New Zealand’s natural beauty is unparalleled. From its majestic mountains, lush rainforests, pristine lakes, and beaches, it’s a place where Mother Nature truly shows off her best assets. If you’re eager to experience it all, it’s time to head out on one of the country’s Great Walks.

In New Zealand, whether you’re discovering your inner athlete or wish to immerse yourself in some of the world’s most remarkable nature, you can explore in peace at your own pace. Here are a few of New Zealand’s most stunning walks to consider for your next adventure on foot.

The Milford Track

The “Lord of the Rings” often comes up when I mention that I’m from New Zealand. People are captivated by the scenery and often ask, “Does it really look like that?” The answer is yes, especially on the Milford Track where the filming took place.

This track is arguably the country’s most famous walk and has been a hiker’s favorite for over 150 years, attracting fans like Sir Edmund Hillary. The 33-mile walking track begins at Lake Te Anau and traverses through Fiordland National Park, ultimately arriving at the magnificent Milford Sound (over the course of four days). The scenery resembles a painting by Monet, featuring majestic snow-capped mountains, ancient rainforests, the highest waterfall in New Zealand, and sapphire blue waters, entirely untouched by man-made roads. While both novices and seasoned hikers can enjoy the track, it is not recommended for children under the age of ten.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

With its golden beaches, lush native bush, and azure-blue lagoons, the Abel Tasman is considered New Zealand’s finest coastal walk. Nestled on the northern shores of the South Island, the climate is mild and the landscapes are idyllic. Unlike many other hiking trails, this one is highly accessible, with tour operators offering a variety of ways to experience it depending on your desired duration and ability.

Visitors can choose from a multi-day, lodge-based walk, a full-day trip, a half-day trip, or even a guided tour lasting as little as 30 minutes by taking a water taxi. Many individuals also combine walking with guided kayaking or cruises. If you opt to hike the entire track on foot, it takes an estimated five days and covers 32 miles, with minimal elevation, making it appropriate for families with young children and individuals of differing fitness levels.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

You might feel as if you’ve landed on another planet while experiencing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, surrounded by moon-like red craters, emerald-colored lakes, and thermal vents. This unique volcanic landscape draws over 125,000 visitors annually (during normal times).

Situated within the Tongariro National Park, this area is recognized as a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike requires a moderate level of mobility and is quite challenging, taking a full day (approximately eight hours) to complete. Visitors can choose to walk in either direction, though most begin at Mangatepopo Valley, starting at 1,120 meters and ascending to a peak of 1,868 meters. The panoramic views from the summit extend across Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, Ruapehu, and even Mount Taranaki in the distance. As an active crater, it’s essential to check GeoNet for any volcanic activity before embarking on the hike.

Rangitoto Summit Track

Rangitoto is a striking landmark of Auckland and often appears in paintings and local landscape photography. It is the largest of the city’s 48 dormant volcanoes, located right in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf, providing panoramic 360-degree views from the Waitakere Ranges in the west to the Hunua Ranges in the east. This island is also home to the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest, featuring magnificent trees with crimson flowers and serving as a sanctuary for endangered native birds.

Visitors can reach Rangitoto by taking a ferry from downtown Auckland or Devonport, which takes just over 20 minutes. For the adventurous, kayaking from Takapuna Beach is another option. Upon arrival at Rangitoto Wharf, travelers can embark on a well-constructed path leading to the summit, which is 4.3 miles long and features a gradual incline that takes roughly two hours to complete. Please note that there are no amenities on the island, including bathrooms or running water, so it is essential to prepare beforehand.

Roy’s Peak

Before the pandemic, Roy’s Peak attracted so many visitors that long queues developed at the classic top-of-the-mountain viewpoint. There are now 73,000 posts with the hashtag #royspeak on Instagram.

Couples have been known to helicopter in for wedding photos; however, if you’re planning on hiking to the summit, a high level of fitness is essential. During the winter months, hikers must be equipped with ice axes and crampons.

The journey commences from the Roy’s Peak Track parking lot on Mount Aspiring Road. However, parking is limited, so taking public transportation or biking to the starting point is advisable. The track leads through 10 miles of untouched alpine meadows, ascending to an elevation of 1578 meters, offering surreal views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring. It is worth mentioning that the trail is closed for ‘lambing’ from October through November 10 each year. Even during summer, temperatures can drop, necessitating proper clothing.

Mount Maunganui Summit Walk

Climbing to the summit of “The Mount,” as locals refer to it, is comparable to reaching the pinnacle of Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, frequently resulting in picturesque Instagram posts showcasing the breathtaking view. This journey usually takes about 40 minutes, with two scenic tracks featuring well-constructed staircases leading to the 232-meter summit.

At the top, you’ll find picnic tables where you can pause, enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful coastline. Once finished, consider taking a refreshing swim at the beach below and reveling in the relaxed lifestyle typical of a Kiwi summer playground.

Routeburn Track

Deep in the Southern Alps lies the Routeburn Track, connecting Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. The track is famed for its breathtaking natural scenery, including waterfalls, moss-laden forests, lofty mountain peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. Completing the hike generally takes between two and four days and can be trekked in either direction, with one trailhead situated at Routeburn Shelter (near Glenorchy, where the revered Blanket Bay resort is found) and the other at The Divide, close to Te Anau.

This hike demands a solid level of fitness as it features steep and undulating terrain, reaching an elevation of 1,255 meters above sea level at its highest point. Notably, there is a high risk of avalanches from May to September, hence it is advisable to visit during New Zealand’s summer months (ideally between November and March) for a safer experience.

Hooker Valley Track

The Hooker Valley Track offers a fantastic day-hike opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. This alpine terrain is primarily flat, featuring a well-maintained path, with boardwalks designed to safeguard the fragile ecosystem.

This track is located in Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury, home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki-Mount Cook, soaring at 3,724 meters. The leisurely walk spans three hours and covers a distance of 6.2 miles, crossing three sets of swing bridges where breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and towering mountain ranges await. During the summer, wildflowers adorn the valley floor, creating picturesque photo opportunities. The track incorporates avalanche safety measures, so it’s important to stay on the designated path.

Rakiura Track

Located at the southernmost point of New Zealand, the Rakiura Track offers a leisurely hike in a tranquil natural setting filled with beautiful beaches, dense bush, and rich birdlife. As you walk, keep an eye out for a Kiwi, which is New Zealand’s national symbol.

This 20-mile loop track takes three days to complete and can be accessed via a one-hour ferry from Bluff or a 30-minute flight from Invercargill. Similar to the Abel Tasman, various sections of the walk can be completed with a water taxi. A popular approach is to take a Rakiura Charters water taxi to Port William Wharf and then walk to Lee Bay, which takes approximately four hours and passes a former Maori Beach sawmill settlement. From Lee Bay, you can either continue along the road or take a taxi back to Halfmoon Bay.

Lake Waikaremoana Track

Guests can anticipate lush rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, and ethereal mist-covered valleys along the Lake Waikaremoana Track. This track houses the largest area of native forest on the North Island and nearly every species of native bird, providing a glimpse into the thriving avian culture formerly present in New Zealand.

The hike primarily follows the lake’s shores, covering 28.5 miles and taking 3 to 4 days to complete. Options for shorter walks or exploring the lake by kayak or canoe are also available.

Getting to New Zealand

New Zealand is set to reopen to travelers from visa waiver countries on May 1. For comprehensive flight information, please check airnewzealand.co.nz.