The Great Walks
 The Great Walks include most of New Zealand’s famous walking tracks. On average, these take three to four days to complete, guided or unguided.
For those walking independently, accommodation options along the track include communal huts and camping areas. Pre-paid huts are usually spaced about
four to five hours apart. They contain bunks, water and often cooking facilities. Most of the major walks in New Zealand can be walked as freedom or
guided walks. Freedom walking means carrying all equipment including food and sleeping equipment. On guided walks, hikers carry a light daypack and all
meals and overnight accommodation are provided. A number of walks and huts now operate on a booking system to keep visitors numbers to an acceptable
level.
Further Information
Great Walks Booking Desk
Fax +64 3 2498 515
Email greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz
Abel Tasman
In New Zealand's smallest National Park, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a 51-kilometre (31-mile) easy to moderate walking track that passes through
coastal forests and golden sandy beaches. All streams are bridged and most people can walk it in 3-5 days.
Further information:
Abel Tasman National Park Experiences
Phone +64 3 528 7801
Fax +64 3 528 6087
Email info@abeltasman.co.nz
Heaphy Track
Although long, at 82km (50 miles), the Heaphy Track is an ideal walking track for most people, being well formed with all streams and rivers bridged.
It is suitable for families. It crosses a range of landscapes in Kahurangi National Park, from the junction of the Brown and Aorere Rivers, over expansive
tussock downs to the lush forests and roaring seas of the West Coast in the South Island.
Kepler Track
A 67-kilometre (42-mile), u-shaped moderate walking track in Fiordland National Park, which takes three to four days to complete. The Kepler crosses
lake edges, beech forest, alpine ranges and a glacial valley.
Lake Waikaremoana Track
The Lake Waikaremoana Track is situated in the Te Urewera National Park in the North Island. The 46 km (28 mile) track takes around three days hiking
and is of moderate difficulty. The area has spiritual significance to Maori, with several areas held sacred by the Tuhoe and Ruapani iwi (tribes). There
are more than 650 varieties of native plants in the area, and a wealth of bird life including kaka, kakariki, morepork and the New Zealand robin. Native
bats - the long and short-tailed - are both present in the park.
Further information:
Aniwaniwa Visitors Centre
Phone +64 6 837 3900
Fax +64 6 837 3722
Email urewerainfo@doc.govt.nz
Milford Track
Described as ‘the finest walk in the world’, the track extends for 54 kilometres (33 miles) from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, to Sandfly
Point near Milford Sound. It is renowned for its glacial carved valleys, rainforest, alpine flowers and waterfalls and is open November to April. A medium-high
level of fitness is required.
Ultimate Hikes - Guided walks
As well as full walks, Ultimate Hikes offer Encounter day walks for those short on time. They also have the Ultimate Hike, which is a combination of
the Milford and Routeburn.
Further information:
Ultimate Hikes
Phone +64 3 441 1138
Fax +64 3 441 1124
Email info@milfordtrack.co.nz
Rakiura Track
A 29-kilometre (18 mile) three-day hiking track in the remote wilderness of Stewart Island, at the bottom of the South Island, Rakiura is suitable for
anyone with moderate fitness and can be walked year round. The Rakiura track offers the chance to see kiwi in their natural environment, plus many other
native birds and sea life. The tracks are well formed and easy walking, but the weather can be inclement. This area is New Zealand’s newest National
Park.
Further information:
Stewart Island Information Centre
Phone +64 3 219 0009
Fax +64 3 219 0003
Email stewartislandfc@doc.govt.nz
Kiwi Wilderness Walks
Phone +6421 359 592
Fax +64 3 442 8342
Email kiwiwalks@nzwalk.com
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn track is a 32-kilometre (20 mile), two to three day moderate hiking track which links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks via
the Harris Saddle (1277 metres or 4190 feet). Features of the track include waterfalls, forested valleys, rich bird life, lakes and spectacular mountain
scenery. You travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy to begin the walk, which ends in Milford, or start it at the Divide on the Milford/Te Anau Highway and
travel the other way. Can be walked easily unguided. Open November to April.
Further information:
Ultimate Hikes
Phone + 64 3 442 8200
Fax +64 3 442 6072
Email info@routeburn.co.nz
Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit in the central North Island winds its way over volcanic Mount Tongariro and around Mount Ngauruhoe. This walk passes
through unique and stunning landforms that include volcanic craters and glacial valleys.
Further information:
Whakapapa Visitor Centre
Phone +64 7 892 3729
Email whakapapavc@doc.govt.nz
Other Articles: Walking & Hiking in NZ
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