The must-do tramps of New Zealand

Thanks Philip that is fascinating. Certainly the Lagoon area and Ruapani area are very interesting and unusual landforms and your explanation makes complete sense. It is hard to imagine from where it all "slipped off". As you say it must have been massive. I look forward to my return with renewed anticipation!

Can't go past the classic Southern Alps tramps: 1) Three Passes - Arthurs Pass National Park 2) Travers- Sabine Circuit - Nelson Lakes National Park 3) Mingha Deception - Arthurs Pass National Park. Even though it is the Coast to Coast route these days it is still an amazing tramp. 4) Cass- Lagoon saddles - Craigeburn Forest Park 5) Mt Oakden - Lake Coleridge -Relatively challenging summit with amazing views. 6) Avalanche Peak - Arthurs Pass National Park 7) St James Walkway - Lewis Pass National Reserve 8) Cobb Valley to Fenella Hut and beyond - Kahurangi National Park.

Barrier Knob is a must do.

I really enjoyed a couple of trips that would fit in to the "beyond Fenella, Adalaide Tarn/Dragons Teeth" categories but there are many really good tops trips right down the Western side of the SI from Kahurangi to Fiordland. I earlier high-lighted this type of trip when mentioning Central Westland Range tops traverses. The section of main divide from Arthurs Pass down to Whitcombe Pass is mighty country, particularly the western side, and this is where I'd choose to tramp if I had to limit myself to one part of NZ.

tramping trips to do in a lifetime ... One from each of the major ranges in the north island, one from each of the major catchments in the south island - east and west, the longest circuit on Rakiura. And take as long as you like to define major. :-) One of the great things about tramping, every new place I go I come back with six more places to add to my list. Note that 'great walks' hardly get a mention.

Know what you nean Hugh. longitudanal Seaward kaikoura traverse, begley / sabine / clarence loop, leatham / branch, mt owen, arthur range traverse, ... all added to the wishlist during just my last tramp. Plus a couple of bike rides.