My husband and I are going to be traveling the following itinerary in two weeks and wanted to know if anyone had memories of fantastic day hikes on the South Island that you'd absolutely recommend:

Akaroa/Christchurch
Arthur's Pass
Hokitika
Franz Josef
Wanaka
Queenstown
Te Anau

Highly suggest these two - note the first one originates from Fox, not Franz, but if you have time to stop, it's definitely worth it - it was our favorite hike (and we hiked alot) of our 2005 NZ trip.

1. Fox Glacier -

Chalet Lookout Walk off Glacier View View Road. The hike takes about 90 minutes return - my notes indicate a steady uphill climb, rocky in spots with a few stream crossings, one of which was a bit tricky. Great views from the lookout. Directly across the parking lot from the Chalet Lookout trailhead is yet another walk to an overlook that offers an entirely different view of the glacier. It’s a steep uphill climb back to the carpark, but it only takes five minutes.

2. Near Akaroa -

Onawe Peninsula, site of an early Maori tribal massacre. This was an excellent walk along a thin section of land protruding into the bay. The 1.5 hour (return) walk became quite steep towards the top, but we were rewarded with incredible views.

We began this hike directly from the Blacksmith's Cottage in Duvauchelle where we were staying. The "town" is tiny, hard to get lost, just ask someone from the area if you need help finding it. Definitely worth the effort.

The Dobsons' Nature Trail at the top of Arthur's Pass was great for wildflowers. Devil's Punchbowl was not that much different than other beech forest walks to a waterfall.

If it is clear and not windy, the Lake Matheson walk at the glaciers is very worthwhile.

These are both shortish walks, not really all-day hikes.

If you are spending the night in Hokitika there is a glow worm dell just north of town.

Thanks -- these sound great. Anyone have any suggestions for Queenstown or Wanaka?

Just back from Queenstown -- I can recommend the Routeburn day hike -- 4 miles in, and 4 out -- plus an extra 1.8 if you go up to the waterfalls. A moderate to heavy hike; *be sure* you have good walking shoes that are well broken in. You can get a guided hike or do it yourself.

PS if on your own you'd need to get yourself to the starting point of the hike -- I actually went on a guided hike so we were taken out there in a van.

You can also do the first part of Routeburn as a day hike, about 5 hrs return to the flats, and about 8 hrs return to the falls. If going overnight you need to book the huts.

I think that's the same hike we are talking about.

Yes, that's the same hike, I didn't read your email!

Near Wanaka is a great day hike to the Rob Roy Glacier. You can drive to the start of the track or get a shuttle from the information centre that is situated on the lake edge in town. The first part of the hike is flat, then you cross a creek on a narrow swing bridge and begin a not too strenuous climb through forest until you catch sight of the glacier. Fantastic!

bm