Further information about New Zealands 10 Great Walks. Walking or hiking trips will take you into National Parks and reserves, as well as volcanic and coastal regions. You can get as close as possible to nature, including birds and other wildlife. Around 30 percent of New Zealand’s land area is officially protected with public access, so there is no shortage of walking opportunities. Short walks up to a day long are found everywhere, even in city greenbelts, but the well-known multi-day tracks are in the more remote high country. Most tracks can be walked year-round, although some of the high altitude tracks in the South Island are restricted by winter weather. Here are some descriptions of some of our most popular treks in New Zealand, please bare in mind that all tracks but particularly the Milford Track (for those wanting to overnight) need to be booked well in advance as spaces are limited. For further information we recommend the Department of Conservation website. Also See detailed maps of New Zealand Walks.

New Zealands greatest Walks and Hikes:

Lake Waikaremoana Track: A moderate tramp, the Waikaremoana Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Located in Te Urewera National Park, the tramp includes a climb to Panekire Ridge.

Tongariro Northern Circuit: Winding its way over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe is the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand.

Whanganui Journey: Paddle the Whanganui on a 145-km journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki. A shorter canoe trip from Whakahoro to Pipiriki is also possible. Although a river journey, the Whanganui is part of the Great Walks network.

Abel Tasman Coast Track: Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, is an easy 3 – 5 day tramp that features stunning coastal views and tremendous beaches.

Heaphy Track: The 82 km Heaphy Track is the longest of the DOC Great Walks. Located in Kahurangi National Park, the track crosses expansive tussock downs, lush forests, and stunning coastline.

Paparoa and Pike29 Memorial Track: This Great Walk crosses the Paparoa Range. It takes you through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests, and provides breath-taking views. From the Paparoa Track, the Pike29 Memorial Track leads to the site of the former Pike River Mine. Further information can be found on Luxury Adventures blog on the Paparoa Track.

Routeburn Track: Learn more about the Routeburn Track. Traversing 32 km through Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, the Routeburn Track can be walked in conjunction with the Greenstone or Caples tracks.

Milford Track: Beginning at the head of Lake Te Anau and ending at Milford Sound, the 53.5 km Milford Track is in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park.

Kepler Track: Traversing through spectacular scenery in Fiordland National Park, the 60 km Kepler Track is a moderate walking track that takes three to four days to complete.

Rakiura Track: The Rakiura Track Great Walk is found on Stewart Island/Rakiura, just a 20 minute flight from Invercargill or an hour by ferry from Bluff.

Other Notable Walks:
Walking the Cape Brett Track.
Discover the Hollyford Track, Fiordland.