Best Hiking Destinations in New Zealand
To be perfectly honest, the whole country is like one big hiking destination, but there are a few pockets that are especially well-known for their long-version strolls, all with their distinct and unique qualities.
Like we said earlier, there are many parts of the country that could be included as great hiking regions including the likes of the East Coast of the North Island, the West Coast of the South Island and the Otago Peninsula. Within these regions, you can expect to find remote beaches, raging seas and lush surroundings.
The 10 Great Walks of New Zealand
New Zealand’s Great Walks are hikes that have been classified by the country’s Department of Conservation (DOC) as premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery. This description is an understatement if anything given what you encounter when you experience them.
What’s fantastic about the walks is that there’s a wide range of tracks across different terrains and environments. That basically means no two tracks are the same and that there is something for everyone!
The Great Walks are multi-day walks during which you stay in DOC managed huts which need to be booked in advance. Some walks also have private accommodation and have guided tours available.
Lake Waikaremoana - East Coast Region
The Lake Waikaremoana Track is a 46 km one way track that takes 3 – 4 days and is considered an intermediate level walk.
The Track, as you may have guessed, traces the outskirts of Lake Waikaremoana which is the deepest lake in the North Island at 256 metres. Its name ‘Waikaremoana’ means ‘sea of rippling waters’ when translated from Maori and are mesmerising, especially from the elevated vantage point of the Panekire Bluff at 1,180 metres.
Other highlights on the track include Kokoro Falls, Waiopaua Stream, giant native trees and if you’re lucky, the sound of Kiwi calling in the night. The area is rich with Maori legend which you’ll no doubt learn about along the way.
Tongariro Northern Circuit - Manawatu-Whanganui Region
For a true Middle Earth experience, you can’t look past the Tongariro Northern Track, a 45 km loop track that takes you through scenes you’ll recognise from the Lord of the Rings as well as some that you’ve never seen before.
The 3 – 4 day hike starts at Whakapapa Village and takes you through exploded volcanic craters and cones. At 1,800 metres, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The journey also includes the famed Tongariro Crossing where you’ll get to see the amazing Red Crater and beautiful Emerald Lakes.
On top of this, you’ll also venture through a beech-forested valley, walk along the Waihohonu Stream and marvel at the magnificent Taranaki Falls.
Whanganui Journey - Manawatu-Whanganui Region
For an on-water hiking experience, the Whanganui Journey is the one to do as a kayaking adventure down the beautiful Whanganui River.
The Whanganui Journey is the only on-water track that has a Great Walk status and is doable as a 3 day/87 km or 5 day/143 km expedition. For those who love to paddle, it’s an unforgettable experience where you’ll pass through a mixture of native bush, farmland, waterfalls and campsites along the way.
It’s a great one for wildlife spotting too with kereru/wood pigeon and pekapeka/long-tailed bats familiar inhabitants in the region. Canoes, huts and campsites can be booked in advance through DOC.
Abel Tasman Coastal Track - Nelson Tasman Region
Some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring coastline can be seen in the Nelson Tasman Region and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a great way to appreciate it.
This 3 – 5 day/60km one way track is one of the more gentle Great Walks never going beyond a maximum elevation of 200 metres. As well as the lush native bush, golden sandy beaches and sculptured granite cliffs, there are some other great features to enjoy. These include Cleopatra’s Pool with moss-lined waterslide, the crystal clear waters of the Tonga Island Marine Reserve and the kekeno/fur seals.
It’s an especially ideal walk if you’re travelling with the kids who will love it from start to finish.
Heaphy Track - Nelson Tasman Region
If it’s mountain views you’re after, the Heaphy Track is one to put near the top of your list with plenty of vantage points to take advantage of over the 4 – 6 day 78 km track.
Exploring the exquisite Kahurangi National Park, you’ll pass through dense tussock downs, an enchanted (looking) forest and the Nikau Palms before reaching the wild West Coast. The region was traversed by early Maori and European settlers for seeking pounamu/greenstone and prospecting gold and you can’t help but feel the pioneering spirit all around you with this one.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Powelliphanta, the largest carnivorous land snails in the world but don’t worry, they tend to stick to earthworms.
