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New Zealand is nothing short of epic.

With hundreds of national parks, world-class ski slopes, pristine hiking trails, and picture-perfect beaches, no one leaves New Zealand disappointed.

From the Northland’s perfect coastline and near-tropical summer climate, to the adrenaline-fuelled adventures in Queenstown, you’ll find something to suit your holiday style.

Whether that’s mellow and meandering road-trips or action-packed wild adventures, New Zealand’s stunning scenery is your constant travel companion — as well as the deep Māori culture.

Pack your hiking boots and a spare memory card for your GoPro, because New Zealand is waiting to be explored and there’s plenty to see and do to fill your soul with memories.

Hidden gems in New Zealand

Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Coastal Walkway day hike

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Hooker Valley Track day hike

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham
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Rangitoto Island

Rangitoto Island day hike

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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Fiordland

Kepler Track

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham
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Fiordland

Routeburn Track

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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Fiordland

Dusky Track

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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Fiordland

Milford Track

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham

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.

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New Zealand

The Milford Track

Peter Elia
Peter Elia

One of New Zealand's ten official 'Great Walks', the Milford Track is a spectacular alpine and fjord trail which has been thrilling hikers for decades. This hike will certainly hit the spot if you love trails with a variety of scenery. There is no shortage of breathtaking views along the 54 km track: deep valleys, mountain passes, stunning glaciers and New Zealand's highest waterfall, Sutherland Falls, with a total drop of 580 metres. Need to know The number of trekkers allowed on the Milford Trek is tightly regulated: you must book in advance, and spaces often sell out within minutes of going on sale. Camping is not permitted along the track, with a mandatory requirement to stay in each of the three huts along the trail. These must be booked in advance and you can not walk the route in the opposite direction. You can hike the trail independently but you must bring all your supplies, including food, cooking equipment and other essentials for your four-day hike.

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Marlborough Region

Hike the Queen Charlotte Track

The 72km long Queen Charlotte Track is a great way to explore the Marlborough Sounds. You can hike or bike the trail, passing through lush forest, hidden bays and empty beaches.

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Lake Taupo

Hike Spa Park to Huka Falls

Take the easy one-hour trail from Spa Park to Huka Falls to witness the roaring Waikato Ricer plunge 11 metres over volcanic rock. The trail passes through forest and offers several viewing points of the Falls.

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New Zealand tours

North Island Adventure
New Zealand

North Island Adventure

Road trip through New Zealand's North Island
7 days From NZ$1,329 pp
Northern Trail
New Zealand

Northern Trail

Maori culture, beautiful landscapes and the best of the North Island
10 days From NZ$3,039 pp
New Zealand Wanderer
New Zealand

New Zealand Wanderer

The best of the north with a taste of the south
12 days From NZ$3,609 pp
Amplified New Zealand
New Zealand

Amplified New Zealand

Total Kiwi experience
16 days From NZ$2,849 pp
Epic New Zealand
New Zealand

Epic New Zealand

The full NZ experience
23 days From NZ$4,227 pp
New Zealand Uncovered
New Zealand

New Zealand Uncovered

Explore everything New Zealand has to offer
20 days From NZ$6,174 pp

New Zealand travel companies

New Zealand

Haka Tours

Small group adventure tours to New Zealand
Oceania

Latitude South

Luxury vacations to Australia & New Zealand

Places to go in New Zealand

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