New Zealand has many great hiking tracks, the diversity of which will astound. Following is a brief description of what I consider to be the best walks in New Zealand. The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) maintains all the tracks, as well as managing bookings etc. The links provided will take you directly to the track of interest on the DOC website so you can find up to date information easily.

Another great resource for information on New Zealand’s walking tracks is www.tramper.co.nz This site has great articles written by travelers like yourself about their experiences. Several articles are available on each track.

Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is a 32km (20 miles), two or three day, moderate tramping track which links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks via the Harris Saddle. Features of the track include waterfalls, forested valleys, rich bird life, lakes and spectacular mountain scenery. This is the track we do on our Best of the South Island tour.

Milford Track
The Milford Track extends 54km (33 miles) from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, to Sandfly Point near Milford Sound. It is renowned for its glacially carved valleys, alpine flowers and waterfalls. Allow 5 days to complete the Milford Track, however there is no walking on the 5th day.

Abel Tasman Coastal Track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a 51km (31 miles), easy to moderate walking track that passes through a picturesque landscape of coastal forests and golden sandy beaches. All streams are bridged and most people can walk it in 3 – 5 days with plenty of time to explore.

Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track 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 sea to the West Coast. Taking from 3 – 5 days to complete, the Heaphy Track is a relatively easy walk, showcasing the geologically and biologically diverse north west corner of the South Island.

Tongariro Northern Circuit
Regarded by many as the best day walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Northern Circuit winds its way over Mt Tongariro and around Mt Ngauruhoe. This walk passes through unique and stunning landforms which include volcanic craters and glacial valleys. Most walkers take 7 – 8 hrs to complete this 13 kilometer (8 mile) track.

Queen Charlotte Walkway
The Queen Charlotte Walkway passes through lush coastal forest, historic bays, and along skyline ridges with unsurpassed view of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. The 71 kilometer (44 mile) track can be done in 3 – 5 days and explores the magnificent Marlborough Sounds region in the north of the South Island. The track can also be mountain biked from March 1st to November 30th each year.

Hump Ridge Track
The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is New Zealand’s newest DOC Track and is located at the south-eastern end of the Fiordland National Park within the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area on the southern coast of the South Island. The 53 kilometer (33 mile) circuit passes through world famous Waitutu coastal marine terraces, podocarp and beech forest, sub-alpine settings and spectacular sandstone outcrops. Walkers see unique wildlife such as seals, Hector dolphins and Keas.

Kepler Track
A 60 kilometer (37 mile), moderate walking track that takes three to four days to complete. Situated on the foot of Lake Te Anau, it traverses lake edges, beech forest, alpine mountain tops and a U-shaped glacial valley.