Bonjour à tous ! 🙂
Mon copain et moi allons passer près de 3 mois en NZ cet été. Au programme :
- mois de juin : trip sur l'île du Sud (Abel Tasman, Nelson lakes, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau/Milford road, Dunedin/Otago, Christchurch)
- mois de juillet et août : nous serons basés à Palmerston North et souhaitons profiter des weekends pour découvrir un peu plus l'île du Nord.
Voilà nos interrogations quant à ce voyage :
=> Nous avons beaucoup hésité entre acheter un van, louer un van, ou louer juste une voiture et dormir en B&B/auberges etc. Actuellement, on est plutôt partis sur la dernière option, car vu le budget pour un van bien équipé pour l'hiver, on a un peu peur de se geler... Avez-vous un avis là dessus ? A cette saison, est-il possible de trouver un hébergement en débarquant sur place ou faut-il tout booker à l'avance ? Autre question technique : sur les sites de location de voitures, impossible de savoir si les véhicules sont équipés de pneus neige ou pas, ce qui nous semble plutôt indispensable... La distinction SUV/4x4 n'est pas toujours faite non plus. 😐 Bref : avez-vous des sites de location à nous conseiller ? Est-ce que les loueurs sont tenus de fournir des pneus neige en hiver, comme dans certains autres pays ?
=> Est-il facile de se rendre dans les sites touristiques (Roturua, Taupo, Mt Cook...) de l'île du Nord sans véhicule sur un week-end ? Ou est-ce qu'on va galérer ?
=> Dernière question : j'ai lu quelque part que juin était le dernier délai pour aller au Tongariro avant que ça ne devienne impraticable pour autre chose que le ski... Enorme regret pour moi car c'était définitivement une de mes priorités. Certains d'entre vous sont-ils allés dans le coin en juillet/août ?
Voilà, j'espère que certains auront le courage de me lire malgré le pavé que j'ai fait... 😇
Merci d'avance !
bonjour Elora
je te reponds vite fait car je suis actuellement en nz pour 4 semaines et je pourrai plus detailler a mon retour a la fin du mois.
que comptes tu faire dans le sud du sud ? queenstown te anau milford....
car en juin ils attaquent la periode du ski. ils sont en mode hiver.
la plupart des parcs passent en mode hiver en avril et les refuges ferment (ou bien se tranforment en abri de secours mais sans personnel).
te anau il y a 3 jours c etait 0 degres le matin et du givre sur la voiture.
moins tu as de temps et plus c est utile de louer une voiture.
oui les vans c est cher
acheter une voiture pour 2 ou 3 mois je pense que c est un peu chiant avec la paperasse et les aleas de l achat vente
le bus ou le stop sont des possibilites si vous avez un peu de marge sur le plannig.
moi je fais 6 jours le nord et 18 le sud une petite voiture de loc est essentiel pour aller a l essentiel et t arreter ou tu veux et quand tu veux ))
de toute facon preparez bien votre budget car tout est cher sur place = activites supermarche hebergement...
l essence 2 dollars le litre en moyenne.
pas de peage heureusement ))
deja qu il fait presque tous les jours gris en mars je ne sais pas ce que cela peut donner en juin mais je limiterai vraiment le sud.
abel tasman cela devrait aller par contre meme si les entreprises auront reduit leur personnel en grande partie.
je ne pense pas qu il y a besoin de reserver les auberges a part peut etre les villes pres des stations de ski comme queenstown.
franz josef doit etre en mode ski aussi j imagine...
Dans le sud, on prévoyait de partir de Christchurch, descendre le long de la côte est jusqu'au Sud (Dunedin et péninsule d'Otago), puis remonter sur la moitié est (Te Anau, lac Wakatipu, Franz Josef, Punakaiki) jusqu'au Nord (Abel Tasman et Picton).
Oui en effet on a vu que les Kiwis passent en mode ski à cette saison, mais par exemple pour Franz Josef, c'est plutôt la période idéale pour les glaciers... On peut quand même louer du matos et faire des randos, ou y'a carrément une station de ski dessus ?
franz josef il y a des stations de ski a cote puisque les auberges de jeunesse sont la plupart equipes de local a ski...
et j imagine qu il.doit faire facilement -10 en hiver la bas puisqu il fait deja pas chaud maintenant.
et a la base.
tu prends ta voiture. la rando classique est a 5 min en voiture du village. tu fais une marche facile de 40 a 60min aller jusqu a un endroit ou tu vois au loin un bout de glacier.
pour aller dessus ou bien le voir reellement il faut prendre leur activite helico.
fox glacier la rando etait impossible actuellement car la route impossible car la route s etait ecroule il y a qqes semaines suite au cyclone
te anau. queenstown... c est que des villes etapes en temps normal pour des activites rando ou autres...
