Jess is a Wanderer headed out to the lakes region and came across Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore. Manmade dams that are used for hydroelectricity, create some beautiful settings for photography. And with hikes like the Deep Stream Track to explore too, what more could you want? Deep Stream Track is around 3km one way. It leads to a dead end after following the lake, presenting some stunning views and maybe leading you to a chance encounter with a wallaby along the way. The tr

Jess is a Wanderer headed out to Aoraki/Mount Cook and what a place! Perfect, clear views of the mountain and a very manageable, very well-maintained track to Hooker Lake. Despite being busy with tourists hiking the famou route, this was a fantastic way to spend a day. 10km return, it's suitable for all fitness levels and, if the weather is good, you'll thoroughly enjoy yourself. We did try to get around Hooker Lake and to the base of the mountain. A tricky endeavour that end

Technically, this was a work trip and strictly business but the weather was so beautiful that I couldn't help but take my camera along in the hope of catching a glimpse of Mount Cook. Let's just say... I wasn't disappointed. Accessed from the Tarnbrae Track, you follow the path to Parsons Bridge, Sawyers Creek and Freehold Creek. An easy walk with truly beautiful views. Around 6km return. #SouthIsland #lake #MountCook #hiking #tramping

Jess is a Wanderer went to Wanaka and it was as expected - beautiful, scenic and full of visitors. Roy's Peak is the famous hike which EVERYONE seems to do when in town. I went straight to the DOC (Department of Conservation) office and asked for alternatives. That's how I discovered Grandview and let me tell you... it was a grand view indeed. Grandview Mountain is closer to Lake Hawea than Lake Wanaka but that doesn't make the hike any less appealing. In fact, if anything th

To celebrate a year in New Zealand Jess is a Wanderer headed off to Mount Maunganui to catch a sunset and relish in the fact that it's been a whole 365 days in this beautiful country. It's not a difficult climb to the summit of 'the Mount' - as it's known by the locals - but it's worth taking your time so you can enjoy the views. Whether you're watching the giant cruise ships come and go, a beautiful sunset or a hang-glider taking off. The top can be reached in around half an

Just outside Hamilton (or at least not far away) is an extinct volcano called Mount Kakepuku. Jess is a Wanderer tackled it in search of some good views. The climb up is not particularly taxing - so much so that one keen couple were seen running up and down several times throughout my visit - I was happy sweating away on my single ascent and descent. That was enough for me! Even though the volcano is a bit off the beaten track, it's worth seeing as it's in a row of volcanoes

Jess is a Wanderer battled a winding, unsealed road, a puncture, a flat tyre, a 26km return hike and some hotter-than-expected spring weather to get to Panekire Bluff overlooking Lake Waikaremoana. The lake is manmade but beautiful. The Goblin Forest that you walk through to get to Panekire Bluff is magical. Literally, you could expect little fairies to pop out at any moment. From the carpark to the first main lookout point is a steep 45 minute climb. Doc recommends that the

Jess is a Wanderer has visited the Pinnacles in Auckland so it was time to see the Wellington version. Famous for featuring in The Lord of the Rings (the part where 'The way is shut. It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut.') It's a bunch of gravel columns that range from 12-14 million years old... there are certainly some impressive rock formations here. You can climb up (around 2km) along a well-formed track and view th

Jess is a Wanderer decided to take on the challenge of the Cape Brett Track. A 16.3km hike from Oke Bay to the Cape Brett DOC (Department of Conservation) Hut at the end of the peninsula. The weather was forecast to be lovely and the views promised to be amazing. What could possibly go wrong? The first mistake I made was by getting over-excited at seeing the words 'Cape Brett Track' on a sign and immediately pulling over, parking the car and setting off. What I didn't realise

Jess is a Wanderer stopped in the Waipoua Forest en route to the northernmost point of New Zealand. Staying with fantastic couch surfing host, James, and his dog, Tui, I had a great few days exploring. Tane Mahuta is New Zealand's largest Kauri tree with an incredible trunk width of almost 14m and a height of over 51m it's absolutely enormous. It can be seen by simply pulling off state highway 12, washing your footwear (to prevent tree-killing diseases from spreading) and hea

Mangawahai Beach is a beautiful spot that's perfect for water-sports, sunbathing or hiking. There are plenty of trails offering perfect viewpoints or longer, more challenging, treks across the clifftops. I did the Mangawhai Clifftops route which is about 3.5km one way. You can carry on another 2km and down about 200 steps and then walk back along the beach - if the tide is low. Park near the Surf Life Saving Club in Mangawhai on Wintle Street and head down to the beach. Walk

Jess is a Wanderer headed out in search of adventure in the form of a little 1088m high mountain just outside of Taupo. A 1.5 hour climb up, the views are truly spectacular once you conquer the exceptionally steep bush trail. This was actually one of the most testing hikes I've done so far in New Zealand. I mean, don't get me wrong, it wasn't anything like trekking around Everest back in November but it was a struggle! Despite being hard-going, with little flat stretches, it

Jess is a Wanderer set out in search of Shine Falls - Hawke's Bay's largest waterfall at 58m tall. A two-hour round trip will lead you to the falls and back again. Well worth the tramping for the beautiful view that awaits. Leaving Napier, you soon find yourself in the mountainous wilderness with no phone reception and some very windy roads. There are some lovely lakes to see and great mountainous views. You might even spot some local wildlife! Eventually - around 30km away,

Jess is a Wanderer headed out in search of Te Mata Peak whilst visiting Hawke's Bay. Te Mata Park offers a variety of different walking trails around 'the sleeping giant' as the name translates. There are different colours ranging in difficulty and length. I somehow managed to do the red, blue and yellow trails - despite only planning on completing the red circuit! A fabulous 11km tramp in all, it's a highly recommended visit. Free to enter and beautiful views of the surround

Jess is a Wanderer and Beth headed off into Coromandel Forest Park to take on the Waimou Kauri Grove Walk. A short 2-hour tramp through the native bush was quite the adventure. Scroll down for the video. We've been on the road for two nights now and it's been a dream. Perfect settings, beachfront locations and, well, not so perfect cold showers but we're living the dream. Here's a video to celebrate our achievements from that time we went into Coromandel Forest Park... #tramp