Top 10 Great Walks of New Zealand

At Great Walks of New Zealand, we make it easy for you to experience these tracks your way — guided or self-guided, with all logistics handled. Just show up and walk.

1. Milford Track

53.5km | 4 days | Late Oct – Apr | Best for bucket-listers

Often hailed as the finest walk in the world, the Milford Track winds through lush rainforest, alpine passes and past NZ’s tallest waterfall, Sutherland Falls. This is Fiordland at its grandest.

Experience it with us: On Day 3 of our Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk, we walk 11km of this incredible trail through the lush rainforest of Fiordland National Park, tracing the Arthur River toward Lake Ada and the stunning Giant Gate Waterfall before capping off the day with a scenic boat cruise through Milford Sound.

2. Routeburn Track

33km | 3 days | Late Oct – Apr | Best for fit walkers

Short and spectacular, the Routeburn crosses the Southern Alps between Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Think alpine ridgelines, pristine lakes, and native birdlife.

Experience it with us: On Day 4 of our Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk, we climb through lush rainforest to the alpine heights of Key Summit, rewarded with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.

3. Tongariro Northern Circuit

43km loop | 3–4 days | Dec – Mar | Experienced hikers

Circle the base of Mount Ngauruhoe and pass through dramatic lava fields, crater lakes, and alpine valleys — this is raw, elemental Aotearoa.

Experience it with us: On Day 2 of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (self-guided), tackle the full 19km trail through dramatic volcanic terrain, climb to Red Crater at 1886m, pass the Emerald Lakes and sacred Blue Lake, then return to the lodge for a well-earned soak.

4. Hump Ridge Track

61km | 3 days | Nov – Apr | Experienced walkers

The newest Great Walk, Hump Ridge features rainforest, sweeping coastline, and panoramic views over Stewart Island and Fiordland’s wild interior.

Experience it with us: Across Days 2 and 3 of the Hump Ridge Track (guided), walk 33km through soaring forest, over ridgelines and historic viaducts - with a heli drop to Flat Creek and a night at Okaka Lodge before descending to Port Craig. Self-guided option also available.

5. Kepler Track

60km loop | 3–4 days | Oct – Apr | Fit hikers only

This purpose-built track showcases alpine ridges, beech forest, and dramatic Fiordland scenery.

Experience it with us: On Day 2 of our Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk, heli to Luxmore Hut, hike up to Mt Luxmore summit, then descend 16km through beech forest to Brod Bay for a boat transfer back to Te Anau.

6. Abel Tasman Coast Track

60km | 3–5 days | Oct – May | Great for families and first-time hikers

Golden beaches, crystal waters, native bush and playful seals make this a coastal favourite.

Experience it with us: Choose from guided or self-guided options over 4 or 6 days:
Abel Tasman Self-Guided Walk (4 Day)
Abel Tasman Extended Self-Guided Walk (6 Day)
Abel Tasman Guided Explorer (4 Day)
Abel Tasman Guided Adventure (6 Day)

7. Whanganui Journey

145km paddle | 5 days | Oct – Apr | All levels (with guide)

This Great Walk trades boots for paddles, as you canoe down a lush and remote river valley.

Experience it with us: Available as 5, 6 or 7 day adventures:
Whanganui Journey Guided Short Canoe Challenge (5 Day)
Whanganui Journey Guided Canoe Explorer (6 Day)
Whanganui Journey Great Walk Guided Canoe Adventure (7 Day)

8. Heaphy Track

78.4km | 4–6 days | May – Sep | For experienced hikers

From alpine plateaus to nikau palm-fringed beaches, the Heaphy is endlessly scenic.

Experience it with us: Take on the full track at your own pace with our 6-day self-guided adventure — wild coastlines, lush forest, and no signal (on purpose).

9. Paparoa Track

56km | 4 days | Late Oct – Apr | Intermediate to experienced

Alpine ridges, limestone canyons and dense rainforest make this one of the most diverse Great Walks.

Experience it with us: Hike the full Paparoa Track on a 4-day self-guided adventure — from historic Blackball to Punakaiki, with epic escarpment views and wild West Coast charm.

10. Rakiura Track (Stewart Island)

32km loop | 3 days | All year | Beginner hikers

Remote, peaceful and full of native birdlife — Rakiura is where nature calls the shots.

