I need a pair of versatile hiking boots (I mainly plan on using them for day/weekend tramps around NZ but I probably will be doing some of the Great Walks too and those might be in questionable weather, so I want something that'll hold up to the elements).

However, my problem is that I'm a US size 5 - virtually every pair of boots I've looked at only starts at a size 6. Anybody know of any good brands/models that cater to those of us with pixie feet?

Go down to Tent & Trails and tell them you want to try on a pair of Montrail Solitudes.

Are these available in other countries than the US? Sorry, forgot to mention I'm already in NZ, lol...

I also wear a size 5, and had the same problem looking for hiking boots. Not many to choose from, and I tried on every size 5 or 5 1/2 I could find!

I bought a pair of Lowa Renegades in a 5, and they are perfect for my feet -- very comfortable, hardly any break in time. But for some reason, the 2006 says it starts in a 5 1/2...I have last year's and was able to get a size 5. Pricey, but well worth it, in my opinion (if it fits, that is). I'm not sure about their availability in NZ.

A second choice (my first good pair of hiking boots) are the Montrail Solitudes that static mentioned. They're good, but you'll want to apply waterproofing solution on them, if you're doing any wet hiking or worried about rain.

But between the two, having worn both pairs for long amounts of time and for many miles of hikes, I definitely prefer the Lowa Renegades.