Off The Beaten Path - New Zealand

New Zealand has fascinating areas for the intrepid traveler to explore. with this small list you will discover some of New Zealand's most beautiful, untouched and rugged areas. Step away from the crowds and see why New Zealand is renowned as an outdoor paradise 

Cape Brett
As you head north towards the Bay of Islands region on New Zealand's North Island, make a detour to Cape Brett. This is a place of outstanding scenic beauty offering views over the Bay of Islands including the 'hole in the rock' and beyond. It is also home to the Cape Brett lighthouse – the only history lighthouse managed by the Department of Conservation that still has its internal workings.

The lighthouse has stood at the entrance to the Bay of Islands since 1906. In 1908 a small isolated settlement was established including three houses for the lighthouse keepers and their families. Cape Brett is of particular spiritual and traditional importance to local and Northland Maori. 

George Sound
The Fiordland National Park in the southwest corner of New Zealand's South Island is the largest national park in the country and forms a major part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. George Sound is for intrepid, fit and adventurous travelers wanting a real (and remote) hiking challenge. If you are not looking for true off the beaten track adventure, then Milford Sound would be a better option for you.

George Sound is accessible by boat, float plane and helicopter – several boat operators take groups from the track end on the Middle Fiord and provide boat transport on Lake Hankinson. Once there, hikers can take between 2-3 days to complete the George Sound track.

For the longest section of the hike, a tent may be required. For safety purposes, you should let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return as well as completing an intentions form at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Center in Te Anau before you depart and sign the hut books. For the George Sound track, you should also carry a mountain radio or emergency locator beacon and topographical maps B41/C41 George Sound and C42 Mount Irene.

Aorangi Forest Park

It's well worth driving to the Aorangi Forest Park in the Wairarapa (east of Wellington on the North Island). This park features some of New Zealand's most striking landforms and spectacular views which can enjoyed after a short walk. These landforms include: the Putangirua Pinnacles, (part of lord of the rings was filmed here) earth pillars formed by the erosive forces of rain and floods; high slabs of rock known as Kupe's Sail and the coastal Whatarangi Bluff.

The park is also of interest for its fur seal colony, historic lighthouse, archaeological sites and sites of Maori occupation - a kainga (a resting and eating place for travelers) and the Putangirua Pa site located on a steep outcrop.

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