The traditional 9 to 5 can make the weeks feel like they’re flying by. Or moving rather slow when by Wednesday all you want is the weekend! Between work and everyday responsibilities it’s easy to fall into the same routine day after day.
That’s where the growing trend of microadventures comes in. These short, achievable outdoor escapes are designed to fit around everyday life, whether that’s a weekend morning, a free afternoon or a quick adventure before or after work when the seasons allow. During the longer summer months, they’re also becoming a popular way for people to embrace the growing ‘5 to 9’ trend, making the most of those extra hours outside the office.
Walks through native rainforest, hidden waterfalls, volcanic summits and dramatic coastal tracks. You can in fact do all this without needing to take annual leave or dedicate an entire weekend to the cause. The appeal is simple… experiencing something new without travelling far from home. Plus, a little outdoors is good for the soul!
After speaking with our good pals at AllTrails, we realised just how many tracks there are in New Zealand that are perfectly suited to the growing microadventure trend, and there are plenty of adventures that can fit neatly around everyday life.
All Trails has rounded up its top 10 microadventures across New Zealand, highlighting walks that are easily accessible, packed with scenery and achievable without requiring a major commitment of time.
Experts say introducing a little novelty into your routine can help break up the blur of everyday life and make your weeks feel fuller and more memorable. So whether you’re looking for a reset or a way to make the most of a free morning, these trails and walks prove you don’t need a grand expedition to have an adventure. Click on the links below to check them out!
Top 10 Best Microadventures in New Zealand:
1. Rivendell Walk in the Kaitoke Regional Park – just north of Wellington, this trail features lush, ancient rainforest and crystal-clear rivers for a quick, scenic stroll. Beloved by hikers for being the exact location where Rivendell was filmed in The Lord of the Rings.
2. Birchville Dam Track – a short, charming forest walk in Belmont Regional Park, north-east of Wellington, that leads to a hidden dam and waterfall. It is relatively flat and well maintained, great for families.
3. Wellington’s Mount Victoria Loop – a very popular walk starting near the city that leads to a 360-degree panorama of Wellington, the harbor, and the South Island. It’s easily accessible and passes through native bush, ideal for a quick workout.
4. North of Wellington, the Kaukau Lookout Loop goes to the top of Mount Kaukau for some of the best views of the Wellington hilltops and harbor. Native bush, steps, and a walk along the ridge.
5. Karamatura Falls Track – located in the Waitākere Ranges, west of Auckland, this walk leads to a refreshing, hidden waterfall. It’s a short, leafy walk with a few steep steps and excellent swimming spots.
6. The Godley Head Walkway and Taylors Mistake Loop is a beautiful coastal walk south-east of Christchurch near Taylors Mistake that features dramatic cliffs, WWII military history and sweeping views across Pegasus Bay. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Kaikoura mountains.
7. Harry Ell Walkway – near Christchurch, a very popular walk through mature bush and open hillsides in the Port Hills. It offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and city, with easy access points.
8. Rangitoto Island Loop trail climbs through the world’s largest pohutukawa forest to a volcanic peak with spectacular panoramic views of Auckland.
9. Cable Bay Walkway to Sentinel Lookout trail features a relentless, steep climb through open farmland populated by sheep and cows but you are rewarded with breathtaking coastal views of Tasman Bay and Pepin Island from the 250m summit.
10. Tunnel Beach Track – a trail near Dunedin that features breathtaking coastal cliffs, a natural sea arch, and a historic hand-carved stone tunnel leading to a secluded beach.