climbing sections, with a number of long stretches for easy running. Comfortable huts situated along the trail only add to its appeal. Hut bookings are essential during the peak season. It is important to note that this area can be closed during the winter season due to snow or avalanche risk, typically between May and early October.
Hooker Valley Track
Hooker Valley is a fun and relatively easy 10km trail run in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. When the weather is perfect outside, it is easily one of the best day hikes or runs you can take. With unmatched mountain scenery, unobstructed views of the iconic Mount Cook, sparkling glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and flowing rivers, you will never want to leave.
The track will take you across three swinging suspension bridges as it navigates its way through the blooming Hooker Valley. Understandably, the trail is relatively popular, so expect a fair amount of company. Visits during the morning and evening will provide the perfect spot to view the rising and setting sun.
Wharaiki Beach
Wharaikia Beach is not strictly classified as a running trail, but it is a popular destination for many trail running enthusiasts who enjoy heading into the cliffs, with the perfect seaside backdrop to their day in nature.
The environment is best suited for those who are at least at an intermediate experience level and can be as long or as short as you please. You can run high into the cliffs that drop down into the ocean or along the beach, with many big natural caves that are worth exploring based on the tides.
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