Best bird watching trails in Canterbury, New Zealand

Nice hike for a lookout over Lake Tekapo, the city, as well as the surrounding mountains. Definitely worth the time! More information about tracks around Lake Tekapo can be found here: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/lake-tekapo-area/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-town-tracks/Show more

This is the most gorgeous hike! It is a gentle and constant climb; steep in quite a few places. Most of it seems like an enchanted forest with the mossy trees and ground cover and spindly tall trees either side of the track. There are lots and lots of tree roots projecting across the track with rocky places which adds to the atmosphere of the track. The red toadstools spotted with white dotted along the lower half of the track are beautiful. There ate seem open parts of the track with tussock grasses and boardwalks over mushy ground. There are gorgeous views here. The basic hut that sleeps 6 is about 30 mins walk from the top. After going through trees and mushy ground it is very open here with a rocky path but it’s easy to follow. Highly recommended. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/bealey-spur-track/Show more

Beautiful waterfall with lots of water flowing even in summer. Walk has some steep bits but nothing too hard and well worth climbing up to this waterfall. Lots of parking and toilets at trail head. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/arthurs-pass-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/devils-punchbowl-walking-track/Show more

Lovely trail. Scenery and terrain different throughout. Shaded parts and a bit of damp in places. Views at the top are gorgeous. Some over grown parts but nothing you can’t get through. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/mount-hutt-area/things-to-do/rakaia-gorge-walkway/Show more

Hike up and over the Port Hills with amazing views of Lyttelton Harbour & Christchurch City. You can either start in Heathcote from the Christchurch Gondola carpark on Bridle Path Road or head through the tunnel and start from the Lyttelton side on Bridle Path (not "Road").Show more

Note: Perhams Road may become impassable and the road may be muddy. 4WD vehicles are advisable. The trail is fairly well maintained. It can be a bit muddy and slippery in spots. There are a couple of creek crossings. Please check here for further information: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/oxford-forest-conservation-area/things-to-do/tracks/ryde-falls-tracks/Show more

An easy hike for all abilities on a wide gravel track. Beautiful views over the lake with icebergs and the Tasman Glacier. Plenty of little details to see along the way, such as lichens, mosses, and tiny plants between the rocks. Show more

This is a great ‘workout’ style walk with great views especially once you reach the top! Gravel road and can be very hot on a sunny day as not much shade but a decent short walk close to the city. https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/port-hills/rapaki-to-bowenvale/rapaki-trackShow more

Pleasant return hike to the foot of the Glacier. Beautiful view on the way and at the point itself. If you only have a day or two here it’s perfect scenic trail. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/kea-point-track/Show more

Beautiful hike. Starts off with quite the expanse. Peninsula has wonderful views. Absolutely worth doing on a sunny to partly cloudy day - the sun and contrasted shadowing clouds really show off the lakes stunning color. Trail is easy to follow except for the northwest tip of peninsula - but no biggie, just look for the orange stakes.Show more