8 short walks on the South Island with great views

8 short walks on the South Island with great views

We discuss eight short South Island hikes that showcase New Zealand's extraordinary landscape in just a short walk

If you don't have the time or legs for the Great Walks of New Zealand, these short South Island walks are the next best thing. With magnificent views that rival many long-distance hiking trails, these fast hikes showcase the best of New Zealand's diverse and sometimes bizarre landscape without aching feet, sweaty backs and muddy boots.

Short walks on the South Island

All of these short South Island walks are well maintained and well signposted, with easy access and parking nearby. They are ideal for those traveling the South Island by car or motorhome.

Kaikoura Peninsula walkway

Distance: 11.7km Duration: 3 hours Further information: doc.govt.nz

alt="Short hikes on the South Island of New Zealand Kaikoura">Atlas & BootsNew Zealand's Southern Alps meet the Pacific Ocean

New Zealand's Southern Alps meet the Pacific Ocean in dramatic fashion at Kaikoura. The peninsula juts out from the South Island's rugged east coast and has some excellent clifftop viewing platforms. Set back by the snow-capped Seaward Kaikoura Range, this is a wonderful place to spot a range of wildlife including whales, dolphins, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses.

The entire hike can take up to three hours and you can lengthen or shorten it if you wish. The best starting point for the hike is Point Kean, but the full hike can begin in South Bay or West End townships.

Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati hike

Distance: 2.6km Duration: 1 hour Further information: doc.govt.nz

alt="Short hikes on the South Island of New Zealand Lake Matheson">Atlas & BootsOne of the most tranquil views in New Zealand

My favorite of our short South Island hikes features New Zealand's highest and second highest mountains. Aoraki/Mount Cook at 3,724 m (12,218 ft) and Mount Tasman at 3,497 m (11,473 ft) rise above the calm, reflective waters of Lake Matheson, offering one of the most postcard-perfect views in all of New Zealand. Both peaks can be seen from all angles reflected in the tranquil lake, set amidst lush and ancient forests.

Ōkārito Trig Walk

Distance: 4.2km return Duration: 1 hour Further information: doc.govt.nz

alt="Short hikes on the South Island of New Zealand Okarito">Atlas & BootsThe Trig Walk is one of several hiking trails around Ōkārito Lagoon

Just a few kilometers north of the Franz Josef Glacier lies the coastal settlement of Ōkārito and the Ōkārito Lagoon. There are several walking trails in the area, but we chose the Trig Walk, which includes part of the Wetland Walk across the lagoon.

The Trig Walk is a short but strenuous hike to a viewpoint where breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding sea, estuary, cliffs, lush forest and of course the Southern Alps await you.

Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata or Hine Hukatere Walk

Distance: 5.4km Duration: 1-2 hours Further information: doc.govt.nz

alt="short hikes on the South Island - the Franz Josef Glacier appeared from the clouds">Atlas & BootsFranz Josef Glacier at the end of the valley hike

Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of the South Island, Franz Josef Glacier once stretched from the mountains to the sea. After thousands of years of retreat, the glacier is now 12 miles inland and can only be reached by helicopter. The heli hikes are often canceled due to bad weather, so the next best route is the Valley Walk to a viewpoint near the end face.

Read our full report about the hike here: Fighting Weather at the Franz Josef Glacier.

Moeraki Boulders Walk

Distance: 1kmDuration: 30 minutesFurther information: doc.govt.nz

alt="Short hikes on the South Island of New Zealand Moeraki boulders">Atlas & BootsMoeraki Boulders, a group of spherical rocks on Koekohe Beach on Otago

The Moeraki Boulders are a collection of near-perfect spherical rocks scattered along Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast. These concretions, which are approximately two meters wide and weigh several tons, fell into the sea after the erosion of the coastal cliffs above them. Boulders continue to be exposed as waves wash away the mudstone that embeds them into the cliffs.

The boulders are just a short walk down to the beach and along the coast from the car park where there is a cafe with excellent coastal views.

Blue Pools track

Distance: 1.5km Duration: 1 hour Further information: doc.govt.nz

alt="Short hikes on the South Island of New Zealand Blue Pools">DreamtimeThe freshwater pools near Makarora

Secluded in the depths of a tranquil beech and podocarp forest lies a collection of crystal clear pools with deep, icy waters. The tranquil pools flow into the Makarora River, where two swing bridges provide excellent views. It is possible to cross the bridges and continue along the path to enjoy the views along the gorge.

The recently restored route is located on the Haast Highway about 20 minutes west of Makarora.

Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk

Distance: 1.1kmDuration: 30 minutesFurther information: doc.govt.nz

alt="South Island short walks Pancake Rocks">Atlas & BootsThe Punakaiki Pancake Rocks at the end of the path

The Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes in Punakaiki mark the end of what will soon be the 10th Great Walk of New Zealand. The Paparoa and Pike29 Memorial Track will open in 2019. The curious limestone formations that sit alongside the wild Tasman Sea are at their most spectacular at high tide. The route has wooden walkways throughout with several viewpoints and information signs.

The Abyss Path

Distance: 1kmDuration: 30 minutesFurther information: doc.govt.nz

alt=“Short hikes on the South Island of New Zealand Abyss 1″>Atlas & BootsGlacial waters flow through The Chasm

After exploring nearby Milford Sound in the morning, we stopped at The Chasm. The short walk crosses two footbridges over the Cleddau River with spectacular views of a series of waterfalls. The fast-flowing and swirling water has carved round shapes and pools into the rock over thousands of years, creating a dramatic scene in the lush forest.

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Are you looking for something longer? With stories of 50 incredible hiking routes in 30 countries, Lonely Planet's Epic Hikes of the World will inspire a lifelong adventure on foot.

Main image: Atlas & Boots

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