Epic Adventures in New Zealand’s Outback

Scattered all over New Zealand are sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that have made NZ one of the best hiking destinations on the planet. With just 4.8 million New Zealanders scattered across 268,021 sq km, prepare for mammoth national parks, a dynamic local culture, and world-class surfing and skiing. Whether you're looking for a chill and relaxing vacation or an action-packed one, New Zealand has got you covered. Download the New Zealand Travel Guide and Offline Map now!

1. Abel Tasman National Park

If there's one National Park you shouldn't miss out on that's Abel Tasman National Park. It's definitely every adventurers dream come true blanketing the northern end of a range of marble and limestone hills that extend from Kahurangi National Park. Various tracks in the park include an inland route, although the Coast Track is what everyone is here for--it's New Zealand's most popular Great Walk.

2. Rotorua

Welcome to "Sulphur City"--New Zealand's most dynamic geothermal area where steam casually wafts out of the drains and mud boils in public parks. The sulphur-rich air and all its springs might be one of its draws, but the city is also hailed for its dynamic Māori culture. The Māori revered this place, naming one of the most spectacular springs Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters). Today 34% of the population is Māori, with cultural performances and traditional hāngi (steam-cooked banquets) as big an attraction as the landscape itself.

3. Milford Sound

Rising above the fiord's indigo water is Mitre Peak and has become the subject of millions of photographs for good reason. Scoured into the bare rock are pathways from tree avalanches, where entangled roots dragged whole forests down into darkly glittering water. Today, tapering to a cloud-piercing summit, the 1692m-high mountain appears. When rain comes (and that’s often), dozens of temporary waterfalls curtain the cliffs. Stirling and Lady Bowen Falls gush on in fine weather, with rainbows bouncing from their mists when sunlight strikes just right.

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Reasons to Go Into the Wild at Yosemite National Park

National Park-founder John Muir once said "The mountains are calling and I should go." Taking a note from Mr. Muir, you should too! Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is internationally recognized for its granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves, lakes, mountains, glaciers, and biological diversity with almost 95% of the park is designated wilderness. A visit to such an overwhelmingly stunning park can be quite daunting especially for first-timers so be sure to download the Yosemite National Park Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Hiking

There is so much hiking to be had in Yosemite. Panorama Trail is an 8.5-mile one-way trip from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley and takes you past hidden gems like Panorama Point and Illilouette Falls, before joining the Mist Trail to incorporate Nevada and Vernal Falls too. If you're feeling lucky and up for a mighty challenge then you can apply to undertake the infamous Half Dome Hike – a 10-12 hour trek to the summit of the park’s focal peak, which only allows around 300 people on the trail each day. Equipped with torches and a sense of adventure, you can also opt for a "Flashlight Hike" offered by nearby hotels. You’ll be led through the woods around the area to learn all about the trees and wildlife that make up the forest and makes for a great opportunity for some stargazing.

2.      Water Activities

First formed by the actions of mighty glaciers, Yosemite’s astonishing scenery is also the result of many millennia of the weathering actions of wind and water. So it's only natural that rafting, boating, and water activities are quite popular at Yosemite. Today, rivers and lakes are some of the park’s biggest attractions, especially for swimmers and paddlers of canoes and kayaks. For thrilling white-water action, venture outside the park boundaries, especially along the mighty Merced River. Adrenaline junkies will surely enjoy the wild and scenic stretches of the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers just outside the park offer thrilling whitewater rides.

3.      Winter Sports

If you're looking for a unique way to visit Yosemite then head over sometime between December to March and strap on some skis, snowshoes, or hit the slopes for some downhill adventure! Yosemite is home to the oldest downhill skiing area in California and offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. You'll find groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiers, chair lifts that take Alpine skiers to the top of the runs in minutes, a challenging terrain park for snowboarders and skiers to test their limits, and a tubing area where the whole family can experience the thrills together.

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