My Top 5 Day Hikes - and why they make the list
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you hike often enough, you start collecting favourites — the tracks you keep returning to because they just work. Maybe it’s the views, maybe it’s the challenge, or maybe it’s that one magical moment when the weather, the terrain and the mood line up perfectly.
These are my top five day hikes that I think about the most. The ones I’d happily recommend to anyone keen to get outside. And each one earns its place for a different reason.
1. Benmore Hut Track
Why it makes the list:
Because it delivers that perfect sense of “backcountry adventure” without needing to carry an overnight pack or climb anything too extreme.
Even though Benmore Hut is usually thought of as an overnighter, it’s absolutely doable as a full day hike if you start early. The 4WD/track sections mean steady progress, and the climb into the Benmore basin gives you that wild, remote feeling long before you even reach the hut.
What I love about it:
The changing terrain — farmland, tussock, beech forest.
The feeling of earning a hut visit in a single day.
Big, classic Canterbury high-country scenery.
Best for: Fit day hikers wanting a solid 20–25 km mission without technical terrain.
2. Mystery Lake
Why it makes the list:
It’s one of the most atmospheric landscapes in Canterbury. Mystery Lake sits in a rocky basin that feels ancient and untouched, almost like you’ve stepped into an alpine version of a lost world.
The quietness up there hits different — even the wind seems muted.
What I love about it:
The rocky tarn landscape and eerie stillness.
That sense of arriving somewhere genuinely special.
Great photography opportunities in all seasons.
Best for: Hikers who love wild, remote-feeling terrain without a brutal climb.
3. Mt Somers Summit Loop
Why it makes the list:
Because it’s the perfect combination of a big challenge and a big payoff.
The Mt Somers summit circuit is a Canterbury favourite for good reason — steep climbs, varied terrain, scree, impressive rock formations, and a summit view stretching from the Plains to the Alps. Doing the loop rather than the out-and-back turns it into a proper adventure.
What I love about it:
It’s a real mission but completely achievable.
The terrain variety keeps you engaged the entire time.
One of the best summit viewpoints in the region.
Best for: Experienced hikers wanting a tough but rewarding full-day challenge.
4. Orari Gorge Track
Why it makes the list:
Because it’s underrated, peaceful, and full of character. Orari Gorge is one of those tracks that surprises people — river terraces, open country, pockets of bush, and a beautiful walkway that feels a lot wilder than you’d expect for the area.
It’s not crowded, it’s not flashy — it’s just genuinely good hiking.
What I love about it:
The variety of landscapes in a relatively short distance.
The sense of calm — perfect mental reset trail.
Ideal for days when you want something scenic but not exhausting.
Best for: Intermediate hikers or anyone wanting a quieter, low-stress adventure.
5. Awa Awa Rata Reserve
Why it makes the list:
Because it’s the ultimate gateway into the Mt Hutt foothills — and it delivers more than people expect. With short walks, longer climbs, and access to Scott’s Saddle and beyond, this area is a dream for year-round hikers.
Whether you want a gentle forest wander or a climb to open tussock tops, Awa Awa Rata fits almost any mood.
What I love about it:
Beautiful beech forest and sheltered walking.
Quick access to big open views if you climb higher.
A fantastic option when you’re not sure what kind of hike you want.
Best for: Everyone — from beginners to seasoned trampers. You can shape the day to suit your energy.
Final Thoughts
These five hikes cover a mix of terrain, challenge and scenery — but the common thread is how they feel. Each one offers something memorable: a hut to reach, a summit to conquer, a quiet valley to wander, or an alpine basin that feels untouched.
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