My favourite 10 hikes of 2016

It’s time to motivate myself for the next season, 2017, by summing up my hikes of 2016! For my “hiking career” it was an interesting year. I moved from New Zealand back to Europe which allowed me to hike in more than one country (quite a change from 2015!). I’ve done quite a few hikes in 4 countries, got a new tent Jurek 2.4 Alp Duo, thrown away a pair of Keen hiking shoes and bought a new pair exactly the same.

The good thing was that I managed to do a few hikes in New Zealand which I’ve always wanted to do, for example the Pouakai Circuit and the Iron Gate Hut Track. The bad thing was that my longest hike was St James Walkway which was “only” about 64 km. Well, at least I know what to work on in the upcoming year.

The following hikes for some reason stayed in my mind. It doesn’t mean that the other ones were less spectacular, and it also doesn’t mean I wouldn’t choose different ones tomorrow.

1. Climbing Mt Taranaki, New Zealand

Spectacular mountain! It was actually my 3rd assent (and the 2nd successful one).

2. Climbing Mt Ruapehu Crater, New Zealand

This is a must for every serious hiker who goes to New Zealand. I mean tramper.

3. Iron Gate Hut, New Zealand

A well hidden treasure in my favourite New Zealand  mountains – my lovely Ruahines.

4. St James Walkway, New Zealand

One of the classic hikes of the South Island. It was on the edge of winter with lots of clouds and dramatic panoramas.

5. Crossing Aorangi Range, New Zealand

This is for tough guys only. Three days in a dense bush full of bees and the poisonous plant ongaonga. My friend Emma could write a book about it!

6. Pouakai Circuit, New Zealand

If you get tired of climbing Mt Taranaki, Pouakai Circuit is the one to do. The views and fancy mountain huts are comparable with any of the Great Walks.

7. Crossing Jeseniky Range, Czechia

I grew up in the area so it would be mean to not include it among my favourites!

8. Crossing Anaga Range, Spain

This was the surprise of the year. I wasn’t sure what to expect but what I got was magical views and a feeling of being present unlike anytime before.

9. Camino de Candaleria, Tenerife, Spain

My first serious hike in the Canaries and it was mesmerizing.

10. Velka Fatra Crossing, Slovakia

Slovakian Carpathian’s spirit keeps on living here. One of my favourite hikes in Slovakia actually.

About the Author

Michal
I lived a pretty ordinary life for a while. I did my studies, my second studies, my third studies, my first job, my second job, and my third job. I wasn’t really sure what’s going on so, in 2014, I left my home country (Czechia) to learn about the world. I’m still not sure what’s going on but I enjoy it much more. I lived in a few countries before settling in New Zealand.

4 Comments on "My favourite 10 hikes of 2016"

  1. It would be a very thin book I promise

  2. Thank you for sharing these Michal, you are an inspiration. I plan to do some walks before I get too old!!

    • You’re welcome Sandra! Yes, you should definitely do. Ruahines are waiting for you 🙂

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