Walking and hiking in New Zealand – from easy walks to world-class great walks
Walking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience New Zealand.
From coastal paths and native forest to volcanic landscapes and alpine passes, the country offers an extraordinary range of walking and hiking experiences. Some walks can be enjoyed in under an hour, while others unfold over several days through remote and dramatic terrain.
Whether you’re looking for an easy scenic walk, a challenging day hike, or a multi-day journey on one of the world-class Great Walks, walking in New Zealand allows you to slow down, explore deeply, and connect with the landscape in a way few other experiences can.
Walking and hiking in New Zealand cover a wide range of experiences, shaped by landscape, distance, terrain, and time
At one end are short, easy walks – coastal tracks, forest paths, volcanic cones, and lakeside routes that can be enjoyed in an hour or two. These walks are often close to towns and cities and are ideal for casual exploration, families, and travellers fitting walking into a broader itinerary.
Easy walks & short hikes
Moving along the spectrum are day hikes and overnight walks. These routes typically travel further, climb higher, or pass through more remote terrain. They offer a deeper sense of immersion while remaining achievable for many walkers with reasonable fitness and preparation.
At the far end are multi-day hikes, including New Zealand’s world-class Great Walks. These journeys unfold over several days, crossing alpine passes, remote valleys, beaches, and backcountry landscapes, with nights spent in huts or lodges along the way.
Together, these experiences make New Zealand one of the most diverse walking destinations in the world.
The Great Walks of New Zealand
New Zealand’s Great Walks are a set of premier multi-day hiking experiences recognised for their spectacular scenery and well-maintained tracks. These routes traverse coastline, forests, alpine terrain, volcanic landscapes, and remote wilderness, offering some of the most iconic walking in the country.
- Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk (North Island)
- Tongariro Northern Circuit (North Island)
- Whanganui Journey (North Island)
- Abel Tasman Coast Track (South Island)
- Heaphy Track (South Island)
- Paparoa Track (South Island)
- Routeburn Track (South Island)
- Milford Track (South Island)
- Kepler Track (South Island)
- Hump Ridge Track (South Island)
- Rakiura Track (Stewart Island)
Walking and Hiking in New Zealand - FAQs
What is walking and hiking like in New Zealand?
Walking and hiking in New Zealand range from short, easy scenic walks to multi-day wilderness treks. Tracks pass through coastal landscapes, native forest, volcanic terrain, alpine regions, and remote backcountry. Some walks are well maintained and accessible, while others require experience, preparation, and awareness of changing conditions.
What are the Great Walks of New Zealand?
The Great Walks are New Zealand’s officially recognised multi-day hiking tracks, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). They showcase some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, including Fiordland, Abel Tasman, Tongariro National Park, the West Coast, and Stewart Island. Most Great Walks take between three and six days to complete.
The 11 Great Walks of New Zealand are:
- Abel Tasman Coast Track, Nelson/ Tasman
- Heaphy Track, West Coast
- Hump Ridge Track, Fiordland
- Kepler Track, Fiordland
- Lake Waikaremoana Track, East Coast
- Milford Track, Fiordland
- Paparoa Track, West Coast
- Rakiura Track, Southland
- Routeburn Track, Otago, Fiordland
- Tongariro Northern Circuit, Central North Island
- Whanganui Journey, Manawatu, Whanganui
How many Great Walks are there in New Zealand?
There are 11 official Great Walks in New Zealand. They are spread across the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, and include a mix of hiking tracks and one river journey.
Is walking in New Zealand suitable for beginners?
Do I need to be very fit to hike in New Zealand?
Not always. Fitness requirements vary widely depending on the walk. Short walks and many day hikes require only a basic level of fitness, while multi-day hikes and alpine routes require greater endurance, experience, and preparation. Choosing a walk that matches your ability is important.
Can I walk year-round in New Zealand?
Walking is possible year-round, but conditions vary by region, elevation, and season. Summer and autumn are popular for multi-day hikes, while winter can bring snow, ice, and alpine hazards in higher areas. Many short walks and coastal tracks remain accessible throughout the year.
What is the difference between walking and hiking in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, “walking” often refers to shorter, easier tracks, while “hiking” usually describes longer or more physically demanding routes. The terms are often used interchangeably, and both can include everything from casual strolls to challenging backcountry treks.
Are guided walks necessary in New Zealand?
Guided walks are not required, but they are an option. Some people choose guided walks for convenience, safety, or local knowledge, while others prefer self-guided or independent walking experiences. Both approaches are common across New Zealand.
Where should I start if I want to walk in New Zealand?
A good starting point is to consider how much time you have, your fitness level, and the type of landscape you want to explore. Short walks are ideal for first-time visitors, while day hikes and Great Walks offer deeper immersion. This section helps you explore walking options across New Zealand.
What are the best places to walk in New Zealand?
Some of the most popular walking destinations include Fiordland, Abel Tasman, Tongariro National Park, the West Coast, the Central North Island, and coastal regions throughout the country. New Zealand also has many lesser-known local walks worth exploring.
How do I choose the right walk for me?
Choosing the right walk depends on your experience, fitness, available time, and comfort with changing weather and terrain. Short walks and day hikes suit most visitors, while multi-day hikes require more planning. This site provides information to help you compare and explore different walking options.
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Walking in New Zealand, at a glance
- Walks range from short scenic paths to multi-day wilderness hikes
- Landscapes include coast, forest, volcanoes, alpine passes, and beaches
- Many walks are well-formed, others are remote and weather-dependent
- Options exist for all fitness levels and timeframes
This quietly reassures first-timers without talking down to them.