Experience it with us: Explore the Rakiura Track on our 8-Day Unseen Stewart Island expedition cruise — visiting predator-free sanctuaries, remote inlets, and the granite cliffs of Port Pegasus.

Whether you’re chasing world-class walks or lesser-known paths, New Zealand has enough cascading waterfalls, alpine tussock ridgelines, prolific birdlife, and towering mountains to inspire your soul. 

Check out these 10 uniquely New Zealand places to explore in 2025. 

2025’s Must-Do New Zealand Walks & Explorations

10. Waiheke Island 

Discover the island from the ground up – dive into vibrant art; savour fresh, local produce; visit vineyards; and walk numerous scenic trails – many of which link together. 

Opting for a centre-based holiday allows you to stay in one spot, unpack once, and explore with just a daypack, leaving you more time to enjoy every moment. 

Don't miss the remote and quieter eastern end of the island, where you’ll find rich history, rural vistas, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and secluded beaches. 

Just 30 minutes by ferry from New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, this island escape will feel like a world away, making it a top destination for locals. 

View trips → 

9. Island Hills 

Take in a different side of New Zealand – a truly backcountry local experience. Explore diverse landscapes and vegetation across 30 kilometres of private trails on a working sheep, cattle, and honey farm, which also hosts its own conservation reserve. 

Spaces in the bush lodges are limited to 10 people, so the only crowd you'll encounter is nature itself. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the land and savour its untouched, intimate and remote charm. As part of an inclusive package, delicious meals are also provided – divine! 

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8. Whanganui National Park 

Embrace every paddle stroke deep into New Zealand’s wild heart on the “Great Walk” Whanganui River journey. The only Great Walk that, well, isn’t actually a walk. Instead, you’ll canoe through lush native forests, camp on serene riverbanks, and pass iconic landmarks like the Bridge to Nowhere. 

The gentle Grade 1 waters, combined with the occasional thrill of Grade 2 rapids, create the perfect balance of excitement and tranquillity, offering a true escape into nature. 

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7. The Sounds and Inlets of Fiordland 

Fiordland’s Sounds are among New Zealand's most remote areas, accessible only by sea, making them a true wilderness gem. From mist-shrouded waterfalls and sheltered valleys to unique wildlife and towering mountain peaks, there are plenty of opportunities for off-the-boat experiences. 

Travelling in comfortable cabin accommodations will make your voyage restful, while remote shore excursions lead you to isolated islands, secluded beaches, and stunning coastlines. 

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6. Coromandel Peninsula 

An easy drive from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is an amazing blend of panoramic walks, ancient native bush and incredible seasonal produce. It’s the perfect recipe for a peaceful escape. You’ll find one of the last Kauri groves, white sand beaches, historic River Gorge trails, boutique lodges, and award-winning gin. 

As one of New Zealand's favourite holiday spots, we think exploring it with just a daypack and local experts who know the hidden gems is the perfect way to experience Coromandel's beauty, flavour, and culture. 

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5. Heaphy Track 

Venture into diverse wilderness where no two days are the same – lush forests, alpine tussock, wild rivers, and remote beaches – all set within the stunning Kahurangi National Park, the country’s second-largest. Kahurangi, meaning "treasured possession" in Maori, is home to some of New Zealand's oldest rocks, rarest birds, and most unique plants, making this trail an unforgettable journey. 

Keep an ear out for the great spotted kiwi at night with the chance to spot rare wildlife like the flightless takahe and carnivorous Powelliphanta snail. You’ll stay in well-maintained huts on this Great Walk, carrying your own pack and food as part of the adventure. 

As the Heaphy Track grows in popularity, be sure to book early to secure your preferred dates and avoid missing out. 

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4. Abel Tasman National Park 

While this is New Zealand’s smallest national park, it delivers big on coastal beauty while balancing relaxation and adventure for a leisurely, active holiday. 

While summer is the most popular time to visit, locals will tell you the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are a hidden gem. Crisp mornings, glassy waters, and tranquil beaches also make it a great time to soak in the park’s serene magic. 

The Abel Tasman Track is easy to navigate and well-graded, making it a sought-after choice for walkers. This means accommodation often gets snapped up fast. Transport at either end of the track does require some planning, so opting for an all-inclusive self-guided or guided trip will take away all that hassle. For comfort seekers, luxurious lodges along the way offer a restful and enjoyable retreat. 

