Take a walk, a Great Walk, through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes on premier walking tracks.
New Zealand's 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 transport providers. Book your New Zealand holiday rental today on Search and Stay and work your way through these top 10 great walks of New Zealand
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.
Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 46 km
Location: Te Urewera, east North Island
Closest towns: Wairoa, Gisborne, Rotorua
Start/Finish: This is one-way walk between Onepoto and Hopuruahine. Both ends are accessed by water taxi from Aniwaniwa.
Accommodation: Book your Rotorua holiday rental, Gisborne bach or Wairoa holiday accommodation in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Journey through dramatic (and active!) volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, native beech forests, alpine meadows and emerald-coloured lakes. Wind past Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.
Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 43 km
Location: Tongariro National Park, central North Island
Closest towns: National Park Village, Tūrangi, Ohakune, Waiouru
Start/Finish: This circuit walk starts and ends in Whakapapa Village.
Accommodation: Book your Whakapapa Village holiday accommodation in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Whanganui Journey
Paddle through a landscape of remote hills and bush clad valleys.
Duration: 3–5 days
Distance: 87 or 145 km
Location: Whanganui National Park, south-west North Island
Closest towns: Whanganui, Taumarunui, Ohakune
Start/ Finish: This river trip starts in Taumarunui or Whakahoro and ends in Pipiriki.
Accommodation: Book your Whanganui holiday accommodation in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Take in golden beaches, crystal clear waters and lush coastal forests. Walk the whole track or kayak between different locations.
Duration: 3–5 days
Distance: 60 km
Location: Abel Tasman National Park, north-west South Island
Closest towns: Nelson, Motueka, Takaka
Start/Finish: This is a one-way walk between Marahau and Totaranui or Wainui. Both ends are serviced by public transport and water taxis stop at the main beaches.
Accommodation: Book your Wainui holiday accommodation or Takaka holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track is partially closed and through trips are not currently possible. It is open at either end for 'in and out' trips. There are still great opportunities to explore this diverse landscape of beautiful beech forest, red tussocklands, ancient podocarps and nikau-fringed coastline.
Duration: 2–6 days, walking in and out from either end
Distance: 78.4 km
Location: Kahurangi National Park, north-west South Island
Closest towns: Nelson, Westport, Collingwood
Start/Finish: Walk in and out from either end – Brown Hut in Golden Bay or Kohaihai on the West Coast.
Accommodation: Book your Collingwood NZ holiday accommodation or Westport NZ holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Paparoa Track
Journey through lush rainforest, limestone karst landscapes and over alpine tops on the Paparoa Track. This newly constructed track can be hiked or mountain biked.
Duration: 2–3 days
Distance: 55 km
Location: Paparoa Range, West Coast of the South Island
Closest towns: Blackball, Greymouth and Punakaiki
Start/Finish: This is a one-way walk or bike ride between Smoke-Ho car park near Blackball and Pororari River car park (walkers) or Waikori Road (bikers) near Punakaiki. Transport services are available to and from the track.
Accommodation: Book your Blackball NZ holiday accommodation or Greymouth NZ holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Routeburn Track
Traverse the magnificent Southern Alps/ Kā Tiritiri o te Moana of New Zealand. Walk below majestic peaks, through beautiful beech forest and above vast valleys.
Duration: 2–4 days
Distance: 32 km
Location: Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, south-west South Island
Closest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau
Start/Finish: This is a one-way walk between the Routeburn Shelter near Queenstown and the Divide Shelter near Te Anau. Shuttles and vehicle relocations are available between both ends.
Greymouth
Accommodation: Book your Queenstown holiday accommodation or Te Anau NZ holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Kepler Track
Walk through the gentle beech-forested shores of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri over exposed alpine tussock lands and Mt Luxmore with panoramic views.
Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 60 km
Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island
Closest towns: Queenstown and Te Anau
Start/Finish: This circuit walk starts and ends close to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Book your Queenstown holiday accommodation or Te Anau NZ holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Milford Track
Experience the grandeur of rugged mountain peaks, sheer canyons and majestic waterfalls. Walk beside pristine rivers and in lush rainforest before crossing Mackinnon Pass and reaching spectacular Milford Sound.
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 53.5 km
Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island
Closest towns: Te Anau and Queenstown
Start/Finish: This is a one-way walk from the head of Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound. Transport services are available to and from the track.
Accommodation: Book your Queenstown holiday accommodation or Te Anau NZ holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.
Rakiura Track
Escape the hustle and bustle of mainland life for the tranquillity of Stewart Island/Rakiura. Revel in the peacefulness and idyllic surroundings with the bush, birds and beach at your side.
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 32 km
Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura
Closest town: Invercargill (20 min flight) or Bluff (1 hour ferry)
Start/Finish: This circuit walk starts and ends near the main township of Halfmoon Bay.
Accommodation: Book your Invercargill holiday accommodation or Stewart IslandNZ holiday rental in New Zealand today on Search and Stay.