New Zealand's Great Walks – Choosing the Right Track for You

Lake Waikaremoana

If you’re after untouched goblin forests dripping with moss, swims on remote lake shorelines, spectacular vistas over forested inlets, and a rich tapestry of spiritual indigenous history – then you’d best tackle the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk. In the heart of the North Island’s Te Urewera National Park, home to the Tuhoe people or ‘Children of the Mist’, this 46km (28 mile) track is 3-4 days of wonderment. Wildlife includes kiwi, kokako, kaka, falcon and the whio or blue duck. The weather is mild in summer but can turn cold at any time, and in winter frost, snow and winds are a given. Freedom walking this track is an option, but we recommend a guided tour that includes all meals as well as lodging in Department of Conservation huts.

See the full Lake Waikaremoana Itinerary here.

Tongariro Northern Circuit:

Just 3.5 hours’ drive from Auckland, this 3-4 day trek covers 43km (26.7 miles) and three volcanoes, showcasing an awe-inspiring landscape – everything from alpine meadows to volcanic wonderland, from emerald lakes to dense native forest. Rare bird species include the North Island brown kiwi, kaka, blue duck, North Island fernbird and New Zealand falcon, and there are even short or long-tailed bats. The region that this walk winds through also played a starring role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy – if you’re a fan, you may recognise Lonely Mountain and Mount Doom. Being an alpine area, the safest, most popular time to go is late October until late April, but cold, snow, winds and rain can arrive at any time of the year. Winter is for expert back-country hikers only. Freedom walking is also an option here, but a guided walking tour ensures everything is taken care of – so you can focus on soaking up the scenery.

See the full Tongariro Northern Circuit Itinerary Here.

Whanganui River Journey

The Whanganui Journey is a truly remote experience in the lower central North Island. Paddle a canoe through deep, soulful waters with natural stone banks towering either side; navigate mysterious eddies, and float down peaceful long straights. You’ll encounter caves, overhangs, and pristine native forest while listening to the birdsong of tui, bellbird, fantail and more; all in an area so rich in Maori history you can almost feel the stories. Covering up to 145 kilometres (90 miles) and completed over 3-5 days, you can undertake the journey by kayak or double-canoe with your gear stowed in barrels, and stay either in cozy huts (one of them is also a marae) or camp nearby. Take wet weather gear and warm clothes! You can ‘freedom paddle’ yourself, renting canoes from local operators, or do this as part of a tour.

See the Full Whanganui River Journey Itinerary

Abel Tasman Coast Track:

Three to five days of lush forests, azure seas, glittering sands, and tidal flats at the top of the South Island, Abel Tasman is one of the best walks for summer activities! Spend your days walking, snorkeling and swimming, surrounded by rainforest, golden sands, and turquoise waters – at night you can even spot glow-worms. Tui, bellbirds, cormorants, fur seals, little blue penguins, and dolphins can all be seen along the way. Half-day, full-day or multi-day options are available – there are water taxis and buses to take you between points on the track. The Abel Tasman is mostly warm and dry but is very changeable so do come prepared. Most popular is October to April but it can be walked anytime. Choose to freedom walk this trail, or take an all-inclusive guided tour.

See the full Abel Tasman Coastal Track Itinerary 

Heaphy Track:

The Heaphy Track is the gentlest New Zealand Great Walk to freedom walk, running from Golden Bay to the West Coast of the South Island. Over 4-6 days it traverses high tussock land and alpine meadows, with views of mountains covered with ancient beech forests, down to rata-filled lowlands on the coast with palm-fringed, roaring surf beaches. There are seven huts and nine campsites to choose from or simply do day walks from either end. From May 1 until September 30, you can even mountain bike the track in 2-3 days! Rich wildlife includes kaka and kea parrots, moreporks, whio, robins, cuckoos, kingfishers, weka, pukeko, stilts, godwits, terns, oystercatchers, shags, herons, and on occasion, kiwi. The weather is most settled in autumn, but wild weather can arrive at any time of the year, so be prepared.

Milford Track:

Rugged and renowned, the Milford Track in Fiordland is all about sheer canyons, waterfalls, glittering alpine tarns and awe-inspiring views. Completed over 4-5 days and 53.5 kilometres (33 miles) in length, you’ll finish up in the iconic Milford Sound. This area experiences a huge amount of rainfall – more than 200 days a year – so do come prepared, but thank the rain for those exquisite mosses, lush rainforest and spectacular waterfalls flowing from sheer cliffs. Choose to freedom walk this track or take an all-inclusive guided tour.

See the Milford Track Freedom Walk Itinerary

See the Fully Guided Milford Track in a Self Drive Itinerary

Kepler Track:

The Kepler Track is a 60km (37 mile) circular track that over 3-4 days meanders through pristine Fiordland beech forests, along the shores of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, and tussock-covered hills that offer views like no other – postcard panoramas of mountains, deep ancient valleys, and lakes that will take your breath away. Bellbirds, tomtits, grey warblers, fantails, chaffinches, whio, and even kiwi can be spotted along the way. The weather is highly changeable year-round, so pack accordingly. Winter hiking is snow-covered and only for the experienced. Freedom walk this track – it’s likely you’ll have many parts all to yourself.

Routeburn Track:

Another piece of Fiordland magic, the Routeburn Track is home to ice-carved valleys, beech forest, and incredible vistas, with the added interest of an alpine wetland with tarns and tiny wildflowers. There’s also the chance to see the rare mohua or yellowhead, a tiny native songbird, as well as kea, fantails, and bellbirds. Tick the Routeburn off your list either as a freedom walk or a guided tour.

Rakiura Track:

Rakiura, or Stewart Island, is a 3-day freedom walking circuit where you’ll find true tranquillity, rugged yet golden beaches, isolated island life and lush walks through inland forest. But the real drawcard of Stewart Island is the birdlife – you’ll enjoy a rich cacophony of diverse birdsong along the way! And while seeing a kiwi on the other New Zealand Great Walks is a rare privilege, on Stewart Island, it’s almost run of the mill, with the kiwi here often foraging during daylight hours. The Rakiura Track can be walked all year round. While in summer it can be pleasantly warm during the day, bitter cold and rain can easily set in so do go prepared. There are two huts on the truck and many campsites.  

Inspired? Choose the track or tracks that appeal to you, then get in touch with us here at First Light Travel. We’re New Zealand travel specialists, and we love nothing more than putting together an unforgettable New Zealand hiking vacation that’s tailor-made for you.

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