Great Walks of New Zealand
Whether you’re a family out for a stroll, or a sure-footed mountaineer, New Zealand has a walk to suit you. And The Department of Conservation (DOC) has done the research for you, naming the best of the best as nine Great Walks. Taking you through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, the Great Walks range from two to five days, with park huts available for overnight stays. Some walks require bookings during the peak summer season and camping is restricted in some areas, so check out track information before setting out at DOC offices, any national park visitor centre or at www.doc.govt.nz
South Island
Heaphy Track (Nelson Region/West Coast Region)
See a smorgasbord of scenery on this 78.4km, 3-5 day historic and scenic link between Golden Bay and the West Coast town of Karamea. The track winds through Kahurangi National Park with seven huts and several campsites en route. Guided walking options are available.
Abel Tasman Coast Track (Nelson Region)
Come and see the golden beaches and coastal forests of Abel Tasman National Park which make this 3-5 day coastal track so popular. About an hour’s drive from Nelson city, the popular track has four huts and numerous campsites, which must be booked in advance. Visit in winter and avoid the crowds.
Milford Track (Southland-Fiordland Region)
With dramatic Fiordland landscape, you’ll soon see why this has been dubbed ‘the finest walk in the world’. Open November to March, the four-day track (54km) starts from Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound. Bookings are required and the boat trip from Te Anau is included. Guided walking options are available.
Routeburn Track (Southland-Fiordland Region/Otago Region)
Be treated to wonderful forest and alpine scenery on this three-day track in Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, with four huts and two campsites. You’ll find entry and exit points from the Milford Road, a 1.5 hour drive from Te Anau, and Glenorchy, a 1.5 hour drive from Queenstown. Bookings are required during summer and snow covers the track in winter.
Kepler Track (Southland-Fiordland Region)
Lake edges, beech forest, spectacular alpine mountains – it’s all here on this 3-4-day 60km circuit between Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park. You must book during summer, and much of the track is snow-covered in winter.
Rakiura Track (Southland-Fiordland Region)
Forested coastline, wildlife and history make this three-day loop track on Stewart Island(Rakiura) a delight. There are huts and campsites, and experienced kayakers can also take on the challenge. Stewart Island is a 20 minute flight from Invercargill, and an hour by ferry from Bluff.
North Island
Lake Waikaremoana Track (Hawke’s Bay Region)
If fishing, swimming, birdlife and mountain scenery appeal, head to this 51km ‘moderate’ forest track around Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park. There are five huts and several campsites, along with great views and swimming spots. Bookings are required year round.
Tongariro Northern Circuit (Tongariro National Park Region)
Explore the wonder of volcanic activity with this walk through spectacular Tongariro National Park. Choose from several starting places, including Whakapapa Village, and tackle the 2-3-day track that winds over Mount Tongariro and around Mount Ngauruhoe.
Whanganui Journey (Manawatu-Wanganui Region)
Enjoy a sublime 3-5 day river journey through the heart of Whanganui National Park. This 145km canoe journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki offers a stunning scenic, historic and wilderness experience, with campsites, huts and a marae en route. Although a river journey, it is classed as part of the Great Walks network. You can also take to the waters in a kayak or raft.
Hiking Hints
- DOC operates a network of hiking huts around New Zealand offering a range of facilities for hikers and walkers.
- Great Walk Tickets are required for the use of all DOC huts and campsites. You can make a booking at DOC visitor centres, by emailing booking@doc.govt.nz or through DOC’s online booking system.
- Guided walking options are available on some tracks, and you may want to consider these. Experienced professionals will take care of you and manage the details of your trip.
- ALWAYS be prepared for sudden weather changes, cold, rain or high winds, even in summer. Wear strong, comfortable footwear and take a waterproof coat, several layers of warm clothing, and some emergency food.
- When you go hiking, you MUST let somebody know where you are going, when you are due back, and when they should contact authorities if you have not returned. Always use the hiking hut intentions book if there is one.
Useful Information
