New Zealand is one of the world's great hiking destinations, and the numbers back it up. With 11 official Great Walks, a nationwide network of Department of Conservation (DOC)-maintained trails, and landscapes that shift from volcanic plateaus to glacier valleys in a matter of hours, the country is practically built for people who love being on their feet.
The best hikes in New Zealand are spread across both islands. The North Island is known for its volcanic landscapes, especially around Tongariro, while the South Island is home to many of the famous Great Walks, alpine trails, and Fiordland scenery. If you're after a short day hike or a multi-day adventure, there's a trail to match.
We've grouped the trails into three categories: day hikes, Great Walks, and lesser-known hikes. You'll also find booking tips, packing advice, and everything else you need to actually get out there.
Day hikes in New Zealand
1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
A breathtaking view of the Emerald Lakes in Tongariro National Park | Photo Credit: Francesco Ungaro on Pexels
⛰️ Distance: 19.4 km | Duration: 6–8 hours | Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging | Best season: November–April
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is regularly ranked among the best one-day hikes in the world, and it earns that title. The 19.4 km route crosses an active volcanic landscape in Tongariro National Park, passing the famous Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, and South Crater in a single day. The colors up here, sulfur yellows, vivid greens, and rust reds, look like something out of a fantasy film set.
The crossing is a point-to-point trail, so you'll need to arrange a shuttle from Whakapapa Village or Tongariro Holiday Park. Weather conditions change fast on the mountain, and the alpine section above Red Crater can be genuinely dangerous in snow or high winds, always check DOC track conditions before setting out.
Klook Tip: Book your Tongariro shuttle in advance during the summer season (December–February). The car park at the trail head fills up early and you won't be able to drive to the start independently.
2. Roy's Peak hike
A breathtaking aerial view of Lake Wānaka and mountains from Roys Peak | Photo Credit: Paula Davenport on Pexels
⛰️ Distance: 16 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging | Best season: October–April
The Roy's Peak hike is one of the South Island's most rewarding day hikes. This 16 km return trail near Wanaka climbs steadily to panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The famous ridgeline viewpoint near the top is the highlight, offering one of the most photographed views in New Zealand.
Want to see more of the region? This Wanaka and Lake Hāwea cycling tour is a scenic way to explore beyond the hiking trails.
Klook Tip: Roy's Peak hike closes during lambing season (October 1 to November 10 roughly) to protect local farmland. If you're visiting in spring, check the closure dates with DOC before you go.
3. Hooker Valley Track
Hooker Valley Track | Photo Credit: Daniel Halle on Pexels
⛰️ Distance: 10 km return | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Best season: Year-round (best October–April)
If you want big alpine views without a challenging climb, the Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook is one of New Zealand's most rewarding easy hikes. The 10 km return trail passes two swing bridges and three glacial lakes before ending at Hooker Lake, where you'll have a direct view of New Zealand's highest peak rising above the ice.
You can book a guided Mount Cook Hooker Valley tour from Queenstown if you'd rather have an expert walk you through the geology and landscape while you go. It's a good option if you're not hiring a car, since Mount Cook is a 4.5-hour drive from Queenstown with no public transport.
While you're in the Mount Cook region, it's also worth looking at the Tasman Glacier Hiking Experience, a guided walk onto the terminal moraine and alongside the longest glacier in New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Multi-day great walks in New Zealand
New Zealand's Great Walks are the country's most famous multi-day hiking trails, managed by DOC and equipped with huts, facilities, and designated campsites. They're well-maintained, well-marked, and popular for good reason. Here are the ones worth building a trip around.
4. Milford Track
Cruising around Milford Sound in New Zealand | Photo Credit: Richard Pan on Pexels
⛰️ Distance: 53.5 km | Duration: 4 days, 3 nights | Difficulty: Moderate | Best season: Late October–April
The Milford Track is the most famous of all New Zealand hiking trails, and it's been described as the "finest walk in the world" since the early 1900s. The 53.5 km trail runs through Fiordland National Park from Glenorchy to Milford Sound, crossing the MacKinnon Pass and passing the 580 m Sutherland Falls along the way.
