The lookout at the top of the McNally Track provides panoramic views of Milton and the surrounding farm land, forests and coastline.

The McNally Walkway is an open country hike that begins on the outskirts of Milton and climbs to the crest of a nearby hilltop, 318 metres above sea level. This is a moderate to difficult walk is 7 km return taking approximately 3 hours to complete.

The beginning of the track has road access, and cars can be parked either at the side of the road or in the cemetery car park. The lookout also has vehicle access. 

Part of the Waihola Waipori Wetlands, which are the most significant waterfowl habitat in Otago. The lakes are shallow and drain through an extensive swamp into the Waipori River then the Taieri River. The swampland includes vegetated islands, lagoons, shallow pools, meandering channels and backswamps.

The area is nationally and internationally recognised as a precious refuge for many threatened and endangered species of plant, fish and bird.

The Sinclair wetlands is between the two lakes — Waihola & Waipori — and is used for educational study with a visitor centre, displays and resources available to schools and visitors.

Sinclair Wetlands has several kilometres of well-maintained walking tracks making access easy, and ares of interest are highlighted with clearly marked signs. From the visitor centre car park the main walking route extends 2 km, along causeway through swap land, past Lonely Island, and both across and around Ram Island(Whakaraupuka), the site of Tukiauau's pa.  

Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity. This is one of our best short walks.

An easy short walk through mature beech and podocarp forest leads to these natural wonders of pure glacial water gathered from the mountains. Travel through open flats for spectacular mountain views and enjoy the coolness of the beech forest to a swing bridge over the Makarora River.

Continue on a boardwalk to the second swing bridge, which is the viewing platform over the Blue Pools. Cross this bridge for great views up the river gorge. There's a limit to the number people allowed on the swing bridges at any one time – be prepared to wait at each end if numbers allowed have been reached. 

Return on the same track.

rom Wānaka, drive north on the Haast Highway (SH6) to Makarora township. Continue along the highway for about 12 km. The track starts from the Blue Pools carpark off SH6, opposite Cameron Flat campsite.

Prepare to be enchanted by the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand's most iconic and awe-inspiring hikes. Located in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the South Island, this 7.3-kilometer (4.5-mile) trail takes you on a remarkable journey through a pristine alpine wonderland.

Your adventure begins at the White Horse Hill Campground, and as you set foot on the well-maintained track, you'll find yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial rivers, and vibrant alpine flora. Along the way, swing bridges guide you over crystal-clear streams, while informative signs provide insights into the region's unique geology and flora.

The pièce de résistance is the Hooker Valley's namesake, the Hooker Glacier. After crossing the final suspension bridge, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of this glacier as it spills into the glacial lake, aptly named Hooker Lake. The sight of icebergs floating serenely amidst the dramatic backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook is nothing short of mesmerizing.

As you traverse this relatively easy hike, you'll be serenaded by the symphony of nature—rushing waters, distant avalanches, and the occasional call of native birds. The Hooker Valley Track is not just a hike; it's a transformative experience that immerses you in the pristine beauty of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this track is a must-visit for anyone seeking to connect with the raw, untamed wilderness of Aotearoa.

One minute you are standing on the edge of the road, the next you are lost in the forest. The trailhead has a bench, part of which you can see from the sidewalk, but it is mostly surrounded by the trees. Sitting on the part of the bench that is hidden from the road, you can easily be hidden in plain sight. It is a nice place to sit for a moment and take in the trees and, if there aren’t many cars driving by, the sound of the birds. 

Moving on past the bench, you will immediately encounter a set of steps going up. At the top of the steps, the loop begins. This means that you can go left or right. Either way, the track will loop you back to the top of this staircase.

Alternatively, about halfway through the walk, you will see another path veering off, though it might not be apparent. This path, instead of leading you back up to the top of the staircase, will lead you to the Mount Cook Lodge.

Start this walk at the public shelter. It's a delightful bush walk, which joins with Bowen Bush Walk to form a nature trail and explores one of the few stands of silver beech/tawai (also known as tawhai) forest in the park.

A gradual climb leads to a lookout point of Wakefield Ridge and Aoraki/Mount Cook. This popular walk offers birdlife, a great view of the mountains and a sheltered place to experience the outdoors in poor weather. This loop will take you an hour and you gain 100m from climbing stairsand winding your way up the hillside.