New Zealand’s backcountry huts are more than just shelters. They’re places of refuge, rest, connection, and sometimes quiet reflection after long, demanding days in the hills. They keep us safe, dry, and grounded in wild places—and they only continue to do so because people care for them. That’s where FMC’s “Love Our Huts” campaign comes in.

These are the Great Walk alternatives: lesser-known circuits and valleys that offer alpine passes, remote huts, glacier views, and that special feeling of being deep in New Zealand’s backcountry.

A historic foothills escape in the Broken River Valley The Old Avoca Homestead was built in 1906 and sits quietly in the foothills beside Broken River. Tucked into a wide tussock basin, it offers a glimpse into life on a remote high-country station more than a century ago. With straightforward access, strong historic character, and the wider Broken River Valley at its doorstep, it makes an ideal short walk with real substance.

Snacks can make or break your day hike. They’re not just a treat — they’re fuel. The right snacks keep your energy steady, your mood up, and help you finish the trail feeling strong rather than depleted.

If you’re looking for a gentle, rewarding walk through lush beech forest with a beautiful lake and a spacious hut at the end, Lake Daniell is one of the best family-friendly hikes in the South Island. With only around 100 metres of total elevation gain and a well-formed track for most of the way, it’s suitable for beginners, children, and anyone after an easy day in the bush.

If you’re looking for a full day out that combines lush native forest, steady climbing, open ridgelines, and a satisfying summit view — Mt Grey in North Canterbury is a classic. This circuit is one of those hikes that has a bit of everything: forest shade, river crossings, a scenic summit lunch spot, and enough challenge to make the post-hike snack taste even better.

Arthur’s Pass and the Craigieburn Range are two of Canterbury’s best-known mountain playgrounds — rugged, scenic, and packed with trails that deliver a full sense of adventure without needing a full pack or overnight stay.

As the seasons shift and the air cools, day hiking takes on a different rhythm. Autumn and winter bring crisp mornings, shorter daylight hours, and the possibility of snow or ice in some regions — but they also bring calm trails, stunning golden light, and incredible clarity in the air.

Tucked deep in the Gamack Conservation Area near Lake Tekapo, Green Point Hut is a quiet backcountry escape surrounded by wide river terraces, golden tussock, and the steady rush of the Jollie River. I spent two nights here, using the full day in between to explore further up the valley to the derelict site of Littles Hut — a spot steeped in history and solitude.

Food planning becomes even more important when you’re heading out on an overnight hike. It’s not just about what tastes good at the hut or campsite — it’s about keeping your body fueled, hydrated, and recovering well so you can wake up ready for another day on the trail.

Tucked into the foothills behind Herbert in North Otago, the Staircase Hut Circuit is a challenging full-day or overnight hike through a mix of steep forest, open tussock tops, and rugged ridgelines. It’s one of those tracks that truly lives up to its name — steep, demanding, and full of character — rewarding you with solitude, expansive views, and a genuine backcountry feel.

NZ Hiking Adventures - my Vulva Tried to Kill me but I Walked it off

Sometimes, the simplest trail meals are the best ones. When I’m out hiking, I love a lunch that’s quick to put together, satisfying to eat, and easy to carry — and these Trail Wrap Pizzas tick all the boxes.

Tucked away in the Waianakarua Conservation Park near Herbert, North Otago, the Kahikatea Lodge track is a beautiful short loop that takes you through native bush, open grassy slopes, and into the foothills of the Mount Misery Range. It’s the perfect half-day adventure for those wanting a mix of forest walking, hill climbing, and a quiet backcountry feel without venturing too far from civilisation.

Perched high on the Rock and Pillar Range above Middlemarch, Leaning Lodge Hut is a true high-country gem. It’s a steep but rewarding climb through open tussock and alpine terrain to one of Otago’s most iconic backcountry huts — complete with its famous “loo with a view.”

A new year always feels like a fresh trailhead—full of possibility, potential, and the unknown. As I step into 2026, I’m carrying the lessons of the past year, the strength I’ve gained through recovery, and a renewed sense of purpose for what comes next.

Summer hiking in New Zealand is one of the best ways to explore — long daylight hours, alpine flowers in bloom, and crystal-clear rivers to cool off in. But while the days might look perfect, summer conditions can still catch you out. Intense UV, sudden weather changes, and dehydration are all part of the mix.

There’s something special about heading into the high country — that sense of wide-open space, golden tussocks, and the steady rhythm of boots on a farm track. The walk to Otamatapaio Hut, tucked beneath the Hawkdun Range, captures all of that and more — quiet solitude, big sky, and the subtle beauty of Central Otago’s backcountry.

When it comes to hiking, food isn’t just about satisfying hunger — it’s about fueling your body for the effort ahead. Whether you’re heading out for a gentle 10 km stroll around a lake or a steep, rocky climb that takes most of the day, your food choices can make the difference between finishing strong or feeling flat halfway through.

The half-day hike to Baikie Hut in the Ruataniwha Conservation Park, near Lake Pukaki, packs in plenty of variety.