Great Walks of New Zealand

New Zealand uncovered

Seeing is believing . . . come and discover a whole new world of Nature in all its raw and unspoilt beauty on each of these unique New Zealand walks. From coast to bush to desert to mountains: prepare for an unforgettable experience that will move you beyond worlds.Fiona Gilbertson

Table of Contents

Lake Waikaremoana...........................................................................................................................................2

Tongariro Northern Circuit.................................................................................................................................2

Whanganui Journey............................................................................................................................................3

Abel Tasman Coast Track....................................................................................................................................3

About the Track..............................................................................................................................................3

Heaphy Track......................................................................................................................................................3

About the Heaphy Track.................................................................................................................................3

Routeburne Track...............................................................................................................................................4

'Beautiful beyond words'................................................................................................................................4

Milford Track......................................................................................................................................................4

'The finest walk in the world'..........................................................................................................................4

Kepler Track........................................................................................................................................................5

'An adventure above the clouds'....................................................................................................................5

Rakiura Track......................................................................................................................................................5

Great WalksTake a walk, a Great Walk, through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

New Zealand's nine Great Walks are premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery. From native forests, lakes and rivers to rugged mountain peaks, deep gorges and vast valleys...there's a Great Walk for everyone!

Great Walks tracks are well formed and easy to follow. While most people prefer to explore on their own terms, guided trips offer a bit more comfort. Great Walks are accessible from major towns that are well serviced by local operators and accommodation and transport providers.

Lake Waikaremoana

Trace the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana, the 'sea of rippling waters.' Pass giant podocarp trees and remote beaches, and enjoy breathtaking views from Panekire Bluff.

The Lake Waikaremoana track is 46 km and takes 3 - 4 days to walk. It is well formed and well marked, although in many places more rugged than other Great Walks, and all rivers and major streams are bridged. It is suitable for trampers of moderate fitness and limited experience.

Located in the Te Urewera National Park in the east of the North Island, the nearest towns are Wairoa, Gisborne and Rotorua.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Winding its way around the active volcanoes Tongariro and Ngauruhoe is the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. See active volcanic craters, brilliant blue lakes, steaming geothermal areas and glacial valleys in this Dual World Heritage Area.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit is 43.1 km and takes 3 - 4 days to walk. It is well formed and well marked, and in summer is suitable for people with moderate fitness and limited experience.

Located in Tongariro National Park in the central North Island, the nearest towns are National Park

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Village, Turangi, Ohakune and Waioura, in addition to Whakapapa Village - the main entrance point.

Volcanic hazard remains in the Active Volcanic Hazard Zone on the northern side of Mount Tongariro. Observe the warning signs in place.

Whanganui Journey

Drift down the Wanganui River in a canoe or kayak through a landscape of lush green hills and bush clad valleys. Experience the remote scenic beauty, history and cultural significance of the river to local Maori.

The 145 km river journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki usually takes 5 days to complete. A shorter 3 day journey from Whakahoro to Pipiriki is also possible.

Located in the Whanganui National Park in the south-west of the North Island, the nearest towns are Whanganui, Taumarunui and Ohakune.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

About the Track

The Abel Tasman Coast Track, located in Abel Tasman National Park on South Island’s northern shores. The Coast Track is a Great Walk and extends for 54.4 km. All streams are

bridged but there are tidal crossings which can only be crossed within a few hours either side of low tide. The track takes an average of three to five days to complete and can be walked from either end.

There are huts and campsites where you can stay for a fee. Bookings are required. There is no charge for day walks. Visitors can walk into the park from the road end carparks, catch water taxis to beaches along the track or kayak along the coast.

The nearest towns of Nelson, Motueka and Takaka have i-SITES, accommodation and shops catering for tramping and kayaking needs. Kaiteriteri has a petrol station, small grocery shop, accommodation and café. Marahau has accommodation, a shop and cafés. Takaka is the last place for petrol before Totaranui.

Heaphy Track

About the Heaphy Track

Pass through diverse landscapes from beautiful beech forest to expansive tussock grasslands, to lush forests, nikau palms and roaring seas.

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Rubbish: There are no rubbish facilities on the track. Trampers are reminded there is a pack-in pack-out policy for all rubbish. All rubbish must be removed.

The Heaphy Track is the longest of the 9 Great Walks at 78.4 km. It takes 4 - 6 days to walk. It is also possible to mountain bike the track between 1 May and 30 September. It takes 2 - 3 days to ride.

The track is well formed and well marked, and all rivers and major streams are bridged. It is suitable for trampers of moderate fitness and limited experience.

Located in the Kahurangi National Park at the north-west corner of the South Island, the nearest towns that cater for trampers and mountain bikers are Nelson, Takaka, Westport and Karamea.

Routeburne Track

'Beautiful beyond words'

Experience a walk of a lifetime on the Routeburn Track - a 32 km, 2-4 day track weaving through beech-forested valleys and alongside clear green rivers, glistening alpine lakes and breathtaking views from a mountain pass.

Feel close to nature as you cross New Zealand’s Southern Alps and pass through the incredible landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park.

The Routeburn Track is the perfect track for you, and your friends or family, if you love being amongst nature and want an exciting outdoors adventure on a track that has excellent facilities.

This is a Great Walk and offers a high standard of track and very comfortable, serviced huts as well as camping opportunities. During the winter months (May to October) the Routeburn Track remains open, but with reduced facilities.

Milford Track

'The finest walk in the world'

Experience the stunning grandeur of the Milford Track - a 53.5 km walk over 4 days in beautiful Fiordland National Park. 

You'll be awed by natural wonders while walking in a spectacular, wild and beautiful part of New Zealand. There are sheer ice-carved valleys from a mountain pass, refreshing mountain rivers, peaceful forests and cascading waterfalls.

This is a Great Walk and offers a high standard of track with very comfortable serviced huts. During

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the winter months (May to October) the Milford Track remains open, but with reduced facilities.

Kepler Track

'An adventure above the clouds'

The Kepler Track is a 60 km, 3-4 day loop track taking you from the gentle, beech-forested shores of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri to the tussocky alpine tops and grand Mt

Luxmore. Your reward for the hill climb is a long section above bushline with marvellous panoramic views of the Kepler Mountains on one side, and lakes, rivers and hanging valleys on the other.

The Kepler Track is an excellent track for you and your family and friends, especially if you love the outdoors, want an adventure with a bit of a physical challenge that is not too hard to get to and has excellent facilities.

This is a Great Walk and offers a high standard of track and very comfortable, serviced huts as well as

camping opportunities. During the winter months (May to October) the Kepler Track remains open, but with reduced facilities.

Rakiura Track

Just a 20 minute flight from Invercargill or an hour by ferry from Bluff, Stewart Island/Rakiura is home to New Zealand’s most southerly and newest national park, Rakiura National Park, and the Rakiura Track.

Although the Rakiura Track is a 32 km tramping track, suitable for anyone with moderate fitness, the entire circuit is actually 39 km in total, including road walking. It takes three days, provides a good introduction to the scenery of Stewart Island and is suitable for tramping all year round.

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