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Tongariro National Park

What are the best things to do in New Zealand in the Spring? Nigel McGoldrick, via email.

While the ski bunnies are leaving and before the summer hordes arrive, it’s a brilliant time – arguably the best time – to explore New Zealand’s life-changingly handsome scenery by foot: to
go “tramping” in Kiwi-speak.

If the dashing mountains, raging rivers and fern-smothered forests aren’t calling out to you, you’re clearly going round with your eyes closed.

Even if you’re not much of a walker, this country is one of the best in the world to hike in, both for its scenery and because hikes are well organised and mostly very safe.

The best day walk is the Tongariro Crossing in the middle of the North Island.

You can go with a guiding company, but it’s easy to arrange and complete yourself (though always carry water, some food, clothing for all weathers and always sign the Department of Conservation register).

The official season for the nine Great Walks is late-October to April and these multi-day treks are well organised, with huts to overnight in, plus well maintained, signposted paths – and they’re deeply spectacular.

The Milford Track suffers from its fame and is often booked up months in advance, though the nearby Routeburn Track is an excellent alternative. (Or Kepler, if that’s too busy.)

Fiordland probably provides the finest hikes, but there’s also the Abel Tasman Coast Track, The Heaphy, the Tongariro Northen Circuit and others. See www.doc.govt.nz for bookings and more info.

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