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3. Queen Charlotte Track 

Quickly gaining in popularity is the varied, historically rich Queen Charlotte Track in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds region. This 70-kilometre multi-use trail lets you walk at your own pace, winding through private land and public nature reserves. It offers breathtaking views from shorelines to rising ridge tops and diverse native forests. Water taxi transfers to and from the trailheads add a unique touch with chances to spot seals, dolphins, penguins, and albatrosses. 

Booking ahead is highly recommended, as places tend to sell out way before the start of the spring and summer season. However, if you do miss out on spots, a great alternative is joining aboard an active cruise in Queen Charlotte Sound that takes you along remote waterways, hidden coves, and through the Marlborough Sounds’ stunning coastlines – accessible only by sea. You'll still hike sections of the iconic Queen Charlotte Walkway as well as uncover Perano's whaling history, enjoy zodiac excursions, and explore the conservation havens of Motuara and Blumine Islands, home to WWII relics. 

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2. Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track 

What better way to switch off for a few days than experiencing a remote landscape near Tuatapere in the Fiordland region? Offering far more wilderness and far fewer people – it's the real deal if you're craving solitude. 

This 61km loop track is a three-day hiking adventure with a Moderate to Challenging grade, offering a good mix of rugged terrain and incredible views. It’s a rewarding walk, but a decent level of fitness will help, especially with a climb of over 800 metres on the first day. 

The real magic happens at the top of Hump Ridge, where the views are absolutely epic. Picture panoramic vistas of southwest Fiordland, Stewart Island, and the Southern Ocean. You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Hector’s dolphins dancing in Te Waewae Bay! 

Newly crowned a Great Walk in October 2024, it’s the perfect time to experience the Hump Ridge Track before the crowds catch on. 

View trips → 

1. Kepler, Milford & Routeburn Track Highlights 

An undeniable favourite among our Great Walkers is this epic guided experience that encompasses three spectacular corners of NZ’s alpine landscapes. From a thrilling heli-hike to scenic walks and a beautiful boat cruise, every moment is unforgettable. 

Begin with an exhilarating helicopter flight over Lake Te Anau and the Kepler Mountains, landing at Luxmore Hut, the highest point of the Kepler Track, with views that will leave you breathless. 

The Routeburn Track packs a punch when it comes to some of the biggest scenery, and the walk to the Key Summit takes you from lush rainforest to vast alpine views, with 360-degree vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes and glacial valleys on a fine day. 

Of the most famous and world-renowned trails of the Great Walks series is the Milford Track, which winds along the picturesque Arthur River amidst lush rainforest and to the impressive Giant Gate Waterfall. Enjoy a small boat cruise on Milford Sound, where you’ll see Mitre Peak and Sterling Falls. You may even spot basking seals or playful pods of dolphins. 

Fiordland is like nowhere else in New Zealand, and with an expert guide by your side, this five-day adventure is a great taster that'll leave you planning for your next trip.

View trip → 

From well-loved classics to newly popular tracks, New Zealand’s trails and Sounds are a gateway to unforgettable wilderness experiences. Which area are you most eager to explore?

After walking the Queen Charlotte Track in Marlborough Sounds and meeting many hikers along the trail, I saw a common theme amongst walkers so I am going to share all the secrets to make sure your multi-day hike will be fun and enjoyable!

How hard is the Queen Charlotte Walk?

The Queen Charlotte Walking Track is a 70km track usually taking 4-5 days to complete. Each day, you'll be walking reasonable distances; one day, in particular, can be a challenge for even the enthusiastic trekker: with a walking distance of 20kms and over 1000 metres in elevation to reach Eatwell's Lookout. In saying that, the panoramic views of the Sounds below are a view you don't want to miss out on.

Marlborough Sounds is known to be the sunniest region in New Zealand. Walking the track in February, we had glorious weather full of hot, sunny days and would always make it a priority to jump in the water at the end of a day's walk and swim with the rays. But weather can change quite quickly walking in the fiords so it's always best to be prepared for any weather conditions. 

How to prepare for your walk

After learning this walk was a 'moderate' graded multi-day hike, I trained three to four times a week to prepare, which made the longer days more enjoyable. 

If you're not used to long-distance hiking then it's always a good idea to have a training routine leading up to your Queen Charlotte Walk. The gradient of the trail is very steep in a few sections so make sure to incorporate hill training into your routine.