donc si pas d activites possibles je ne sais pas l interet de conduire autant meme si les routes sont jolies.
te anau cest pour le kepler track notament ou vers milford.
sur les randos il y aura la neige donc tu croiseras quasi personne et ils te diront qu il faut que tu aies d excellente.connaissance en montagne car tu seras en autonomie
punakaiki j ai passe une nuit etape la bas. sympa face a la.mer.
mais c est juste pour dormir. aucun commerce.
je ne sais pas si qqun est alle en hiver et pourra te dire ses impressions (ou ecris sur la version anglaise de trip advisor tu auras plus de retour) mais je pense que deja ceux qui partent fin avril pour faire mon parcours c est pas evident (j ai bcp de jours de nuages et parfois un.peu de pluie actuellement).+ certaines villes 0 a 10 degres.
en hiver. j axerai vraiment sur l ile du nord et eventuellement abel tasman.
christchurch je n ai pas encore fait.
en tout cas dans le sud sud aucune.nuit en.camping ni simple.voiture.
hebergement au chaud obligatoire.
Bonsoir,
Pour te faire une idée, voici un lien vers un blog datant de l'hiver austral 2015.
Pour avoir des infos sur les transports en commun tu peux utiliser le site Rome2Rio. Le Mont Cook est dans l'île du Sud..., vous pourrez le voir quand vous y serez.
Bon séjour!
=> snow chains : la seule fois où l’on a loué une voiture en période hivernale si je me souviens bien les véhicules n’étaient pas équipés, il s’agissait d’une option à prendre au moment de la location
J’oubliais, concernant votre question sur l’hébergement :
- à cette saison pas besoin de réserver sauf période de vacances scolaires sur les sites de ski (nous serons en vacances du 07/07 au 22/07 + Queen’s Birthday le 04/06)
- vous pouvez regarder aussi les cabin dans les campings (hébergements en dur avec lits, avec ou sans draps, accès aux facilities communes)
Je crois que j'ai loupé une étape ! Votre voyage n'était pas prévu en novembre décembre ?
Je vois que vous n'avez pas un super temps !
En espérant que la météo s'arrange pour vous, bonnes vacances et peut-être un débrief au retour !
Raphaël
Concernant la météo ça reste imprévisible et dire qu’en juin il fera plus mauvais qu’en avril me laisse un peu perplexe. Il y a juste des années plus sèches que d’autres. Contrairement aux idées reçues, mis à part le sud de l’ile du sud (Milford sound et les Catlins), l’ile du sud est moins pluvieuse que l’ile du nord (mais T° plus froides). Par exemple les villes de Christchurch ou Nelson sont bien moins pluvieuses qu’Auckland.
Bref, assez parlé de météo et place à quelques « conseils » et « commentaires ».
Concernant la voiture de loc, il y a sur Christchurch quelques compagnies low cost de location de voiture bien moins chères que les loueurs traditionnels et avec des véhicule qui ont certes quelques kilomètres et quelques années mais sont en parfait état. C’est le cas de U-Save, Apex rental et Omega rental par exemple. J’avais loué chez U-save un SUV Honda CRV en 4x4 justement + les chaines. A savoir qu’il n’y a pas de pneus neige sur les voitures de location mais l’option de prendre les chaines (ou les acheter en fonction du prix/durée de location). De plus, les chaines sont parfois obligatoires pour emprunter certaines routes et ce, même s’il n’y a pas de neige. Vous devez en avoir dans votre coffre de voiture sous peine d’amende (en hiver seulement).
Personnellement j’adore la Nouvelle Zélande en hiver et je n’ai jamais eu de mauvais temps sur une longue période en hiver. Peu de touristes (mis à part aux stations de ski, surtout Queenstown), pas besoin de réserver longtemps en avance et tarifs un peu plus doux qu’en haute saison. Les inconvénients de l’hiver, le froid, les journées un peu plus courtes et quelques rando inaccessibles à cause de la neige (mais très peu).
Sinon vous trouverez sur mon blog quelques infos et idées de visites sur l’ile du sud et toujours en hiver :
- loic-elodie-sur-le-caillou.over-blog.com/...ive...
- loic-elodie-sur-le-caillou.over-blog.com/...ive...
- loic-elodie-sur-le-caillou.over-blog.com/...ark...
- loic-elodie-sur-le-caillou.over-blog.com/...man...
- loic-elodie-sur-le-caillou.over-blog.com/...son...
