North Canterbury and the Foothills offer some of the best hiking in the South Island. From quick half-day wanders to full-day challenges and multi-day backcountry missions, this region packs a surprising amount of variety into an easy drive from Christchurch.

Spring and summer in New Zealand are the seasons of long daylight hours, wildflowers, and alpine tussock glowing gold in the evening light — perfect conditions for an overnight adventure. But as any seasoned tramper knows, good gear makes the difference between a comfortable overnight trip and one you won’t want to repeat.

If you’re looking for day hikes that capture that true backcountry adventure feeling without committing to a full multi-day tramp, Mid Canterbury is full of hidden gems. From alpine summits to lake circuits and iconic Lord of the Rings landscapes, there’s a lifetime of exploring packed into this corner of the South Island.

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.

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.

When most people think about training for hiking, they picture long walks, hill climbs, or cardio workouts — all great foundations. But if you really want to move with confidence on steep climbs, handle a heavy pack, and avoid injuries on rough terrain, strength training is the missing piece.

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.

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.”

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.

2025 will always be the year that changed me. A year marked by fear and uncertainty, but also resilience, mountains, and a newfound determination to keep moving forward — one track, one hut, one step at a time.

After a long day on the trail, there’s nothing quite like sitting down, boots off, watching the light fade over the hills — and tucking into something warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make.

If you spend time in the outdoors, you know how much the small pieces of gear can make the biggest difference. Trail Cloth was created with one goal in mind: to make hygiene on the trail easier, cleaner, and more comfortable — especially for women who want a reliable, reusable option they can trust in any environment.

Cedar Flat Hut is one of those West Coast classics: wild rivers, deep bush, cosy huts, and even natural hot pools. It’s the perfect overnight hike for those wanting a taste of backcountry adventure without venturing too far from Hokitika.

The Lake Sumner area has long been a favourite of trampers who enjoy rustic huts, wild valleys, and classic Canterbury scenery. On this trip I set out to complete the Jolliebrook Circuit, with the intention for an extra detour to bag Cold Stream Hut—a tucked-away little gem up a side valley.

Pinchgut Hut is a Canterbury classic—an easy-to-reach backcountry hut that draws hunters, families, and hikers alike. With multiple access points, it offers flexibility depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. On this trip, I started from the Ashley, at the Round Hill Stream end.