New Zealand’s Great Walks
New Zealand is one of the top backpacking destinations in the world. It has everything, from dramatic alpine landscapes to fjords, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, active volcanoes, and anything in between.
New Zealand has great infrastructure too. You can stay in backcountry huts for a more comfortable experience, and on point-to-point hikes, you can reserve a shuttle to pick you up.
To promote tourism and preserve popular hiking trails, the Department of Conservation established 10 Great Walks. They traverse the most scenic parts of the country, and they are a great introduction to New Zealand.
All Great Walks require advance reservations, and spots run out quickly. If you’re interested in a great walk, click “See itinerary” below to see which itineraries and dates are still available, or use the cancelation alert feature to receive text messages when we find extra spots.
| Duration | Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Waikaremoana Track | 3–4 days | 29 miles | Point-to-point |
| 2. Tongariro Northern Circuit | 2–4 days | 28 miles | Loop |
| 3. Whanganui River Journey | 3–5 days | 54–90 miles | Point-to-point |
| 4. Abel Tasman Coast Track | 3–5 days | 37 miles | Point-to-point |
| 5. Heaphy Track | 4–6 days | 49 miles | Point-to-point |
| 6. Paparoa Track | 3 days | 34 miles | Point-to-point |
| 7. Routeburn Track | 2–4 days | 21 miles | Point-to-point |
| 8. Milford Track | 4 days | 33 miles | Point-to-point |
| 9. Kepler Track | 3–4 days | 37 miles | Loop |
| 10. Rakiura Track | 3 days | 20 miles | Loop |
1. Waikaremoana Track
Hike along the shore of Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera, the home of the Ngai Tūhoe people. Views of the lake punctuate the walk through the prehistoric rainforest.
2. Tongariro Northern Circuit
Explore the volcanic features of Tongariro National Park. The trail passes through dramatic landscapes composed of craters, alpine lakes, and lava flows.
3. Whanganui River Journey
Paddle down the meandering Whanganui river. The steep cliffs leave no escape until the end of the 90-mile journey, or at the halfway point at Whakahoro.
4. Abel Tasman Coast Track
This is one of the most popular Great Walks, and for a good reason! The trail follows the sandy coast of Abel Tasman National Park. You will want to take your time to enjoy the crystal clear water.
5. Heaphy Track
Mountain or beach? This Great Walk has both. Start in the lush forest of Kahurangi National Park before reaching the West Coast at the end of your trip. Unfortunately, the trail is currently damaged and is closed to through trips.
6. Paparoa Track
The Paparoa Track takes you up the wooded ridge with views of the Tasman Sea and back down throught the limestone cliffs of the Pororari River Gorge. The trail is also open to bikes.
7. Routeburn Track
If you like alpine landscapes, this trail is for you. The trail climbs up a glacial valley before reaching meadows and lakes with incredible views of the nearby mountain ranges.
8. Milford Track
The Milford Track is one of the most popular trails in New Zealand. The trail follows a historical route through rainforests, deep valleys, and waterfalls.
9. Kepler Track
Kepler Track is one of the few Great Walk loops. From the grassy ridge, the trail offers panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri.
10. Rakiura Track
Finish with this relaxing trip on Stewart Island. It’s the perfect place for star-gazing as the island is one of the few International Dark Sky Sanctuaries.
I’m Jordan, the creator of Outdoor Status.
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