There’s a very fine balance between spontaneity and organisation when it comes to making summer plans. For trail walks—like all of Aotearoa’s summertime activities—a few notable basics are a must.
A decent SPF, water, snacks and comfy shoes all make the shortlist, which is why the ASICS’ Trail Range couldn’t have landed at a better time. Designed for all terrains (rugged, unstable, paved and even wet and muddy) and speeds—from gentle walks, clambering, or a run if you can muscle it—these lightweight and versatile babies can do it all.
So, in the spirit of being perfectly prepared, say goodbye to those weighty, blustery tramping boots and get trotting all summer long on these eight epic day walks.
Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, Northland
Keen for a side of shark sightings with your walk? The Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway takes you from the beach all across the clifftops, with sweeping views of the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island. On a good day, you’ll even be able to spot tubby kererū overhead, and pods of sealife below.
The walk will spit you out to a rocky beach that's well worth exploring, but be sure to time your return from the other side of the beach—a high tide might turn your morning trip into an extended overnight stay (without the tent).
Tama Lakes Track, Tongariro
Okay okay, Tongariro Crossing gets its fair time in the limelight, but its little sister walk—the one to Tama Lakes—deserves a little love too.
Not only will you come across The Chateau Tongariro and gorgeous Taranaki Falls early on, but other-worldly views pepper the entire 5-6 hour trek. Encounter ancient lava flows, surreal tussock country, rocks that can only be described as moon-like, and of course, the crater lakes that appear as if straight from planet Mars.
Though it might be summer, the weather can be iffy, so you’ll want to bring a raincoat and a good snack pack. Chances are your trail will also cross an overflowing stream, so footwear that’s easy to whip off and flip on your back will be your best friend.
Roy’s Peak Track, Wānaka
You’ve definitely seen it in campaigns, postcards, on the 'gram, and everywhere in between. So it's about time you schlepped out to Roys Peak and made the ascent for yourself. A firm uphill zig-zag, the impossibly panoramic views of this epic walk are well worth the sweat and highly engaged calf muscles. Bring some hearty food for refuelling, and make sure to pack a journal—views like this are the perfect backdrop for soaking up some quality reflection time.
Haupapa/Tasman Glacier View Track, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Don’t let the word ‘glacier’ scare you into thinking you need to be thoroughly kitted out for the occasion. A sensible—and stylish—sneaker will do the trick. After all, it’s a short walk, up rocky steps no more than 100 metres from your starting point. Once you clamber up, prepare to glimpse an impressive view of the nation’s largest glacier—complete with an expansive lake, rocky surroundings and alpine caps.
Coromandel Forest Park/Table Mountain, Coromandel
There’s lots to love about this area. The iconic Pinnacles/Kauaeranga Kauri Trail is one part of the equation (and probably needs no introduction), but there’s also a nifty loop track for those who aren’t exactly tickled by a steep incline—Billygoat Circuit.
We’d do this 4-5 hour track for the name alone, but the swingbridge, bushy canopies, relics of an old bridge and tramline, views of Billygoat Falls and incredible prospecting history means it has a whole stack of other major draw cards going for it.
Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk, Fox Glacier Area
If you’d like to come face-to-face with a real-life desktop screensaver, then the Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk is one to add to your shortlist. Snowy mountain peaks and plush greenery surround an intensely reflective lake—the best of nature in one sleek snapshot.
Lake Roxburgh Walkway, Alexandra
Lake Roxburgh Walkway follows the very path that once transported coal to the gold mines from 1890 to the 1930s. A straight-line track that runs alongside the turquoise Clutha River, either opt for the Graveyard Gully to Butchers Point for a gentle 3-hour return walk, or take things up a notch by extending through to Doctors Point, with an advanced 4-7 hour return tramp.
Whakaipo Bay Tracks, Taupō
Thought a Taupō adventure was all about getting *on* the lake? Think again. The Whakaipo Bay tracks take you up and around the lake’s Whakaipo and Whangamata stunning bays.
A 4.5-hour trek, the Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay (or vice versa) is something you’ll want to organise ahead of time with pals—and we recommend top-and-tailing with cars at both ends. A nice little add-on is the Headland Loop—an extra three hours will get you right up into Te Tuhi Point for stunning views.
Farewell Spit and Pūponga Fark Park track, Nelson
You know that wispy part you see on the top left of the South Island? It’s home to some seriously impressive coastline, and the incredible Pūponga Hill Top Track. From Triangle Flat Car Park, traipse to Pillar Point Lighthouse, Cape Farewell, Fossil Point or the other direction towards Spit Track Circuit. There are plenty of ways you can chop and change this walk, with just as many sights to behold at each.
Convinced to get trotting this summer? For more on where you can get your hands on the perfect shoe to take you from trail to trail all sunny season long, visit here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with ASICS Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image Credit: Asics, Urban List.