Arthur’s Pass National Park, located in Canterbury, is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes. This hiking journey takes an off-track route deep into the Hawdon Valley to reach East Hawdon Biv, a two‑bunk hut.

Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure as I explore the challenging Pell Stream Track that begins at Marble Hill Camp Ground, nestled along the scenic Lewis Pass Highway between Canterbury and the West Coast.

Poulter River Valley adventure in Arthur's Pass National Park

I had been meaning to tackle this part of the Te Araroa trail for some time, so I jumped at the chance to do it in early September.

I am an experienced hiker with 15 active years, but I had never done a solo overnight hike until now. It feels incredibly satisfying.

Oteake Conservation Area is a vast, rugged, mountainous wilderness area in the central South Island of New Zealand.

he journey to the hut is an adventure in itself, passing through stunning scenery and offers breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains.

Pinnacles Hut offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, Buckland Peaks near Westport is the perfect destination. This stunning...

Venture beyond the bustling Mt Fyffe track with this challenging two to three day circuit and be rewarded with stunning sunrises and two boulder strewn rivers.

With the weekend weather forecast clear, dry but some wind our group headed to North Canterbury to complete the Tarn Hut and Youngman Stream

When the weather is great on the West Coast you have to make the most of it, and this was the third time we had attempted to complete the Klondyke Tracks.

The Lewis Pass Tops is an incredible place to explore, with expansive views and tarns dotted along to tops you are never short of distractions.

Potts Hut, located in Hakatere Conservation Park, exudes history from every metal panel and nail. Once upon a time, this hut was part of Hakatere Station and used by the annual musterers. Scan the walls for long enough and you begin to feel the history come alive, the earliest names date back to 1906.

This trip was going to be a mix of driving from the Potts River up to Curtis Memorial Hut, then a return walk up to St Winifreds Hut. As it was also well into the roar, we were expecting a full valley and equally full huts, so we were prepared to be tenting out for the night.

After an uncharacteristically last minute organisation, a wild Waitangi weekend was had on the Lewis Pass Tops. By last minute, I mean we planned it on Thursday and left Ashburton after work on Friday heading for Hanmer Springs for the night. With spirits high and eager anticipation for the trip ahead, we arrived in Hanmer about 8pm and set about repacking and getting the final few supplies.

October is a funny time of year here in Canterbury, it's getting warmer, the nor' westers are dying out but the weather is still very much up and down. So it was with my planned weekend trip that ended up being Plan D. But it's always a good idea to be flexible, be prepared to change according to the weather and sometimes accept defeat.