- loic-elodie-sur-le-caillou.over-blog.com/...ach...
bonjour Raphael.
oui il y a eu une etape de loupee ))
je devais partir effectivement il y a 1.5 an mais annule au dernier moment donc j ai remis ce voyage pour ce mois de mars.
je finis dans 4 jours.
ce matin mt cook (que je prefere a franz josef) 3 degres et pluie toute la semaine avec risque de neige (((
Hi everyone,
I’m leaving on Monday, August 3rd for my very first long-distance trek: the GR223 from Coutances to Mont Saint-Michel, over 6-7 days (~11-14 miles/day), solo.
I’m looking for tips from people who know this section well (Coutances → Regnéville-sur-Mer → Hauteville-sur-Mer → Bréhal → Granville → Genêts → bay crossing):
Budget-friendly accommodations: I’m struggling to find affordable stopover lodgings (a lot of what I find online are expensive vacation rentals, not really suited for a solo hiker). If you have any great spots (hostels, hiker-friendly B&Bs, nice campgrounds), I’d love to hear them!
Bay crossing: Any feedback on guides/providers leaving from Genêts for the final crossing?
General tips for a first long-distance trek: What you wish you’d known before your first time, pitfalls to avoid, etc.
Hi,
We’re planning to do the 4-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli without an agency. The descriptions mention that there are accommodations at each stop, but we can’t find any details about them. Has anyone got info or feedback on this route?
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
New to this forum, I’m planning a pretty big project for 2028.
I’m heading to Nepal to do a trek from Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp (a cool 5,300 m 😄).
This trek is a bit special because even though I’ll be part of a group, I’m going solo (so far, no problem—I’m used to it). But it’s my first real trek, and it’s also a humanitarian one: once I reach base camp, I’ll stay an extra week to help clean up the waste left by tens of thousands of climbers! Since I’m originally from South America, from two countries that share the Andes, I have a deep respect for mountains—they fascinate me. So Everest… it’s kind of the trip of a lifetime!
So, a little question for those who’ve done treks to Everest before… any tips for good mental preparation (I’m already working on the physical side)?
We're planning to trek in Peru and Bolivia and would love to find some local agencies.
If you know any, could you share details on prices and, of course, the names of the agencies?
Which trek would you recommend?
Elocine
I'm heading out on a fully self-sufficient trek in Morocco (10 days) from Imilchil to Aghbalou.
Can I find screw-on gas canisters (Coleman, Primus) in Marrakech (any addresses?) or in villages between Imilchil and Aghbalou?
If not, are Butagaz canisters for camping gas (small 230g size) available?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.
I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.
I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.
I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont.
The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.
I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.
Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?
I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.
This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!
We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots?
Thanks in advance for your tips.
We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries!
Claire and Albert
Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.
I’d love to know if anyone has done treks in the Rwenzori Mountains and how much it costs on average, what the infrastructure is like, the landscapes, and safety in the area. Thanks so much! I’m really looking forward to your replies.
We’re leaving in 9 days for a two-week trip to Madeira, mainly to hike.
From my research, I’ve found that since last year, access to most trails—and systematically for the most popular ones—is now paid. You have to pay an access fee of 4.50 € per person per classified hike in 2026, and even 10.50 € for the most iconic hike: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. When paying, you also have to choose a day and a 30-minute time slot for your start time. Of course, this reservation is neither changeable nor refundable, even if the weather that day is terrible.
Personally, given the massive influx of tourists to the island in recent years, I don’t mind paying a fee to help maintain the trails. Similarly, setting a limit on the number of people who can hike them per day is certainly preferable to preserve this priceless heritage.
However, what’s much less fair is that in reality, most of the available spots are reserved: 1/ for Madeira residents (which is normal); 2/ for "economic operators" (meaning local tour operators). For example, if you’re a non-resident (independent tourist), no booking is possible for the Pico Arieiro hike for an early morning start before September! So, unfortunately, we’ll have to skip this hike.
It’s the same issue for Ponta de São Lourenço, the 25 Fontes, Pico Ruivo... in short, all the most popular hikes. Oh well, we’ll skip those too!
So my question is: which hikes do you recommend where we won’t face the huge crowds that the others get? And where we can book the day before for the next day, taking the weather into account?
Finally, a quick accommodation question: we’ve booked the first week in Funchal, but I haven’t decided yet for the second week. Do you have any advice on where to stay in the south or north, preferably avoiding overly concrete-heavy and touristy spots?
I’m reposting about the logistics for Samaria Gorge.
I’d love to get recent info, especially about whether it’s possible to park my car in Omalos, do the hike, and then catch a bus back to my vehicle.
In theory, it’s doable, but when you check the KTEL website, there aren’t any feasible schedules listed. If anyone has recently organized this with reliable, verified details, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?
A few details:
We arrive in early August and leave in early September.
