a couple of things.
number one:
while doing a strenuous alpine hike met an extremely good looking czech girl hiking in her underwear and wearing long earrings. she passed me on an uphill and had a fire going in the hut when i caught up to her. after speaking with her, turned out she teaches math analysis at a uni, has hiked every imaginable trail in the north island and maintains perfectly shaped long nails even in the backcountry. it made me question my femininity.

number two:
hiking alone in the back-country is a surprisingly pleasant experience. peaceful and dignified. or maybe i'm becoming a snob.

number three:
take a look at Nelson Lakes National Park. that's Traverse Saddle