Tramping

Getting around on foot is the best way to experience and appreciate the true beauty of New Zealand. Tramping is a term I'd never heard of prior to living in New Zealand, this is what they call hiking for days on end.

Day long walks are common on just about every main road on the south island. Walks can be found that take upto 4-5 days, cabins are located on these trails and reported to be a great social environment after a long hard day of solitude. A bunk is supplied for a small fee but food is your own responsibility.

Around Hasst there are some beautiful trails that lead to hot pools, waterfalls and beaches. If these options don't tickle your fancy there are plenty of mountains to hike up to excape from it all and enjoy the view.

Warning: A huge trend in New Zealand at present, is to hire a campervan and drive the islands. This is a great way to get around independantly and many companies offer good deals. Please however, keep locals in mind when you are driving at 40km\h in an 100km\h zone, stopping on one way bridges to take photos and driving up the middle of winding mountainous roads. Yes, these things all happen regularly and the locals hate it!