We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery!
We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat?
Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi there,
I’m planning to go hiking on this island and would like to know the best time to do it. I visited for a few days in November 2018—not for hiking but just to explore—and the weather wasn’t great, especially in the mountains. So, is a star-shaped itinerary doable if I rent a car and maybe use two different accommodations?
I’m not planning to join an organized group—just traveling with one other person and organizing things ourselves—unless you’d recommend a local agency or guide. Finally, even though I’ll be getting maps, a topo guide, and a GPS, I’d really appreciate your top hiking recommendations.
Thanks so much for your tips!
I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July.
I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route.
Can anyone give me some info on this?
Thanks!
I’m planning a trip around Cap Corse and the AGRIATES in 2026, from May 8th to 15th (there are still 2 spots left, by the way! Just DM me if you're interested).
I’d love to know which hikes are worth prioritizing in the AGRIATES. We’ll be staying in SALECCIA for two days as our base—what should we focus on from there?
A round trip to IGNHU beach? Any other suggestions?
For Ostricano, I think it’s too far for a round trip...
Thanks for your tips!
Have a great day,
Anie, Toulouse
I’d like to get some info about the GR10 Pyrenees traverse. I need help planning the daily stages and accommodations—my wife isn’t an experienced hiker but walks a lot, so I’d like to schedule shorter walking days and thus a longer overall trip in terms of number of days.
Could anyone give me some help and advice?
Best regards,
Hi there, I’m planning the Annapurna Circuit for March 2027 and I’m looking for a local agency with a local guide—preferably French-speaking—to arrange this trek for us. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello!
We’re spending a few days in Toraja country at the end of May. We’d love to do a day trek—taking our time—on a route that’s stunning in terms of scenery, but not a level 5 in difficulty!
Any suggestions you can share, please?
Thanks in advance
I’d like to do the Mare a Mare Sud in May over 4 days. I’ve found quite a few places to stay along the route, but I’m stuck on the start and finish.
I’ll be arriving by plane on Sunday evening and would like to start pretty early on Monday morning. Ideally, accommodation right at the trailhead (Alzu di Gallina) would be amazing, but I can’t find anything. Any tips?
Also, for the transfer from Figari Airport to Porto Vecchio or Alzu di Gallina?
At the end, I’d like to pick up a rental car—any advice on that too?
I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Morocco in August and we’ll start with a stop in Chefchaouen (we’re driving).
My question: can anyone suggest a 5-to-7-day loop hiking route from Chefchaouen in Talassemtane Park, ideally passing by the God’s Bridge? Or a paper guidebook that covers a few options?
We prefer wild camping and guesthouses.
Thanks in advance
Hi there, for those who’ve been recently—is it possible to find other solo travelers in March on the island to share transport or room costs? It doesn’t seem easy to travel on a budget.
If you have any recommendations for simple lodgings or places with dorms, I’d love to hear them.
For those who’ve done multi-day treks while moving around: do you need to bring your own sleeping bag? I’d love to hear about itineraries you’ve done without a guide, just with a map and GPS.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a 15-day road trip to Scotland this summer, specifically to explore and hike on Lewis and Harris—places we’ve never been before. We’ve visited other islands on previous road trips in Scotland (we usually go in April for a week). This would be our first time in Scotland in the summer and for 15 days. We’re looking at late August to early September.
I’m currently drafting the itinerary. We’d be crossing from Ullapool and were thinking of spending 3 nights on Harris and 4 nights on Lewis.
Does that sound balanced to you? Is it better to keep the same accommodation on Harris and the same on Lewis to explore the area? I’d love to hear about any past experiences you’ve had on these islands.
Thanks!
Hi there, I’m trying to leave for 15 days very soon to São Vicente. I’m either looking to join an agency or figure things out on my own to go hiking on one of these islands or both. From what I’ve seen, it’s not easy to organize with local transport, so it gets expensive. Can I use the services of a small local agency? I’m looking for the simplest way to hike for several days. Also, how do you get from São Vicente to São Nicolau? Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Aichatou
I’ve been wanting to do this for several years, and this year’s the one. Next September, I’ll be trekking in Tusheti (Georgia), from Omalo to Shatili.
Of course, I won’t be renting a vehicle that’d just sit unused. No problem getting to Pshaveli, but from there to Omalo, it’s a dirt road (still the case?)
There must be some form of public transport since there are so many guesthouses, and not all travelers come in a 4x4.
If any of you have been to Omalo, could you confirm that these shared transports exist and how often they run?
we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone and hoping to do a three-day backcountry hike if we get a permit.
if any of you have done this before, could you let me know if it’s possible to find water along the way? And if we can transport it, are we allowed to use a stove?