There is an option not to walk on the longer days - You can catch the boat to the next night's accommodation when they collect your luggage. You may need to pay a small fee but that is always a possibility.

What to pack when walking the Queen Charlotte Track

You'll want to take a decent-fitting day pack on your walk each day. I always take a water bladder system so you can keep hydrated on the longer-distance days. Be mindful that there's no where to fill up your water on the track so you'll want to carry about 3 litres of water a day. 

I brought my long pants and my waterproof hiking gear but I didn't need them at all. Although it turned out to be great weather, I'd suggest you still carry them with you as the weather in the fiords can change quickly. 

Some people choose to walk the 70km with hiking poles which is great if you have lower back pain or knee issues. 

I wore trail running shoes and they were perfectly fine for the conditions we had. Although, if it's wet and muddy on the trail, then hiking boots are far more appropriate but for dry conditions like we knew we were going to have, it was perfectly fine to have trail runners.

Walking Gear: Packing List

Hiking pants
Shorts
Breathable T-shirt
Thermal top (weather dependent)
Waterproof jacket
Trail runners or hiking boots
Merino sock
Water bladder system or water bottle

Buff (good for sun and sweat)
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Blister plasters/ lamb's wool
Hiking poles (optional)

Follow in Kate's Footsteps

>> Queen Charlotte in Comfort
>> View all Queen Charlotte Walks

Queen Charlotte Walking Track 

Coming to New Zealand, it was Kate's first time hiking one of New Zealand's multi-day walks. After walking the Queen Charlotte Track in Comfort and staying at waterfront lodges each night, Kate offers a great insight into the area, how to get around the fiords and where to stay when visiting the Marlborough region for this spectacular multi-day hike. 

*Fun fact -  In New Zealander, they are spelled 'fiords' over the common spelling 'fjords'.
 

The Queen Charlotte Walking Track was my first long-distance walking holiday in New Zealand. I've always wanted to hike the Queen Charlotte track after seeing many incredible photos of the Marlborough region. 

Marlborough Sounds is a serene area of the South Island, with plenty of trails to explore including the Nydia Track and Queen Charlotte. I mean the scenery was amazing. The views can be quite dramatic at times and other times, you're walking through a shady rainforest which is a nice contrast.

The weather in Marlborough Sounds was beautiful. They call it the sunniest part of New Zealand for a reason and it did not disappoint, we had extraordinarily good weather and made time to swim after our walk each day.

Is the Queen Charlotte Walking Track worth it?

The Queen Charlotte Walking Track definitely met and exceeded my expectations. The Walk in Comfort is moderately graded and we stayed in lovely accommodation along the way. My friends absolutely loved it and couldn't stop talking about it on the flight home to Australia. It was the perfect multi-day hike that suited all our fitness levels! 

We walked reasonably good distances; one of the days was over 1000 metres in elevation and 20 kilometres so we felt like we walked a good distance each day, but we always had time for a glass of wine in the afternoon or a swim with the rays.

There were many stand-out moments on this walking holiday, but the highlight was on day 4 when we did the side trip up to the top of the peak and the panoramic views from there were just incredible. It was 360° views of the fiords and water below.

The difference between this walking holiday and other trips

Even though it's classified as self-guided, one thing that blew my mind was that all your luggage was carried for you from one accommodation to another via boat. I've never experienced that before and it just took the stress out of everything so my friends and I really got to enjoy the hike. Each afternoon, you would arrive at your room and your luggage would be waiting for you. It was nice that you just needed to take a daypack with you.

Getting around Marlborough Sounds

We had to do some transfers around the fiords by boat like the initial one from Picton to the start of the trail and that was breathtakingly beautiful. It was nice to see the trail that you're going to walk along from the water. The fiords are quite tall that at times when looking up into these mountains, you can't even see the walking track.

Another benefit being a self-guided hike was if you felt like skipping the walk one day, you could take a boat when they collect the luggage from your previous night's accommodation to the following night's accommodation. There may be a small fee but it's a good option to have if you feel like you need to.

In some sections of the walking track, they've got quite a lot of houses which surprised me. You're essentially walking through people's backyard but most of it is quite wild and untouched which was a pretty special feeling.

