Recommend me some hikes!

[Drew]

I'm stuck in interminable lockdown but eyeing off a trip to NZ in late Jan 2022. Not sure why, but I've never made it across the ditch for any walking, despite having walked in so many more far-flung places. Trying to pick a walk or two from the huge number of options on the DOC site is overwhelming. I'd love some suggestions! Criteria:

- probably just looking at South Island
- around 3-5 nights (could consider longer)
- medium to difficult (we're experienced walkers but not looking for anything too hairy)
- accessible (by public transport would be great, but we'd consider hiring a car too)
- spectacular landscapes (my preference is mountains, but could consider coastal too)
- camping or huts okay (I prefer camping, my partner probably prefers huts!)
- not stupidly busy
- hot springs a bonus!

I've been turned off the idea of Great Walks by their popularity, but maybe during Covid is the time to do them?

Thanks

[Jananda]

Earnslaw burn looks pretty spectacular. You can make it longer and overnight. I'm supposed to be going to NZ late Jan to hike Te Araroa South Island and was going to add the Earnslaw Burn Track onto my hike. Think I'll reluctantly postpone for a year.
Agree with you, there's so many to choose from.

[wayno]

huts along the Te araroa are very busy in summer either because in places they are small or they overlap in more popular areas where the locals will flock to more than ever because they cant travel...

[Aardvark]

The first walk i did in NZ was The Wilkins-Young. It was a great introduction. I've been back more than 50 times since.
We put the tent up at the bottom of Gillespie Stream and went up to Lake Crucible the next morning. Only problem was the number of sandflies when camping in a valley.
I tagged along on the walk as it had been organised by two others i knew.
They went out to Makarora from Kerin Forks hut whilst i took extra time and walked up to Top Forks hut for a night.

[Drew]

The first walk i did in NZ was The Wilkins-Young. It was a great introduction

Thanks Aardvark. Is the Wilkins-Young also known as Gillespie Pass?

[Aardvark]

The first walk i did in NZ was The Wilkins-Young. It was a great introduction

Thanks Aardvark. Is the Wilkins-Young also known as Gillespie Pass?

Certainly is.
All walks are just a combination of features such as valleys and passes. Alot of walks have possible extensions.
You can easily design your own walks if you study maps and combine with books such as 'Moirs Guide - North'

Do your homework and you'll reap some real benefit.

[Drew]

huts along the Te araroa are very busy in summer either because in places they are small or they overlap in more popular areas where the locals will flock to more than ever because they cant travel...

Thanks Wayno. Are walks with huts generally more crowded than those without?

[juz]

Hello,
We are off to NZ for January, and have a 3 and a 5 yo. We are spending time on both islands. We have done some very short (~6km days) over nighters here, and they have worked out well. As people without kids we have extensive walking experience.
Could anyone recommend any NZ tramps (3,4 or 5 days) that would have short days (<7km, depending on country), with either hut or tent accommodation? Looking for fun, beautiful country with nice camp/hut sites ideally.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Justin.

[WestcoastPete]

Queen Charlotte Track might be nice, and/or Abel Tasman coast