The 9 Great Walks of New Zealand

Tramping (hiking) in the backcountry is a sacred kiwi pastime and you can experience it in short walks, one day tramps, or multiday hikes. The Great Walks are the nine most renowned hiking—though one is technically a canoeing route—tracks, which traverse the country's volcanic plateau beaches, temperate rainforest, fjords, and mountain ranges. The most famous, Milford Track, is commonly called "the finest walk in the world." By Oliver Wigmore

Milford Trek Highlights: You can only hike in on direction (south to north) along New Zealand’s most popular track. Clinton River (often muddy) crosses Mackinnon Pass, goes through alpine meadows, and passes waterfalls, including NZ’s highest, Sutherland Falls. Thick forests bookend the track, and lots of kea (mountain parrots) greet trampers. Book at least four months ahead; sandfly repellent is a must.

Location: Fiordland National Park, near Te Anau

Distance: 54 km (33.5 mi), 4–5 days.

Difficulty: There are two strenuous climbs, one with a very steep descent. It frequently rains. Beware of avalanche conditions at Mackinnon Pass in winter.

Abel Tasman Coast Track Highlights: Follow the coast across beautiful golden sand beaches, rocks, and regenerating rain forests (with nikau palms, ferns, and forest gians). The two estuaries are only passable around low tide. You may spot seals and penguins.

Location: Abel Tasman National Park, near Nelson

Distance: 52 km (32 mi), 3–5 days

Difficulty: In autumn and winter, walking and weather conditions are good and the track is less crowded.

Lake Waikaremoana Track Highlights: Much of the track runs through podocarp forest. Track condition is genearlly good. The best views are from Panekiri Bluffs. See a variety of birds: kaka, parakeets, paradise ducks, whiteheads, fantails, silvereyes, morepork (native owl), kiwi. Don’t miss the short uphill side trip to Korokoro waterfall. Advance booking advised.

Location: Te Urewera National Park

Distance: 46 km (28.5mi),3-4 days

Difficulty: The toughest part is the climb from lake edge to Panekiri Bluffs. Heavy rain, mosquitoes and sandflies are common.

Routeburn Track Highlights: Travel in either direction through beech forest and onto exposed mountaintops for spectacular scenery. In summer flowers, many unique to New Zealand, cover the alpine slopes. You’ll need good equipment to travel this route.

Location: Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks

Distance: 32 km (20 mi), 2–3 days

Difficulty: Heavy rain, clouds, snow, and ice can be factors. On mountaintops, winter avalanches are possible.

Tongariro Northern Circuit Highlights: This is one of New Zealand’s best walks, with wonderful alpine and volcanic vistas, warm blue-green lakes, and steam vents, but mountains are often in heavy clouds. You’ll see Mt. Ngauruhoe—a.k.a Mt. Doom in The Lord of the Rings.

Location: Tongariro National Park

Distance: 49 km (30 mi), 3-4 days

Difficulty: Take good gear. especially for the toughest section, the "Staircase." Do not attempt the track in rain or snow. Volcano eruptions are possbible; stay back from steam vents.

Kepler Track Highlights: The hike goes through beech forests to sometimes snow-covered tussock tops with wonderful views in clear weather. Geology buffs will appreciate this trek, especially Mt. Luxmore. Detour to Iris Burn waterfall, 20-minute walk from Iris Burn hut.

Location: Fiordland National Park, near Te Anau

Distance: 60 km (37 mi), 3–4 days

Difficulty: Day one includes a steep climb from lake to tops.

Rakiura Track Highlights: Follows the coastline through beech forest, subalpine scrub, and remote beaches. Mt. Anglem, a 3–4 hour side trip (one-way), provides wonderful views. Birdlife includes kiwi, bellbirds, tui, fantails, and parakeets. You may see seals and penguins. Hut tickets are required; there’s some camping. Pack extra food and insect repellent.

Location: Rakiura National Park, Steward Island

Distance: 36 km (22 mi, including road walk), 3 days.

Difficulty: There are two short uphill climbs. Be prepared to get muddy in the wet changeable weather. Expect mosquitoes and sandflies.

Heaphy Track Highlights: The track begins in dense beech and podocarp forest in north; continues up to snow tussock plateaus; and descends into palm-studded forests, rugged West Coast beaches. See bird, including kiwis and pipits, along one of the country’s finest routes. This is primarily a summer route; snow can block the track in winter.

Location: Kahurangie National Park, near Nelson

Distance: 78 km (48 mi), 4–6 days

Difficulty: The most difficult section is between Brown and Perry Saddle huts. While normally a drier area, it does rain on the western slopes.

Whanganui Journey Highlights: Although a river journey, Whanganui is a Great Walk, and there is a 3-day version from Whakahoro to Pipiriki. The Whanganui river takes a twisting path to sea; en route, expect narrow gorges, high cliffs, waterfalls, glowworm grottos. Tieke Marae has good huts and facilities, but you’ll follow Maori protocol; koha (a gift of money) will be expected. Book trip and hire kayaks in advance from operators in Turangi, Taumaruni, or Ohakune.

Location: Whanganui National Park, near Taumarunui

Distance: Full Trip: 145 km (90 mi,) 5 days; Short Trip: 88 km (54.5 mi,) 3 days

Difficulty: Those with experience can swim, canoe, and kayak. Be prepared for rain and floods.