New Zealand Walking Tracks

New Zealand is famous for its clean green image and walking is one of the best ways to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. Both the North and South Island offer unique easy access walking tracks suited for people of all abilities. Download both the North Island and South Island’s easy access walks brochures.

For the more serious walkers there are many longer more challenging walks throughout the country. In particular there are the Nine Great Walks of New Zealand, which are New Zealand’s premier walking tracks that explore some of the best scenery in the country.

The Nine Great Walks of New Zealand:

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk

Located in Te Urewera National Park, this 46 kilometre 3-4 day tramp is of moderate difficulty. The track winds around the magnificent shore of Lake Waikaremoana for the majority of its length, giving plenty of opportunity for swimming and fishing. Set in an abundance of bird and plant life this track provides amazing scenery and vistas.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Located in Tongariro National Park, this 3-4 day tramp is described as challenging. The track weaves over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe, dominated by exposed terrain, uneven track surface and changeable weather. Volcanic craters and glacial valleys are amongst the stunning and unique landforms seen on this walk.

Whanganui Journey

This unique great walk involves paddling the great Whanganui River by canoe/kayak. It is a 145 km river journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki and takes about 5 days. Surrounded by lowland forest the Whanganui River weaves its way through mountains, hills and valleys until it reaches the Tasman Sea, it is truly spectacular.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

Located in Abel Tasman National Park this 52 km 3-5 day walk is considered easy. The track is absolutely spectacular as it features breathtaking coastal views and accesses secluded bays and beaches. There is a range of accommodation options throughout this track which must be booked in advance.

Heaphy Track

Located in Kahurangi National Park, this is the longest of the 9 great walks spreading over 78.4 kms. This 4-6 day walk is suitable for fit, well equipped people. This track passes through expansive tussock downs, lush forests and striking rugged coastlines.

Routeburn Track

This track traverses though Mount Aspiring National Park and also Fiordland National Park totalling a length of 32 kms. Taking up to 3 days this track can also be walked in conjunction with the Greenstone or Caples tracks. Characterised by glacial valleys and beech forest this walk enters the wilderness.

Milford Track

This 53.5 km track begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford sound traversing through the stunning Fiordland National Park. The walk itself if of a moderate difficulty and can be spread over 4 days. Snow capped mountains, deep lakes, unbroken forests, majestic rivers and tussock grasslands all characterise this exceptionally scenic walk.

Kepler track

Located in Fiordland National Park, this 60 km circular track takes between 3-4 days. Moderate in difficulty the track passes over mountains, though tussock grasslands and dense forest. It displays superb views and gives the feeling of a true wilderness adventure.

Rakiura Track

Located on Stewart Island, this track winds through New Zealand’s newest and most southern national park named Rakiura National Park. The Rakiura Track is 29kms; however the full circuit is actually 36 kms and takes around 3 days to complete. Suitable for moderate fitness levels, this track and area is famous for its native vegetation, birdlife and magnificent sunrises and sunsets.