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What Goes Up Must Come Down: Top Tracks with Gnarly Descents

14th January 2026|4 min

Looking for a summer challenge? NZ Mountain Safety Council asked its social followers to name the gnarliest descents in Aotearoa New Zealand that tested their knees and courage. Hundreds of comments later from keen hikers and trampers across Facebook and Instagram, we’ve put together a sample of the most extreme tracks. 

For all these tracks, sturdy tramping boots are essential and hiking poles are highly recommended. Before attempting any track, make sure you know what’s involved, and that you’ve got the necessary skills, fitness and gear.Remember, always keep alpine tracks for summer trips unless you’ve got alpine skills, experience and gear. 

 

Taranaki Maunga Summit Climb, Taranaki

Described in a Plan My Walk review as “literally a slippery slope”,the route down Taranaki Maunga(2,518 m) is legendary.The 1,600 m near-vertical descent begins with a scramble down rocks, giving way to nearly 500m of steep loose scoria, known as The Lizard, and then about 400 steps. This full-day strenuous hike is not for the faint-hearted and requires proper planning, skills and experience. The weather is highly changeable on the mountain, even in summer, so be prepared to turn back if the conditions deteriorate or the climb becomes too difficultfor you.

 

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Central North Island

Showcasing the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mt Ruapehu, this is one of New Zealand’s most popular summer day trips. The 8-hour hike, however, should not be taken lightly.According to Plan My Walk reviews, the scree descent from Red Crater, the highest point on the track(1,886 m), is “scary” and “goes on for ever”. Needless to say, the views from the top over the vividly coloured Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake are world-renowned. 

 

French Ridge Track, Otago

This 8-hour track in the Matukituki Valley to French Ridge Hut (1,480 m) gets five stars on Plan My Walk for its stunning views and brilliant night sky. Be prepared to pull yourself up using tree roots and branches and then do the reverse on the descent. This is an advanced track so you’ll need suitable experienced and a high level of fitness. 

 

Cascade Saddle Route, Otago

Sculptured by colossal glaciers, the Southern Lakes area has some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes and challenging tramping routes, including the5-day (58 km) Cascade Saddle Route. This alpine experience takes trampers past the spectacular Dart Glacier. As well as difficult ascents and descents, you’ll need to be prepared for alpine conditions, river crossings, slippery surfaces and steep drop-offs.To get a full appreciation of the trip before you go, watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council tramping video.

 

Avalanche Peak Route, Arthur’s Pass

Avalanche Peak is a true calf-burner on the way up and tough on the knees coming down, but the spectacular alpine views make this advanced 8 km loop well worth the effort. The track climbs steeply for 3–4 hours to the summit, with a further 2–3 hours needed for the descent. Expect exposed ridgelines, steep drop-offs and rapidly changing alpine conditions.If you have the skills, experience, fitness and gear for a demanding day trip, this route comes highly recommended by Plan My Walk reviewers. For a slightly easier (though still challenging) option, take Avalanche Peak Track up and descend via Scotts Track.

 

Dusky Track, Fiordland

This 84 km advanced track between Lake Hauroko and Lake Manapouri can take up to 10 days to complete. The Lake Roe Hut to Loch Maree Hut section is particularly well-known for its difficult descent. Travelling through some of New Zealand’s most remote and rugged backcountry, you’ll be richly rewarded with vast mountain views, alpine lakes, dense forested valleys and roaring rivers.

 

Panitahi and Syme Hut Track, Taranaki

Another Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki track earning a mention is Panitahi and Syme Hut Track. Like the Taranaki Summit Climb, Panitahi (formerly Fanthams Peak) (1,966 m) features the same demanding mix of steep scoria slopes and multiple stairs. It’s roughly 4km, or about 3 hours, to the 1,966-metre summit and the 10-bunk Syme Hut. Stay the night and enjoy a stunning sunset on a fine evening. 

This article was first published on stuff.co.nz

PHOTO CREDIT | Katja Bohlin, Plan My Walk | Tongariro Alpine Crossing  

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