The 10 Best Mountains in New Zealand, New Zealand

October 11, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Ball Pass

Lake Tekapo, 7999 New Zealand
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Ball Pass

A rugged and challenging route crossing Mount Cook Range between the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers.

2. Hawkdun Mountains

Otago New Zealand
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hawkdun Mountains

3. Mount Arthur

Kahurangi National Park, Christchurch New Zealand
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Mount Arthur

4. Mount Manaia Track

2129 Whangarei Heads Road, Whangarei 0174 New Zealand
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
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1%
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5.0 based on 217 reviews

Mount Manaia Track

Always check the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By peekaboo19

A nice challenging walk up 420m to the viewpoint looking over the coast. Well worth the sweat up to see the beautiful view. Would recommend walking this if you are in the area but may not be accessible for everyone

5. Glentanner Park

Excellent
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Glentanner Park

Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views and walk a trail of High Country history on the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike. This guided tour grants exclusive access to private land on family-owned Glentanner Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic and iconic stations in one of the country’s most magnificent settings. The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station. From the landing spot, the tour continues on foot with a walk down a picturesque farm track. The track descends gradually along alpine tarns and beneath towering peaks. Your guide will ensure plenty of stops for photography and will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora and fauna and present-day operations. The walk also includes a break at an historic private hut with a scrummy morning or afternoon tea provided. A reasonable level of mobility is required for the walk but a return flight from the landing site can also be arranged.

6. The Remarkables Ski Area

Queenstown New Zealand +64 3-442 4615 [email protected] http://www.nzski.com/mountain.jsp?site=theremarkables
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
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4.5 based on 1,199 reviews

The Remarkables Ski Area

Queenstowns alpine ski area, the Remarkables are welcoming and relaxed for beginners and challenging for the more experienced.

Reviewed By frank04052018 - Munich, Germany

we spend a bit of skiing here, great for beginners and snowboarders , loved the covered magic carpet. Drive up takes a bit and last bit is not sealed

7. Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak Road, Hastings 4130 New Zealand
Excellent
76%
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22%
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4.5 based on 1,684 reviews

Te Mata Peak

Reviewed By JMT_NZ - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Te Mata Peak is simply stunning. I've driven to the peak several times and it's a great experience to take in the wider Hawkes Bay. If you drive right to the top then it's suitable for people with impaired mobility although they need to be able to walk up a short steep gradient for the best views from the trig.

8. Mount Taranaki

2879 Egmont Rd, Egmont National Park New Zealand +64 6-756 0990 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/
Excellent
77%
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4.5 based on 567 reviews

Mount Taranaki

Reviewed By hannahz905 - Christchurch, New Zealand

An overnight trip to Pouakai Tarn: We originally planned to stay at Pouakai Hut for two nights, and actually we stayed only one night, as we were lucky to see all the view which we wanted to see. At that time, even the weather forecast was not good on Metservice one day before, but it turned out the weather was good most of time. We forgot it was a full moon period, so we didn’t get a chance to take milkyway which was a pity. Check Metservice – Egmount National Park weather ahead, but it is not 100% reliable. The route we took: Mangorei Road car park --2 to 3 hours--> Pouakai Hut—20 mins --> Pouakai Tarn We took most normal overnight camping gears (except tent), torch, food, filtered bottle, waterproof matches, gas, four seasons wearing staff, camera gears, tripod, hiking poles, wet wipe, tissues. Hut tickets (available in Kathmandu shop) The hut (first in first service, it was full at the end) provided sleeping mattresses, water (drinking water requires boiled), toilet, toilet paper…Our phone could even connect to 4G signal which was brilliant. No electricity available any way. By the way, all the rubbish is recommended to carry out by yourself, so rubbish bags are useful. We found the most useful things during the trip: comfortable/waterproof boots, waterproof/windproof jackets, waterproof pants, gaiters (super muddy on the way), warm hat (windy), gloves, torch, power banks for phones, jandals for walking around the hut, sun cream lotion, quick dry basic layers, socks, rubbish bags. Drive to Mangorei Road car park which is at the end of Mangorei Road. We took about 2 hours to Pouakai Hut. The track indeed has countless steps to the top, where most of time we walked in the beautiful native bush. From Pouakai Hut to Pouakai Tarn, it was about 10-20 minutes walk. Around Pouakai Tarn, there is a new wooden walking track. It did need some patience, but it was worthy. In order to protect the fragile environment, please stay on the track; please not walk/stand on the fragile vegetation; please leave your tripod on the track;

9. Coronet Peak

Queenstown New Zealand +64 3-450 1970 [email protected] http://www.coronetpeak.co.nz
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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4.5 based on 1,530 reviews

Coronet Peak

Opening for winter 19 June 2021! Coronet Peak is New Zealand's most accessible ski resort, an easy 20 minute drive from Queenstown via a scenic, sealed access road. Whether you're an expert seeking long rolling trails, or complete beginners looking for a learn to ski/board package, or just want to experience the snow with a gondola or toboggan ride, then the friendly team at Coronet Peak are ready to make your mountain experience a fun and easy one. Coronet Peak is also the home of Night Ski, a winter bucket list activity in Queenstown, New Zealand. You can hire all your rental equipment on the mountain and our retail shop stocks all your other essentials for a fun day on the snow. Need ski or snowboard lessons? Our coaches cater to all ages and abilities; book 7 days in advance and save 10%. We also offer a ski bus transport service from central Queenstown that is available to book through our website. We look forward to seeing you!

Reviewed By sillymuso - Howick, New Zealand

We went during the school holidays in July so it was fairly busy as is expected. Having said that, lots of fun on the snow. Great for everyone including those that are new to skiing or snowboarding. There is a dedicated area for those that are learning and if you only plan on staying there then you don't have to pay as much. Access by car was easy (just drive carefully and have snow chains just in case).

10. Mt Hutt Ski Area

Methven New Zealand +64 3-308 5074 [email protected] http://www.mthutt.co.nz
Excellent
58%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
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Poor
6%
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4.5 based on 180 reviews

Mt Hutt Ski Area

Reviewed By wombat2002 - Auckland, New Zealand

We did skiing / snowboarding 4 days in a row. Definitely get the bus up from Methven from your accommodation, saves on parking hassles at summit etc. We bought our day passes in town at methven and hired our gear at methven. You can also do both at Mt Hutt. Facilities and cafe etc are just the best. Hardly any waiting time at chairlifts.

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