New Zealand's Great Walks are among the most spectacular multi-day hiking experiences on the planet. These 10 iconic trails showcase the country's diverse landscapes, from alpine peaks and ancient rainforests to volcanic terrain and pristine coastlines. Whether you're a seasoned tramper or planning your first multi-day adventure, this comprehensive guide will help you prepare for New Zealand's most celebrated walking tracks.
What Are the Great Walks?
The Great Walks are a collection of New Zealand's premier walking tracks, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). These trails offer well-maintained paths, comfortable huts, and unforgettable scenery. Each walk provides a unique experience, from the dramatic fiords of Fiordland to the geothermal wonders of Tongariro.
The 10 Great Walks of New Zealand
1. Milford Track - "The Finest Walk in the World"
- Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island
- Distance: 53.5 km (33 miles)
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
Often called the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track takes you through pristine rainforest, past thundering waterfalls, and over the spectacular Mackinnon Pass. The trail ends at the iconic Milford Sound, where towering peaks rise from the sea.
Highlights: Sutherland Falls (580m drop), Mackinnon Pass views, Clinton Valley rainforest
2. Routeburn Track - Alpine Splendor
- Location: Mount Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks, South Island
- Distance: 32 km (20 miles)
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Routeburn Track offers stunning alpine scenery, with panoramic views from Harris Saddle and the Conical Hill side trip. This track connects two World Heritage Areas and showcases New Zealand's Southern Alps at their finest.
Highlights: Key Summit views, Harris Lake, Routeburn Falls
3. Tongariro Northern Circuit - Volcanic Wonderland
- Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island
- Distance: 43 km (27 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Circle the active volcanic peaks of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings). This track includes the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often rated as New Zealand's best day hike.
Highlights: Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, Blue Lake, volcanic landscapes
4. Abel Tasman Coast Track - Coastal Paradise
- Location: Abel Tasman National Park, South Island
- Distance: 60 km (37 miles)
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Walk along golden beaches, through native forest, and past turquoise bays in New Zealand's smallest national park. This is the most accessible Great Walk, with water taxi options allowing flexible itineraries.
Highlights: Awaroa Beach, Split Apple Rock, Tonga Island seal colony
5. Heaphy Track - Coast to Coast
- Location: Kahurangi National Park, South Island
- Distance: 78.4 km (49 miles)
- Duration: 4-6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
Journey from dense native forest through alpine tussock lands to the wild West Coast beaches. The Heaphy Track offers incredible biodiversity and is one of New Zealand's longest Great Walks.
Highlights: Nikau palms, Heaphy River, West Coast sunsets
6. Kepler Track - Mountain Circuit
- Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island
- Distance: 60 km (37 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
A loop track starting and ending in Te Anau, the Kepler Track takes you above the treeline for spectacular ridge-top walking with 360-degree views of Fiordland's mountains and lakes.
Highlights: Luxmore Summit, Lake Te Anau views, limestone bluffs
7. Lake Waikaremoana Track - Forest and Lake
- Location: Te Urewera, North Island
- Distance: 46 km (29 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
Circle the shores of Lake Waikaremoana through ancient podocarp forest. This track offers a more remote Great Walk experience with stunning lake views and rich Māori history.
Highlights: Panekiri Bluff sunrise, Korokoro Falls, lake swimming
8. Whanganui Journey - River Adventure
- Location: Whanganui National Park, North Island
- Distance: 145 km (90 miles) by canoe/kayak
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate (paddling experience recommended)
The only Great Walk done by canoe or kayak, the Whanganui Journey follows the historic Whanganui River through pristine native forest and past historic Māori settlements.
Highlights: Bridge to Nowhere, Māori cultural sites, river gorges
9. Rakiura Track - Stewart Island Wilderness
- Location: Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island
- Distance: 32 km (20 miles)
- Duration: 3 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
Experience New Zealand's southernmost Great Walk on remote Stewart Island. The Rakiura Track offers coastal forest, beaches, and excellent birdwatching opportunities, including the chance to spot kiwi in the wild.
Highlights: Paterson Inlet views, native birdlife, remote beaches
10. Paparoa Track - Newest Great Walk
- Location: Paparoa National Park, South Island
- Distance: 55 km (34 miles)
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
New Zealand's newest Great Walk (opened 2019) combines mountain biking and hiking options. Experience limestone karst landscapes, the Pororari River gorge, and stunning coastal views.
