Arthurs Pass

Walk through native bush to this small but beautiful waterfall. Climbs gently in places.

Pt Wells to Omaha

A walk and cycle track leads between Pt Wells and Omaha. It crosses the estuary into Omaha and makes a nice flat, easy cycle or walk. I love the native forest that the road passes through. The beach at Omaha is long with clean, white sand and a great place for a swim.

Goat Island Beach

Walk along sandy beach towards Pakiri. Sand changes to rocky boulders and takes you to Pink Beach. Here the sand is coloured pink from the wheel shells. This is a nice secluded place where you can swim when sea conditions are good. Take a picnic lunch and stay an hour or two!

Oaro

South of Kaikoura, this walk follows the coastline. You'll see discarded pieces of railway equipment along the way. Some beaches are more bouldery and looking out to see you could spot a whale or pod of dolphins. Plenty of places for a swim on the way, if it's not too cold!

Pupu Springs

It's just a short walk through native bush, to see these beautiful springs where the water is crystal clear. In the past divers have been allowed into the springs, but are no longer permitted. The visibility underwater is unbelievable. There are little freshwater crayfish, trout and brilliant green algae. A viewing platform gives you a glimpse of the underwater world if it's not too covered with algae.

Scandrett Regional Park

This farm park, off Mahurangi East Rd, north of Auckland is named after the previous farm owners who farmed it for about 130 years. The sheltered beach is good for swimming at high tide. Walks include an orchard, and stockyards. The historic buildings are worth seeing.

Motuara Island

Motuara island is a bird sanctuary in the Outer Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds.
First we watched dolphins frollicking around the charter boat. Then we landed on the island and walked around an hour through the regenerating native bush.
Interesting bird life seen including this NZ falcon, bellbirds, fantails, kereru and saddleback. Kiwi also live there. The island is predator free so don't take anything you shouldn't!

Arapuni Dam to Jones Landing

This 10km walkway travels alongside Lake Arapuni and finishes at Jones Landing. There are native trees between the river and track and interesting rocks above. The lake is ideal for kayaking or boating.
The Arapuni Power Station and the dam are now under the protection of the Historic Places Trust.

Maungatautari

A fence goes around this reserve to keep predators out. We explored the southern enclosure and after climbing up the viewing platform, a kaka landed alongside us. A camera showed us a female kaka feeding her 3 chicks. Other birdlife include hihi, but our visit was too short and we'll be going back. Great walking tracks, south of Cambridge.

Pakiri Beach

Walk along the white sands of Pakiri Beach and you'll feel you are a world away from the city. The solitude, sand dunes and birdlife add to this special place. It's only around an hour north of Auckland City and a short drive over the hill from Leigh.
Occasionally there will be a temporary structure as part of a film set. 

Tawharanui Regional Park

This regional park north of Auckland is part farmland and part regenerating bush. A predator proof fence runs across the peninsula. The beach is beautiful and a good length for a walk. There are also tracks through the native bush areas. Pick up a brochure when you get there.

Ohakune Lakes

The entrance way is hard to find as it's under bush on a corner. You can drive in and park and walk right around the lake or you can drive right around. Nice native trees surround it.