Southwest New Zealand's World Heritage Area, also known as Te Wahipounamu, has 2.6 million hectares of wilderness area. Fiordland National Park, which includes two Great Walks--Routeburn Trek and Milford Trek--lie within Te Wahipounamu. Both treks are multiple-day excursions for very fit hikers. Routeburn is 19.8 miles long and usually takes 3 days to complete. Milford is 34.8 miles long and should take about 5 days to complete. Hikers may see native birds such as the kea, an alpine parrot, kiwi, a flightless and mostly nocturnal bird and takah, a prehistoric-looking, flightless bird. Scenery in the Te Wahipounamu area includes lush forests, cascading waterfalls, rock fiords, mountain peaks and pristine lakes.
The Heaphy Trek is a hiking vacation for the physically fit. It is the longest of the Great Walks at 49 miles. Allow up to 6 days to complete the trail. The walk takes hikers along the rivers and mountains of the Nelson/Tasman region on the northwestern side of the South Island.
The Chatham Islands lie 497 miles off the coast of mainland New Zealand. The volcanic islands are home to many of New Zealand's endangered species and to Moriori rakau momori (tree carvings). Vacationing hikers may want to stay at Chatham Lodge, which can accommodate up to 20 guests. Guided hiking tours can be reserved through the lodge. Nikau Bush Conservation Area is off the North Road of Chatham Island. The walking trail there takes you through a lush lowland forest. The relatively easy hike can be completed in about an hour. The J.M. Barker, Hapupu, National Historic Reserve Walk is too short to be called a hike., as it only takes about 10 minutes to complete, but it is worth visiting. This historic reserve protects the Moriori rakau momori. Walkers take a short hike through a mature kopi forest with a dense understory. The tree carvings are located throughout mature Kopi trees, which can be seen from the trail. The Henga Scenic Reserve Walk starts just behind Chatham Lodge. Hikers enjoy kopi and mahoe forests, dunes, limestone outcroppings and spectacular views of Petre Bay. The entire hike takes about 90 minutes. The trail is a wide loop.
