No visit to New Zealand is complete without taking a walk in an unspoilt landscape. The choice in walking experiences is vast, from a gentle stroll along the golden coastlines of Abel Tasman National Park to a night-time Kiwi-spotting expedition on Stewart Island or being showered with spray from the world’s fifth-highest waterfall on Milford Track. New options are added regularly and there are great opportunities for getting back to nature within minutes of any New Zealand town or city. A huge variety of short scenic walks are accessible by road and some short trails even provide access for disabled visitors.

With more than thirty percent of the country preserved in the National Park system – that’s more than eight million hectares featuring 12,000 kilometres of walking tracks and 1,000 huts for overnight stays – you’ll need to don a pair of hiking boots to explore the most pristine corners of New Zealand. From the top of the North to the bottom of the South Island and beyond, to several offshore islands, there are a multitude of trails ranging from fifteen-minute scenic walks to demanding multi-day hikes, ice or mountain climbs. Whatever your fitness level, you’ll find the perfect way to walk New Zealand.

Arrange an independent excursion or join a guided tour and allow an expert to introduce you to New Zealand’s natural features.

A guided walk is a good option for visitors less experienced in the outdoors and those wanting to try a more intense trekking experience. Guided walks take the hassle out of organising suitable food, as well as transport to and from the track. They also offer the advantage of an experienced escort who can explain local features, history, culture and wildlife. Levels of service vary, with some operators transporting gear so you won’t even have to carry a pack!

If you are going independently, take care in your planning and seek advice before setting out. Main tracks, such as Whirinaki in the north, and Abel Tasman, Queen Charlotte, Routeburn, Milford and Hollyford in the south, are equipped with comfortable accommodation. Less well-known walks may also have basic backcountry huts for overnight stays.

Always seek advice before attempting an overnight walk. It is important to be well equipped with suitable clothing, appropriate food and emergency gear, and to confirm that the chosen walk is suitable for your fitness level. Food, water and warm clothing should always be carried – the weather can change quickly in this part of the world and even short walks are less enjoyable if you’re cold and hungry! Visit a Department of Conservation Visitor and Information Centre for assistance.

New Zealand’s Great Walks

The most widely known hiking trails in New Zealand are known as the Great Walks. Administered and protected by the Department of Conservation, these trails and their facilities are maintained to a high standard. Many of these popular hikes may require bookings.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Perhaps the most gentle of the Great Walks, this 51 km coastal track introduces walkers to an intriguing blend of forest and sandy beaches.

Heaphy Track

This popular track passes through a range of landscapes in Kahurangi National Park, from tussock land to West Coast rainforest.

Kepler Track

Located in Fiordland National Park, this 60 km track offers a varied landscape of forest, alpine areas and a glacial valley, and can be walked in 3 to 4 days.

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk

Discover the varied beauty of Te Urewera National Park on a 3 to 4 day walk through dense rainforest along the lake edge.

Milford Track

New Zealand’s most widely known walk, located in Fiordland National Park where forested valleys abound.

Rakiura Track

Located on Stewart Island, in New Zealand’s newest National Park, this coastal track can be walked in 3 days.

Routeburn Track

This popular 2 to 3 day track links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, passing waterfalls, forest and lakes along the way.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Passing through strange volcanic landscapes, this track is an unforgettable experience.

Whanganui Journey

Though travelled by canoe rather than by foot, the Whanganui Journey is grouped with the Great Walks due to its significance as a national treasure.

Other Renowned Hiking Tracks

Banks Peninsula Walk

2 or 4 day hike in Canterbury.

Hollyford

37 km, 3 day hike in Fiordland.

Hump Ridge Track

53 km, 3 day hike in Southland.

Kaikoura Coast Track

3 day hike near Kaikoura in Canterbury.

Queen Charlotte Track

3 or 4 day hike in Marlborough.

Tongariro Crossing

17 km, 1 day hike in the Ruapehu region.