Tramping Magnets

So many of the highlights of Mackenzie Country packed into such a small area. The golden tussock, the hiking opportunities, and Mount Cook, lording it over it all...

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Take a Hike

The Hooker Valley track was absolutely worth the walk. This was one of the first epic lookouts we reached, just before the first swing bridge. Around every corner there seemed to be yet another amazing view!

An illustration of a kiwi bird walking with a backpack. This tramping / hiking design was inspired by Te Araroa Trail, a thru hike the lenght of New Zealand. It could also be a design for a New Zealander (Kiwi) backpacking around the world.

An illustration of a cartoon thru-hiker on the trail. This hiker is overloaded with too much gear. A funny design for gear freaks or anyone who tends to carry too much when they are hiking.

The Hooker River was definitely in a rush to get as far away as possible from Mount Cook, which stands imposing at the end of the Hooker Valley. For the first half of the Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook was hidden behind the mountain to the right, but it finally came into view here and stood tall over us for the rest of our walk.

A funny cartoon illustration of a sloth on a hike. This thru hiker sloth is wearing a backpack and has hiking poles. He looks tired, with his tongue out.

An illustration of Syme Hut on Fathems Peak, below Mount Taranaki in New Zealand. This is a volcanic mountain summit on the South Island of Aotearoa. A design for anyone who likes Hiking, Tramping and travel in N.Z.

A vector illustration in the style of a retro poster, this is Mueller Hut, in Mount Cook / Aoraki national park, New Zealand. The text read 1800m, this is the altitude of this alpine hut.

A vector illustration in the style of a retro poster, this is Mueller Hut, in Mount Cook / Aoraki national park, New Zealand. There are Kea, birds standing around the alpine, mountain Hut.

The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best half-day walks in New Zealand. Not only is it an easy, relatively even walk on a gravel path, but you get amazing views of the Southern Alps for your entire trip -- and that view constantly changes, sometimes including glacial lakes, other times including rushing river rapids, and most times including Mount Cook/Aoraki, the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Read more about my experience on the track at http://www.bootsandabackpack.com/how-the-hooker-valley-track-nearly-killed-my-dad/.

A cute illustration of two rock wrens. These are endemic / native birds to New Zealand / Aotearoa. They are found in alpine areas of the South Island. The birds are standing on an old tramping or hiking boot.

Gorgeous wispy clouds floating high above Mount Cook and the Hooker Valley. The clouds here were crazy in the way they can only be in the mountains.

Topo map of Mayor Island (Tuhua) off the coast of the North Island of New Zealand

Mountains

When we woke up on our second morning at Welcome Flat, we were stunned to see this. The clouds were finally clearing after a day of heavy rain that had kept us huddled in the hut. The only downside was it meant we had to leave the hut, which had its own natural hot pools, and hike 17km back to reality!

Kaweka Range, New Zealand

An awesome camping scenery illustration for all the adventure lovers. Add this design to your wardrobe or give it as a perfect gift to your family and friends

An illustration of a hiking compass twisted into the shape of some mountains or hills. There are hikers walking along the ridge. A design for families who go hiking together or anyone who uses a compass for navigation or orienteering.

What's it like to stand underneath New Zealand's tallest waterfall? Well, you can't hear anything but the roar of the falls as the water hurtles from 580m above you, and you get a shower too -- which feels wonderful if you've just spent the last 3 days hiking in the backcountry! This waterfall is an hour's walk off the main Milford Track but it is well worth it. After you've crossed Mackinnon Pass, you'll find Quintin Lodge -- the hut for the guided walkers. From here, signs will direct you off to the left to the falls. This turnoff is about 45 minutes before you reach the independent walkers' hut.

Mitre Peak of the Tararua Range, New Zealand

Topographic map of Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand

Ruapehu volcano , Tongariro National Park New Zealand

This Boots and Backpack Brigade design is perfect for the hiker or tramper in your life!

tongariro crossing topo map

This tshirt features a classic, vintage ice axe. This is a timeless design. You might see an ax like this in your Granddad's gear stash or new (with metal handle) in a sports store.

This is part of my mountains of the world collection. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a kike in the moth Island of New Zealand. It passes thermal pools and volcanic peak, Mount Ngauruhoe. A great design for anyone who loves to hike, tramp or explore in New Zealand Aotearoa.

Tongariro Crossing Topographic Map