New Zealand is world-famous for its spectacular natural scenery and attractions. In the spirit of, ‘don’t leave town until you’ve seen the country’, it may be time to let your feet do the walking and appreciate some of our finest tracks.
About 1/3 of New Zealand is national parks, which is incredibly impressive in terms of preserving our natural heritage.
There are nine ‘Great Walks’ recognised by the Department of Conservation – how many have you done? Most of them take between two and six days to complete and can be walked with a guided party or as a private group. Generally, accommodation is fairly basic, in huts, but there are more luxurious options available on tours.
The Milford Track in Fiordland – New Zealand’s largest national park – is the most famous. The scenery is dramatic and steeped in Maori history. Bookings are necessary well in advance, for both independent and guided walks.
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track, in the South Island, has some of the most diverse scenery: forests, alpine flora, lakes, several waterfalls and panoramic views. The three-day trek covers 39km (24 miles).
The Kepler Track follows a four-day loop that begins and ends at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau.
Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track, in the northwestern corner of the South Island, is about 80km long, takes five days and is not demanding in terms of gradients. The track is accessible year round, but winter snows can make the higher sections less hospitable.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, at the top of the South Island, only requires light walking shoes for the 50km (31 miles) route lined with miles of golden beaches. Accommodation in huts and campsites must be arranged prior to departure.
Rakiura Track
The Rakiura track on Stewart Island is for serious wilderness explorers. It has the most birdlife, but least predictable weather and conditions. It is a three-day walk, made possible year-round by planked walkways.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit has dramatic volcanic scenery and is a loop track of three to four days, starting and finishing at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. Conditions mean the Tongariro circuit is best walked from late November to March. The Tongariro Crossing – one section of the circuit – is one of New Zealand’s most renowned day walks.
Lake Waikaremoana Track
Lake Waikaremoana is in one of the North Island’s most remote regions. The 46km (28 miles) track encircles the lake, a four to five-day walk. Apart from one day climbing a steep bluff, the track follows a leisurely path through a rainforest.
Included as one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Whanganui Journey is more correctly a 145km kayak or canoe journey down the Whanganui River. It begins in Taumaranui and takes about five days to complete.
Additional Information
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially in the mountains, and it is essential, even in summer, to carry warm, waterproof clothing. No hike should be undertaken without consulting a detailed guidebook and a map.
For any of the ‘Great Walks’, a pass is required for accommodation in huts, but permits or admission fees are not required for day walking. Passes are issued by the Department of Conservation.