Everything you need to know about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Listed as one of New Zealand's Great Walks and most popular day hikes - this 19.4km mountain adventure, journeys through ever-changing alpine terrain and jaw-dropping, out-of-this-world landscapes.

Tongariro National Park is full of ancient lava flows, glacial valleys and vivid crater lakes and is home to three active volcanic mountains. Although these volcanoes are still considered active, Ruapehu last erupted in 1996 and Ngaurhoe last erupted in 1975 making it quite safe and popular during the summer months. 

There are two ways to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: 

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing Self-Guided Hike
• Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike

Here is everything you need to know about trekking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
 

Quicklinks

Hazards to be mindful of   

 

Highlights on your walk 

Tongariro National Park was New Zealand's first National Park and now holds a UNESCO dual world heritage status. As the volcanoes are still considered live there are active steam vents beside the track which is incredible to witness but must be treated with caution. It is important to not stray from the track for your own safety.

 

After climbing nearly 800m in altitude to the top of Red Crater, you'll be welcomed with out-of-this-world views of the valley below and a first glimpse of Blue and Emerald Lakes. Each lake is uniquely magnificent in colour due to the volcanic minerals dissolved in the water.

 

Map of Tongariro Alpine Crossing 

 

Distance and Check Points 

The 19.4km track takes on average seven to nine hours to complete. 
Start of track to Soda Springs - 1 - 1.5 hours
Soda Springs to South Crater - approx 1 hour
South Crater to Red Crater - approx 1 hour
Red Crater to Blue Lake - 30 minutes
Blue Lake to Track End - 3 hours

How challenging is the track? 

You don't need to be an athlete to trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but the difficulty of this hike can be easily underestimated.  During the 19.4km hike, you'll be climbing nearly 800m in altitude or 1900m above sea level and many sections require hiking down steep and loose, rocky terrain. This is why we have graded this hike a Level 6: Moderate to Challenging.

 

How fit do I have to be? 

We have graded our Tongariro trips a level 6: Moderate to Challenging. The emphasis is on moderate activity with several challenging stages. You will need a good level of fitness, must be in good health and you should prepare for potential variable weather conditions.

We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions is also recommended.

How to prepare for the hike 

Watch this video to help prepare for your trek.

 

Weather & Seasons 

The best time of year to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike is between October and April, during New Zealand's tramping/hiking season. Even with pleasant weather, the alpine environment can be unpredictable. 

Throughout spring and summer, you may be exposed to the harsh sun, so sun protection is required whilst bad weather may include heavy rain, strong winds, snow or freezing temperatures. 

During winter to early spring, between May to October, the mountain is usually covered in snow and ice so advanced winter tramping skills are essential.

What not to wear: 

Too often than not we see those about to do the Tongariro Crossing board the transfer vehicles ready to trek with sneakers or open sandals on.  A t-shirt with no jacket in sight - and some with a tiny backpack that would fit not much more than a scarf.  The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the hardest day hikes - and all hikers should have good hiking boots with ankle support, gear for all weather conditions - including rain jackets, polar fleece etc as the wind at the top can turn a blue sky day to blizzard conditions within minutes, ensure you have enough water and other essentials such as sunscreen, hats and blister protection for the feet and plenty of snacks/lunch as you have many hours out on the trail and no cafes in sight.

 

Toilets along the track 

There are toilets in the following locations along the Tongariro Crossing:
Mangatepopo Carpark
Mangatepopo Hut
Bottom and top of Devil's Staircase
Blue Lake
Ketetahi Shelter
Ketetahi Bushline
Ketetahi Carpark

> Read what hazards to be mindful of when trekking this Great Walk. 

 

Tongariro Self-Guided Hikes

>> Tongariro Alpine Crossing Self-Guided Hike
>> Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike


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For a checklist of what to bring and track alerts, visit Plan my Walk.
Credit: NZ Mountain Safety Council 

Who Runs the Best Guided and Self Guided Walks in New Zealand

What Great Walks of New Zealand Offers

• Guided and self guided walking trips throughout North Island and South Island
• Carefully selected accommodation in lodges, motels, boutique stays and remote huts
• Luggage transfers so walkers carry only a day pack
• Detailed route notes, maps and weather monitoring
• Local emergency support
• Optional gear hire
• Trip extensions and customisations

