Hiking In New Zealand

New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, and its stunningly beautiful landscapes are mind-boggling in their diversity – from soaring peaks and glaciers to fern-carpeted forests, rolling grasslands, smouldering volcanoes and an exquisite coastline.

From the first time I set foot on a New Zealand hiking trail and began trekking into its wild places and national parks, I was hooked.

Hiking (or tramping as it’s known locally) in New Zealand is much closer to a genuine wilderness experience than hiking in Europe – not only are the routes are often remote, but the landscapes are wonderfully free from most of the clutter which otherwise goes into turning a mountain into a popular and accessible hiking area.

In the New Zealand backcountry you won’t pass convenient shops or villages to buy supplies – or pretty much anything man made for that matter. Other than a succession of excellent mountain huts, footbridges on some (though not all) of the river crossings, and a few trail markings, you’re on your own.

But there’s a good chance you’ll encounter an extraordinary variety of wildlife, and the scenery will be sublime, the silence immense. This is hiking in the raw, through landscapes which are magnificently wild and unspoilt.

Where to go hiking in New Zealand

Our experts' top picks

Tongariro National Park

New Zealand’s oldest national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage area, noted for both its cultural and natural significance.

With three active volcanoes — Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu — the high plateau of the Tongariro National Park offers challenging hikes. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike is very popular, but the longer (3-4 day) Tongariro Northern Circuit is an alternative for experienced trekkers. It’s best to go with a guide, as conditions can change rapidly in the alpine landscape.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman’s compact size makes it an easy place for trips to beautiful beaches, day hikes, longer treks, boat rides along the coast, and kayaking excursions.

While the five-day Coastal Track is the most famous walk, shorter sections can be done with the help of water taxi transfers, and the Inland Track sees far fewer hikers.

Fiordland

Fiordland National Park

Although Milford Sound is one of the South Island’s most popular attractions, the large Fiordland National Park it sits within contains huge expanses of wilderness.

Long-distance treks – including the most famous Milford Track – lead through some of the 14 fiords reveal waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, dolphins, and watery mountain vistas—but don’t forget the wet-weather gear.

Milford Sound

Even by New Zealand’s standards, Milford Sound is a truly spectacular sight. Located in the southwest of the South Island, the beautiful fjord is packed with jaw-droppingly beautiful natural features, including Mitre Peak, rainforests and stunning waterfalls, such as Stirling and Bowen Falls.

Coromandel Peninsula

Visible across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula has some of the most famous beaches in the country, but is also a hiking paradise.

The centre of the peninsula is covered in forested hills and thick rainforest. The Pinnacles Walk in the Coromandel Forest Park is a highlight, and can be done as a one-day or overnight hike. The summit of the Pinnacles is at 758m and has great views of the forest and peninsula. Some parts are very steep.

Some of the most popular – and lesser known – treks

By Rudolf Abraham

If you pushed me to pick a top favourite, it would probably be the Tongariro Northern Circuit. But all the following are well worth your time.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Northern Circuit

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 45 km
Duration: Three to four days
Start/End: Whakapapa Village
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Tongariro National Park, on New Zealand's North Island, boasts magnificent volcanic scenery which at time makes you feel as though you’re on the moon, or on Mars, or perhaps in Mordor.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit takes you on a loop around the active volcano Mt. Tongariro. This trek typically takes three to four days to complete, beginning and ending at Whakapapa Village.

The terrain is varied and dramatic, featuring volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, steam vents, and the brilliantly coloured Emerald Lakes. The trek also includes the world-renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often touted as one of the best day hikes in the world.

Accommodation is in huts maintained by the Department of Conservation, and bookings are essential during the peak season.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 60 km
Duration: Three to five days
Start: Marahau
End: Wainui or Totaranui
Difficulty: Mild

Five days of magnificent coastal scenery in the stunning Nelson Tasman region – what’s not to like?

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track is an enchanting coastal trek through forests, beaches, and granite cliffs. The route stretches around 60 km and usually takes three to five days to complete, starting at Marahau and finishing in Wainui or Totaranui.

You'll see Cleopatra's Pool, a natural rock pool, and enjoy views over Tasman Bay. You might even spot seals basking on the rocks at Tonga Island.

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track can be hiked year-round with its well-marked trails. However, it's best enjoyed in the summer when you can enjoy the beachside setting.

Accommodation includes both campsites and huts managed by the Department of Conservation, and due to its popularity, early booking is recommended.

Fiordland

Milford Track

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 54 km
Duration: Four days
Start: Glade Wharf (Te Anau Lake)
End: Sandfly Point (Milford Sound)
Difficulty: Moderate

New Zealand’s most famous walk is a four-day trek into the heart of Fjordland’s most stupendously beautiful scenery. Often described as one of the world’s most beautiful hikes, it is (deservedly) popular and limited spaces sell out within minutes.

Fiordland

Dusky Track

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 84 km
Duration: Eight to ten days
Start: Hauroko Burn Hut
End: Wilmot Burn Hut
Difficulty: Strenuous

The classic Dusky Track takes you on an eight to ten-day trek around Dusky Sound, New Zealand's deepest lake. It is not for the faint-hearted and requires careful planning to avoid flooding that frequently blocks entire trail sections. It isn't nicknamed 'New Zealand's hardest hike' for nothing; you'll need to take a boat ride just to reach the starting point.

