Part of our New Zealand guide.
2 places and guides from our New Zealand coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Beaches In New Zealand, Things To Do In New Zealand, What It Costs In New Zealand, Itineraries For New Zealand, The Best Time To Travel To New Zealand, and Adventures And Highlights In New Zealand.
Unlocking The Secrets Of The Māori Hangi
The Māori Hangi is a traditional feast cooked underground in an earth oven, where heated stones and layered ingredients create smoky, earthy flavors. Tender meats, root vegetables, and stuffing are slow-cooked over hours in a dug pit.
Preparing a Hangi involves digging a pit, heating stones until they glow, and layering ingredients—typically meat, kumara, and pumpkin—on top. The pit is covered with cloth and earth, sealing in steam for several hours. The result is a meal infused with a smokiness no conventional oven can replicate. The Hangi is a communal ritual, often accompanied by songs and stories, making it a cornerstone of Māori hospitality. For travelers seeking cultural immersion, joining a Hangi offers a taste of traditions only New Zealanders truly get.
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is a 60-kilometer loop in Fiordland National Park, taking hikers from lush forests to alpine ridges. This trail, typically completed over three to four days, showcases beech forests, tussock-covered mountaintops, and views of Lake Te Anau and the Waiau River.
Wildlife enthusiasts will spot native birds like the kea and the South Island robin. The track is well-marked and features three huts (Luxmore, Iris Burn, and Moturau) providing basic accommodation, with bookings required during peak season (October to April). The most challenging section is the climb to Luxmore Hut, which rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Fiordland mountains. The track is a must for adventures and highlights in New Zealand, and packing layers is essential given the unpredictable weather. A typical itinerary includes day one from the control gates to Luxmore Hut (14 km), day two to Iris Burn Hut (15 km), day three to Moturau Hut (15 km), and day four back to the start (16 km).
Both the Hangi and the Kepler Track are gateways to understanding New Zealand’s natural and cultural richness. Whether savoring an earth-cooked meal or trekking through Fiordland, these experiences offer depth beyond typical tourist stops. For more planning advice, consult our New Zealand travel guide and check how long is the ferry ride from Wellington if you’re island-hopping. Review things to do in New Zealand for additional activities, and don’t miss the mystery of Waitomo Glowworm caves boat ride for a subterranean adventure. For packing advice, see to pack on a 10-day trip to New Zealand, and explore our itineraries for New Zealand to build your perfect trip.