🗓️ Klook tip: Milford Track huts sell out within minutes of DOC bookings opening, often in June for the following season. Set a calendar reminder for the opening date on the DOC website. Independent walkers and guided walkers book through separate allocations.
5. Routeburn Track
Routeburn guided walk
⛰️ Distance: 32 km | Duration: 2–4 days | Difficulty: Moderate | Best season: October–April
The Routeburn Track connects Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks over 32 km, making it one of the few Great Walks that crosses two national parks in a single route. The trail passes through ancient beech forest, climbs to open alpine terrain, and delivers wide views from the Harris Saddle and Routeburn Falls.
You can book a Routeburn Track day walking tour from Queenstown if a multi-day commitment isn't on the cards. This option gets you into the best sections of the trail and back in a single day, guided, with transport from Queenstown included.
6. Abel Tasman Track
Abel Tasman trail | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
⛰️ Distance: 60 km | Duration: 3–5 days | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate | Best season: December–March
The Abel Tasman Track is the most relaxed of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This 60 km coastal trail winds past golden beaches, native forest, and tidal estuaries along the Tasman Sea. It's the warmest and sunniest Great Walk, making it the best choice for summer travelers who want to combine hiking with swimming and kayaking.
Abel Tasman is one of the few Great Walks where water taxis let you hop on and off the trail, so you can hike as much or as little as you like. Kayaking is especially popular here; many walkers paddle one section and hike the rest.
Want to see itfrom above? This Abel Tasman skydive experience gives you incredible views of the beaches, forests, and coastline below.
7. Kepler Track
Hiking across Kepler Track | Photo Credit: Bella Zhong on Pexels
⛰️ Distance: 60 km | Duration: 3–4 days | Difficulty: Moderate | Best season: October–April
The Kepler Track in New Zealand is a circular trail that starts and ends near Te Anau, the small lakeside town that serves as the gateway to Fiordland. The 60 km loop passes through beech forest, climbs above the treeline, and circles back to Lake Te Anau. The highlight is the alpine ridge section, which offers sweeping views across Fiordland on clear days.
One advantage of the Kepler Track is that it's circular; you don't need to arrange transport between two trailheads. Te Anau has lots of accommodation options, including Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels, and makes a convenient base for exploring more of Fiordland before or after your hike.
8. Tongariro Northern Circuit
Oturere Hut in Tongariro Northern Circuit | Photo Credit: Flickr
⛰️ Distance: 43 km | Duration: 3–4 days | Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging | Best season: December–March
The Tongariro Northern Circuit covers the same volcanic terrain as the famous day crossing but extends it into a full three-to-four-day loop around Mount Ngauruhoe (known to film fans as Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings).
This is the only Great Walk on the North Island, which makes it a great addition to a North Island itinerary. Huts on the circuit book up fast during the summer months, so plan ahead through the DOC website.
Lesser-known hikes worth seeking out
9. Earnslaw Burn
Majestic waterfalls of Earnslaw Burn | Photo Credit: Flickr
⛰️ Distance: 11 km return | Duration: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Best season: November–April
Earnslaw Burn is a rewarding half-day or full-day hike in the Glenorchy backcountry, about an hour's drive from Queenstown. The trail passes through farmland and beech forest before opening up to a glacial cirque with cascading waterfalls and direct views of the surrounding peaks.
This is a lesser-known spot compared to the Routeburn and Milford tracks, but it's accessible in a day from Queenstown, and the waterfall basin at the end is one of the best surprises in the region.
10. Lake Marian
Lake Marian | Photo Credit: Flickr
⛰️ Distance: 8 km return | Duration: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging | Best season: November–March
Lake Marian sits in a hanging valley above the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland, accessible via a steep but short track that rewards walkers with one of the most photogenic alpine lakes in the South Island. The track gains around 700 m in altitude over 4 km, so it's a proper uphill, but most fit hikers can manage it in a few hours.