The Dusky Track terrain is rough and muddy. You hike up Pleasant Range before dropping down to Loch Maree, and you'll get plenty of tarn and mountain views. Huts are dotted along the route, on a first come first serve basis.

Fiordland

Routeburn Track

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 32 km
Duration: Three to four days
Start: Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy)
End: The Divide (near Te Anau)
Difficulty: Moderate

One of New Zealand’s most popular treks, the Routebourn crams in some of the best views in Fjordland National Park and Mt Aspiring National Park into an unforgettable three days.

The route starts at the Routeburn Shelter, close to Glenorchy, and ends at The Divide, near Te Anau. You pass through a variety of landscapes, from wildflower meadows to alpine valleys, enjoying incredible vistas over Mt Aspiring National Park.

One of the trek's highlights is the panoramic view from the Harris Saddle and Conical Hill - on a clear day, views stretch as far as the Tasman Sea. Accommodation on the track is in the form of comfortable huts managed by the Department of Conservation, and camping is also an option at designated sites.

Fiordland

Kepler Track

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 60 km
Duration: Five days
Start: Kepler Track Car Park (near Te Anau)
End: Rainbow Reach (with an optional return to Kepler Track Car Park)
Difficulty: Moderate

This beautiful five-day trek takes in a wealth of fantastic Fiordland scenery, and unlike many hiking routes which are based on historic tracks used by the Maori or forestry and hunting tracks, the Kepler was created specifically as a hiking trail in the late 1980s.

The trail starts from the Kepler Track Car Park, just outside of Te Anau, and officially ends at Rainbow Reach, with an option to return to the starting point to complete a full loop.

One of the highlights is the breathtaking panoramic view from Kepler Ridge, showcasing the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes. Accommodation along the trail is a mixture of huts and campsites managed by the Department of Conservation.

Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island day hike

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 7 km
Duration: Two to three hours
Start: Rangitoto Wharf
End: Summit of Rangitoto Island and return
Difficulty: Easy to mild

It’s simple: if you’re in Auckland, go for a hike on Rangitoto Island – I mean it’s not every day you get to go for an easy hike on a volcano. Unquestionably my favourite day out from Auckland (along with the West Coast beaches).

Starting from Rangitoto Wharf, after a ferry ride from Auckland, the trek ends at the summit of Rangitoto Island, which provides spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. The trail is well marked and gradually ascends through lava fields and the world's largest pohutukawa forest.

Although the trek is generally easy, some sections can be moderate due to the steep ascent. The island has no accommodation, making this a perfect day trip. The highlight is definitely the volcanic scenery and the magnificent view from the summit.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Hooker Valley Track day hike

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 10 km
Duration: Three to four hours
Start: White Horse Hill Campground
End: Hooker Lake and return
Difficulty: Easy

One of the most popular day hikes in NZ, leading into the heart of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, with jaw-dropping views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Starting at the White Horse Hill Campground, near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, the track winds through the beautiful Hooker Valley, ending at the stunning Hooker Lake, which offers views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. This hike traverses a landscape filled with glacial moraines, alpine streams, and suspension bridges.

And in summer, the track's highlight is the sight of icebergs on Hooker Lake.

Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Coastal Walkway day hike

By Rudolf Abraham

Distance: Approx. 20 km
Duration: Six to seven hours
Start: Stony Bay
End: Fletcher Bay
Difficulty: Easy to mild

This is a lovely coastal walkway which sees a fraction of the visitors hiking those better known coastal treks which are included among the Great Walks.

Starting in Stony Bay and finishing in Fletcher Bay, the 20 km hike reveals beautiful coastlines, sprawling farmland, and regenerating native forest. The track is undulating but not excessively challenging, suitable for those of moderate fitness levels. The walkway offers impressive views of the Great Barrier Island and the Pacific Ocean, with Poley Bay as a noteworthy highlight.

Planning a New Zealand hiking holiday

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked

Great walks beyond the ‘Great Walks’

Do a search for New Zealand walking holidays and you’ll be confronted with page after page of the famous Great Walks; ten long-distance, waymarked paths in some of the country’s most iconic locations across North, South and Stewart Islands. As is all-too-often the case with tourism marketing, the Great Walks campaign has become something of a victim of its own success, and demand for the tracks has grown far beyond what they can comfortably accommodate without sacrificing their wilderness appeal.

As a result, the Department of Conservation has had to come up with ways to limit the numbers of hikers on the trails. First up was a mandatory booking system – on which places for the most popular trails such as the Milford Track can sell out in minutes – followed by regular price increases.

If you’re adamant about doing a Great Walk, plan ahead and get on the official booking site well before they go on sale.

But my main advice is to look beyond the Great Walks, as there are infinitely more tracks, all of which are deserving of the title ‘great’ but see far fewer hikers. Good multi-day alternatives that I’d recommend include the Dusky Sound Track, the Hollyford Track or the Abel Tasman Inland Track, but there are countless others.

New Zealand hiking FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers

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