Best NZ Hikes: 10 Great Walks + Multi-Day Tramping

New Zealand, Aotearoa, is a hiker's paradise, renowned globally for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class trails. From pristine coastlines to alpine peaks and ancient forests, the country offers an unparalleled variety of multi-day tramping experiences, spearheaded by its iconic Great Walks.

Understanding New Zealand's Great Walks

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) manages ten premier multi-day hiking and paddling tracks known as the "Great Walks." These well-maintained trails showcase some of the country's most spectacular scenery, offering comfortable huts and campsites, though advanced booking is essential, especially during the peak season (October to April).

The 10 Great Walks: Iconic Multi-Day Adventures

1. Tongariro Northern Circuit

• Location:Tongariro National Park, North Island.
• Duration:3-4 days.
• Features:This challenging loop track encircles Mount Ngauruhoe, offering dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and active craters. It incorporates the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing as part of its journey.
• Difficulty:Moderate to difficult.

2. Lake Waikaremoana Track

• Location:Te Urewera, North Island.
• Duration:3-4 days.
• Features:A journey through ancient rainforests and secluded bays, with stunning lake views and remote wilderness. You'll encounter lush native bush and impressive waterfalls.
• Difficulty:Moderate.

3. Whanganui Journey

• Location:Whanganui River, North Island.
• Duration:3 or 5 days.
• Features:A unique river journey by canoe or kayak through remote wilderness. It's an immersive cultural experience, paddling through valleys carved by the river, with overnight stays in huts or campsites.
• Difficulty:Easy to moderate (paddling).

4. Abel Tasman Coast Track

• Location:Abel Tasman National Park, South Island.
• Duration:3-5 days.
• Features:Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coastal forest define this popular track. Enjoy opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Water taxis provide flexible entry and exit points.
• Difficulty:Easy to moderate.

5. Heaphy Track

• Location:Kahurangi National Park, South Island (connecting West Coast to Golden Bay).
• Duration:4-6 days.
• Features:Diverse landscapes from dense rainforests and alpine tussock to nikau palm groves and wild coastlines. It’s one of the longer Great Walks, offering a true wilderness experience.
• Difficulty:Moderate.

6. Routeburn Track

• Location:Aspiring National Park /Fiordland National Park, South Island (near Queenstown).
• Duration:2-4 days.
• Features:This classic track links the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, offering dramatic alpine scenery, towering mountains, waterfalls, and pristine lakes with spectacular views at every turn.
• Difficulty:Moderate to difficult.

7. Milford Track

• Location:Fiordland National Park, South Island.
• Duration:4 days.
• Features:Often called "the finest walk in the world," this track delivers unparalleled views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, culminating at Milford Sound. Bookings are highly competitive.
• Difficulty:Moderate.

The Milford Track is one of New Zealand's oldest and most famous tramping routes, with guided walks dating back to 1888.

8. Kepler Track

• Location:Fiordland National Park, South Island (near Te Anau).
• Duration:3-4 days.
• Features:A purpose-built loop track traversing lake shores, vast tussock lands, and alpine ridges with incredible panoramic views. It offers a taste of everything Fiordland has to offer.
• Difficulty:Moderate to difficult.

9. Paparoa Track

• Location:Paparoa National Park, West Coast, South Island.
• Duration:2-3 days (hiking), 1-2 days (mountain biking).
• Features:New Zealand's 10th Great Walk, opened in 2019. It traverses dramatic limestone landscapes, lush rainforests, and offers stunning coastal views, including the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks nearby.
• Difficulty:Moderate.

10. Rakiura Track

• Location:Stewart Island / Rakiura, South Island.
• Duration:3 days.
• Features:A journey through pristine coastal forest, secluded bays, and diverse birdlife (including the best chance to spot a wild kiwi). This track offers a true sense of remote island wilderness.
• Difficulty:Easy to moderate.

Beyond the Great Walks: Multi-Day Tramping Adventures

While the Great Walks are exceptional, New Zealand boasts hundreds of other incredible multi-day tracks for those seeking a more rugged or less crowded experience. These trails often require more self-sufficiency and navigational skills but reward trampers with profound solitude and breathtaking scenery.

• Gillespie Pass Circuit:A challenging alpine circuit near Makarora, offering stunning views and river crossings.
• Rees-Dart Track:A classic Fiordland tramp through glacial valleys and over high passes.
• Parts of Te Araroa:New Zealand's national trail, stretching 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff, offers numerous sections suitable for multi-day tramping.

For those looking for a different kind of adventure, consider exploring the stunning landscapes around Franz Josef Glacier or the vibrant city of Christchurch as a base for South Island explorations, perhaps even venturing towards the dark sky reserve near Lake Tekapo.

Essential Preparation Tips for Hiking in New Zealand

New Zealand's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Proper preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable trip.

1. Book in Advance:Huts and campsites on Great Walks (and many other popular tracks) require bookings, especially during the summer peak season (October to April).
2. Pack Layers:Be prepared for all four seasons in one day. Bring waterproof and windproof outer layers, warm mid-layers, and moisture-wicking base layers.
3. Sturdy Footwear:Good quality, broken-in hiking boots are essential for support and comfort on varied terrain.
4. Food & Water:Carry enough food for your trip and a means to purify water, as treated water is not always available at huts.
5. Safety First:Inform someone of your intentions and expected return time. Consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) for remote tracks. Check the DOC website for track conditions and weather forecasts before you go.
6. Leave No Trace:Pack out everything you pack in, respect wildlife, and stay on marked trails to protect New Zealand's precious natural environment.

Conclusion

New Zealand truly offers an unparalleled hiking experience, whether you're tackling one of the celebrated Great Walks or venturing onto a less-traveled multi-day tramp. With careful planning and respect for its pristine nature, you're guaranteed an unforgettable adventure amidst some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. Lace up your boots and discover the magic of Aotearoa on foot.