Paparoa Track and Pike 29 Memorial Track - West Coast
The Paparoa Track and Pike 29 Memorial Track are yet to be opened at the time of writing but are great ones to plan for with 2019 in mind.
The tracks cross the Paparoa Range with opportunities for stunning views towards the Southern Alps. It’s a 55 km hike and a spectacular example of natural wilderness with some challenging steep sections to negotiate. The region has a strong mining history which took a tragic turn in 2010 when 29 men lost their lives in the Pike Mine disaster. The Pike 29 Memorial Track, which starts halfway through the Paparoa Track, is dedicated to their memory.
The Pororari River Gorge, the dramatic limestone cliffs, the sunsets over the Tasman Sea – this is sure to be considered one of the great walks of New Zealand.
Routeburn Track - Fiordland
The first of the great alpine tracks that we cover is the Routeburn Track, an adventure through the ice-carved valleys and peaks of the Southern Alps.
The 32 km track usually takes between 2 – 4 days and goes through both the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, a World Heritage area. There are so many highlights on this one it’s hard to do justice to in summary. Honourable mentions have to go to Bridal Veil Waterfall, the views of the Humboldt Mountains, the Harris Saddle (at 1,255 metres elevation) and the Earland Falls.
You’ll have plenty of your own favourites however during your time on the track, one of the most popular of them all.
Kepler Track - Fiordland
The second of our alpine tracks is the Kepler Track, a go-to for rugged tussock-covered ridgelines, untouched wilderness and amazing birdlife.
The Kepler Track is a 60 km loop track that starts and finishes in Te Anau, a town with a small settlement on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. From those shorelines, the Kepler Track takes you to an elevation of over 1,250 metres with stunning views of the Murchison Mountains. In addition to this, you’ll also be able to explore the extensive cave system of the Luxmore Caves.
The Kepler Track is one that offers ever-changing environments all of which are just as superb as the next.
Milford Track - Fiordland
The last of our alpine tracks is the Milford Track, a 53 km hike that takes 4 days and is frequently described as one of the “finest walks in the world”.
The journey starts with a hike through ancient rainforests via valleys carved out by giant glaciers. From there you climb up the iconic Mackinnon Pass where you’ll catch your breath and take in the extraordinary views of the Clinton Canyon and Lake Mintaro. During the descent, you’ll pass by some amazing waterfalls like Mackay Falls and enjoy the final 3 km of smooth track constructed in the 1890’s by a prison crew.
The flora, fauna and birdlife are on another level here and you’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of spare batteries for your camera!
Rakiura Track - Stewart Island
To the bottom of the country and Stewart Island where you’ll find one of the southernmost hikes in the world with the Rakiura Track.
The Rakiura Track is a 32 km loop track that can be completed in a comfortable 3 days. As well as all the natural features, there are some interesting historical sites to discover. This includes old sawmilling relics and early Maori settlements. You can also take a short water taxi ride to Te Wharawhara/Olva Island, a predator-free sanctuary and home to the world’s rarest seals!
It’s a track that provides a great escape in a beautiful and isolated part of the country, even by New Zealand’s standards!
Best one day walks in New Zealand
With the Great Walks covered, we move onto the best one day walks in the country. Again, there is no shortage of these and they’re just as awesome, scattered in different parts of the country.
They can be just as memorable as the ones above but a little less gruelling without the need to carry 3+ days worth of gear on your back. We’ve actually written an independent blog about these hikes already, which we’ve summarised below.
New Zealand’s most spectacular hiking views
Just in case we haven’t sold the idea of hiking in New Zealand enough, below you’ll find a selection of some of the best views on offer around the country.
They say pictures speak a thousand words but these will leave you speechless!
More outdoor activities for hikers
If you’re into hiking, there’s a good chance you’ll be interested in other outdoor activities like water activities, adventure activities, scenic activities and more.
If so you’ll be happy to learn that GO Rentals are partners with many of the operators who offer these activities which means our customers are able to enjoy discounts using their GO Play cards!
There are some great deals on offer and we’ve highlighted those in close proximity to the Great Walks and one day hikes we’ve featured which you can add to your itinerary for your next big trip.
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