What is the St James Walkway and why is it significant?

The St James Walkway is a 66-kilometer hiking trail located in the beautiful Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island. The trail traverses through the St James Conservation Area and offers stunning views of alpine landscapes, forests, rivers, and valleys. The St James Walkway is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world, and it's easy to see why.

The trail was first established in the 1970s and has since become an iconic New Zealand hiking trail. The St James Walkway is significant because of its stunning natural beauty and the unique experience it provides for hikers. The trail takes hikers through a diverse range of landscapes, including subalpine meadows, beech forests, and river valleys. It also provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, with deer, chamois, and native birds such as kea and kaka often seen along the way.

The St James Walkway is a well-maintained trail, with well-marked paths and backcountry huts for overnight stays. The trail can be hiked in either direction and takes between four and six days to complete. Hikers can also choose to do shorter sections of the trail if they prefer.