One of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in New Zealand, hands down. I’ve recommended this trail to so many people, it’s honestly something special.

The walk starts from Raspberry Flat Carpark and is around 5 km each way, making it a pretty manageable hike for most fitness levels. It’s got a steady incline, but nothing too wild. You’ll be walking through lush forest the whole way, with those bright blue rivers that Mount Aspiring National Park is known for flowing right beside you.

About halfway in, you’ll reach a viewpoint that gives you a little teaser of what’s to come, glimpses of waterfalls and the glacier in the distance. But it’s when you reach the end that it really hits. The trees open up and suddenly you’re standing in front of this massive glacier with mountains all around you. It’s seriously magical.

If you’re road-tripping the South Island, don’t skip this one. It’s such a solid way to soak up the beauty of the Southern Alps without needing to be an elite hiker.

Oh, and please be aware that the road out here is gravel and includes a few creek crossings. If there’s been heavy rain, I wouldn’t recommend driving in unless you know your vehicle can handle it. But in normal conditions, 2WD can make it no worries.