Many adventurous souls have developed a renewed interest in a new activity – hiking. It is partly owing to the totalizing influencer culture wherein everything should be shared on social media and the dejection that a modern-day individual feels when surrounded by technology at all turns. Hiking is increasingly gaining back some of its lost popularity. The people manning Ruhls of the Road, Julie and Zach Ruhl, are avid travelers who, too, have a penchant for hiking. This is their guide to two of the best hiking trails across North and South Island.
Mount Maunganui
This hike, located on New Zealand’s East Coast just South of the Coromandel Peninsula, is fantastic for various reasons. For starters, Mount Maunganui is situated on an intriguing piece of terrain. The peak is located at the peninsula’s tip, surrounded by massive beaches. As a result, you can start and end your day with some rest and leisure on the beach. You pass a few sheep farms on your climb up the mountain, which takes you from sea level to 232 meters above sea level. This makes the hike so phenomenal to the Ruhls: you can enjoy an up-close-and-personal look at some of New Zealand’s famous sheep, not found so abundantly elsewhere.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
To begin with, Mount Ngauruhoe is a massive, visible, and astounding land that you will find much of during the trip. “If you begin the Tongariro Crossing hike early in the morning, you’ll even be treated to a sunrise directly over Mount Ngauruhoe, which is a beautiful site,” suggest the Ruhls. Hiking by Mount Ngauruhoe will take you past a massive crater and up an elevation with a 360-degree vista that will leave you in absolute awe of the landscapes. In addition, Mount Doom will be visible in one direction. On the other side is the Red Crater, a magnificent rock formation that has been carefully created and placed in the ideal location. And finally, you’ll get a first glimpse at the stunning Emerald Lakes that is the crown jewel of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Roy’s Peak Hike
This track is the duo’s favorite one among the South Island hikes. Known for its elevated trail, sharp vantage point, and breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Wanaka, Roy’s Peak Hike is best enjoyed during sunrise. For this, the Ruhls recommend starting out a couple of hours before the sunrise. In addition, they suggest taking flashlights, some breakfast, and at least 2 liters of water per person as the climb is steep and has to be done during the pre-dawn hours for the full experience.
Mueller Hut Track
The Mueller Hut Track is another great spot that the Ruhls recommend, especially for those that like adventure. At the end of the hike awaits a scenic panoramic view of Mount Cook and the surrounding area. The hike is tough, but the reward is worth it. “You’ll see endless waterfalls, beautiful white glaciers, and get a birds-eye-view of the glacial lakes that make this area so unique,” write the Ruhls.
You can check out more of the Ruhls’ favorite hiking places in New Zealand here or their blogs about their travel adventures on their official website.