Highlights: Pororari River, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, alpine views
Essential Gear for the Great Walks
Proper equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable Great Walk experience. Here's what you'll need:
Footwear
Quality hiking boots are essential for multi-day treks. Look for waterproof boots with good ankle support and grippy soles for New Zealand's varied terrain.
Clothing
New Zealand weather is notoriously changeable. Pack:
- Merino wool base layers for temperature regulation
- Waterproof rain jacket and pants
- Warm insulation layer (fleece or down)
- Quick-dry hiking pants
- Warm hat and gloves (even in summer for alpine tracks)
Backpack
A 40-65L backpack is ideal for multi-day walks. Choose one with good hip support to carry your gear comfortably.
Sleeping Gear
Most Great Walk huts provide mattresses, but you'll need:
- Sleeping bag (3-season rated)
- Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth
- Small pillow or stuff sack filled with clothes
Navigation & Safety
- Detailed trail map and compass
- Personal locator beacon (PLB) for remote tracks
- First aid kit
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water purification tablets or filter
Other Essentials
- Trekking poles for knee support on descents
- Insect repellent (sandflies are fierce!)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cooking gear (if huts don't provide)
- Plenty of high-energy snacks
Booking Your Great Walk
Peak Season (October - April)
Most Great Walks require advance booking during the peak season. Huts and campsites can book out months in advance, especially for popular tracks like Milford and Routeburn.
How to Book
- Book through the DOC website (www.doc.govt.nz)
- Bookings open in early winter for the following summer season
- Book as early as possible for popular tracks
Costs
- Hut fees range from $32-$70 NZD per night
- Camping fees are typically $14-$22 NZD per night
- Annual Hut Passes don't cover Great Walk huts
Off-Season (May - September)
Some Great Walks operate on a first-come, first-served basis in winter, with reduced fees. However, alpine tracks may be closed due to snow and avalanche risk.
Best Time to Walk
Summer (December - February)
- Warmest weather and longest days
- Most crowded period
- Best for alpine tracks like Tongariro and Routeburn
- Book well in advance
Autumn (March - May)
- Fewer crowds
- Stable weather
- Beautiful autumn colors
- Still warm enough for most tracks
Winter (June - August)
- Quietest period
- Some tracks closed (Tongariro, Routeburn)
- Lower altitude tracks like Abel Tasman still accessible
- Cheaper accommodation
Spring (September - November)
- Wildflowers blooming
- Increasing daylight
- Variable weather
- Good shoulder season option
Training and Fitness
The Great Walks vary in difficulty, but all require a reasonable level of fitness. Here's how to prepare:
3 Months Before
- Start regular cardio exercise (walking, running, cycling)
- Aim for 3-4 sessions per week
- Gradually increase duration and intensity
6 Weeks Before
- Add hill training with a weighted backpack
- Practice walking on uneven terrain
- Build up to 4-6 hour walks
2 Weeks Before
- Taper training to avoid fatigue
- Break in your hiking boots completely
- Test all your gear on day hikes
Safety Tips
- Check Weather Forecasts: New Zealand weather changes rapidly. Always check forecasts before departing.
- Tell Someone Your Plans: Register your intentions with DOC or a trusted contact.
- Respect Track Closures: If a track is closed due to weather or hazards, don't attempt it.
- Carry Emergency Supplies: Even on well-maintained tracks, be prepared for emergencies.
- Know Your Limits: Choose a track that matches your fitness and experience level.
- River Crossings: Never cross flooded rivers. Wait for water levels to drop.
Sustainable Tramping
Help preserve New Zealand's pristine wilderness:
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all rubbish
- Stay on Track: Prevent erosion by sticking to marked trails
- Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance, never feed animals
- Use Hut Facilities: Properly dispose of waste in provided facilities
- Biosecurity: Clean boots between tracks to prevent spreading kauri dieback and other diseases
Conclusion
New Zealand's Great Walks offer some of the world's most spectacular multi-day hiking experiences. From the dramatic fiords of Milford Track to the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro, each walk provides a unique adventure through pristine wilderness.
With proper preparation, the right gear, and respect for the environment, your Great Walk will be an unforgettable journey through Aotearoa's most beautiful landscapes. Start planning your adventure today, and experience why these tracks are considered among the finest walks on Earth.
Ready to gear up for your Great Walk adventure? Browse our complete range of hiking boots, backpacks, outdoor clothing, and camping equipment to ensure you're fully prepared for New Zealand's premier walking tracks.