The trail passes through mossy rainforest typical of Fiordland before breaking out above the treeline to the lake. It's far less visited than the Milford Track despite being only a short detour off the Milford Road.
11. Rob Roy Glacier Track
Hikers crossing the bridge in Rob Roy Glacier Track | Photo Credit: Flickr
⛰️ Distance: 10 km return | Duration: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy–Moderate | Best season: October–April
The Rob Roy Glacier Track in the Matukituki Valley near Wanaka is one of the best short hikes in New Zealand for dramatic glacier views without a full-day commitment. The 10 km return trail passes through a beech forest and opens up to views of Rob Roy Glacier hanging above the valley, with ribbons of meltwater cascading down the rock face.
Klook Tip: A 4WD river crossing is required to access the trailhead, so make sure your hire car is suitable before setting out
How to book the Great Walks
Booking logistics are the most common pain point for international travelers planning New Zealand hiking trails, so here's a straightforward breakdown.
🍃 All Great Walk hut and campsite bookings are made through the DOC website. You'll need to create a DOC account, then book your specific hut nights in advance.
🍃 Great Walk huts are only bookable for designated Great Walk seasons; most South Island tracks operate October–April, when huts and facilities are staffed and maintained.
🍃 Guided options exist for most of the major tracks through operators like Ultimate Hikes, and these come with their own separate booking allocation, useful if you missed the DOC window.
Klook Tip: If DOC huts are fully booked, check for cancellations closer to your travel dates. Groups sometimes release bookings as plans change, and early-season shoulder dates (late October, early November) often have more availability than mid-summer.
Hiking preparation: what to know before you go
Hiker in New Zealand | Photo Credit: Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
New Zealand trails are well-maintained, but alpine and Fiordland environments are genuinely unpredictable. A sunny morning can turn into horizontal rain and 10°C wind chill within hours. Packing the right gear isn't optional here.
🥾 What to bring:
1. Waterproof jacket and pants (non-negotiable in Fiordland and alpine areas)
2. Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
3. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
4. Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV levels are high in NZ)
5. Sandfly repellent—sandflies are relentless near water and in Fiordland
6. Enough food and water for your planned duration, plus extra
7. A paper or downloaded map—cell coverage is limited on most backcountry trails
Getting around New Zealand
Most New Zealand hiking trails are accessible only by private vehicle. Renting a car is near-essential for reaching trailheads outside the main cities like Christchurch, Queenstown, and Auckland all have good car rental options, but it's worth booking early in peak season.
Want to know more about renting a car in New Zealand? Check out our complete guide!
Klook Tip: If you're visiting New Zealand in summer, book your car rental and hut passes at the same time you book your flights. Both fill up faster than most international visitors expect.
FAQs about the best hikes in New Zealand
What is the most famous hike in New Zealand?
The Milford Track is widely considered New Zealand’s most famous hike. This 53.5 km Great Walk passes through Fiordland National Park, with highlights including the MacKinnon Pass and Sutherland Falls. Because of its popularity, accommodation and permits often sell out well in advance.
How do you book the Great Walks in New Zealand?
Great Walk bookings are made through the Department of Conservation (DOC) website. You'll need to reserve hut stays or campsites before starting your hike. Popular tracks like the Milford Track often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book as early as possible.
What is the best hike in New Zealand for beginners?
The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hikes for beginners. The 10 km return trail is mostly flat and offers spectacular views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The Abel Tasman Track is another good option for those looking for an easier multi-day hike.
When is the best time of year to hike in New Zealand?
Summer (December to February) is generally the best time for hiking, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. November and March are also great options with fewer crowds. Most Great Walks are best tackled between late October and April.
How hard is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered moderate to challenging. Most hikers complete the trail in 6–8 hours, but the steep climbs and changing weather can make it demanding. Good footwear, warm layers, and a weather check before setting off are essential.
Keep exploring New Zealand
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