Buller pass is a great option for an alpine run closer to town and away from the crowds. The South Buller Pass trail features some impressive hiking through burnt forest and a long alpine climb to the pass. You then drop down into the Ribbon valley and turn hard left to wrap around to North Buller Pass. The traverse and the climb up the backside of North Buller Pass follow a faint trail but the route finding is straightforward. Run the hiker's trail back down to the Buller day use area. A great day in various environments, from meadows and wildflowers to rocky alpine terrain and everything in between. 

From Ribbon valley, you can link up tons of trails towards Galatea Lakes and Mount Kidd. This is a great access point for longer routes!