What Makes Great Walks of New Zealand a Leading Multi Day Hiking Company

Why Small Group Guided Walks in New Zealand Are So Popular

• Weather changes quickly
• Transport and accommodation are limited
• Track conditions require local knowledge
• Daily pacing benefits from guide support

• Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn
• Abel Tasman Guided Explorer
• Hump Ridge Track Guided
• Queen Charlotte Track in Comfort

Are Guided Walking Trips Suitable for Travellers Over Fifty

• Accommodation bookings
• Luggage transfers
• Route notes, maps and safety information
• Local support and emergency contacts
• Optional gear hire
• Flexibility to set your own pace

• Hump Ridge
• Tongariro Crossing
• Queen Charlotte Track
• Nydia Track
• Old Ghost Road

How Great Walks of New Zealand Supports Responsible Travel

• Small group sizes to protect the environment
• Accommodations and camps that use efficient energy systems
• Waste minimisation practices
• Partnerships with iwi, landowners and conservation groups
• Encouraging Leave No Trace behaviours. 
• This ensures trails remain healthy and accessible for future generations.

Why Travellers Choose Great Walks of New Zealand for Guided or Self Guided Hiking Trips

• Choice between guided and self guided walking holidays
• Trip grades for all fitness levels
• Authentic local insight from experienced guides
• Comfortable accommodation before and after long walking days
• Genuine sustainability efforts
• Supportive environment for solo travellers
• Deep and meaningful access to landscapes and communities

Watch: How to prepare for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's most popular day hikes - one that is not to be underestimated. Located on the North Island of New Zealand, this extraordinary 19.4 km mountain adventure journeys through an unpredictable alpine environment.

Familiarising yourself with some of these expectations can help prepare you for a successful day of hiking. Watch this short video and read on to discover what you can expect on this thrilling challenge to one of the most beautiful places in the world and how to prepare for this 19.4km hike around active volcanoes. 

Be mindful of:

Tongariro Self-Guided Hikes

The Complete Guide to Walking the Hollyford Track

Experience the magnificence of the remote Hollyford wilderness on a guided walking tour, exploring the best sections of the Fiordland.

Quick Links:
Where is the Hollyford Track 
Landscape and Wildlife 
What to expect on the trail 
Safety and Weather 
Best season to walk the Hollyford Trail 
Other local activities 
Map of the Hollyford Track 
How to prepare for your hike 
Getting there 

Where is the Hollyford Track located? 

Located in Fiordland National Park, the remote Hollyford Valley is home to a rich New Zealand history. It is the only major low-altitude track in Fiordland National Park that can be walked all year round, and if it's quintessential landscapes you're after, Hollyford is an awe-inspiring walking track.

Largely untouched for thousands of years, the snow-capped mountains of the majestic Southern Alps, ancient native rainforest, pristine rivers and lakes, remote sand dunes, reef and surf of the rugged West Coast combine to offer undisturbed and spectacular scenery.

Landscape and wildlife in Fiordland National Park 

Hollyford Valley has extensive vegetation, native birdlife and a variety of stunning vistas. Beginning among the sheer rock walls of the Darran Mountains in Fiordland National Park, the track follows the Hollyford River (Whakatipu Kā Tuka) to Martins Bay, on to the wild West Coast.

The lowland forests, rivers, lakes, estuary and coast of the valley provide habitats for birds and other animals. The majority of the forest is silver beech, mixed with kamahi, kahikatea, matai and rimu. 

Small birds such as tomtit, robin, brown creeper, bellbird, grey warbler, fantail, rifleman and silver eye are common in many areas. Kākā (large forest parrots), frequent the valley and call at dusk. Fiordland crested penguins (Tawaki) and seals can be found around the Martins Bay coastline.

Highlights on the Track are Lake Alabaster (Wāwāhi Waka) and Lake McKerrow (Whakatipu Waitai). The site of the now abandoned Jamestown, which was established in the 1870s, can also be found on the shore of Lake McKerrow.

What to expect on the Hollyford Track 

The Hollyford Track is a well-formed valley walk, suitable for most ages (10+) and abilities. The 56km track takes 4-5 days to walk and is graded Advanced. With no alpine sections, the track is rarely cut off by snow, allowing for all-season walking.

For families, or those wanting just a taste of the track, the first section offers a great overnight option. There are excellent huts and a good track, but it is a backcountry experience in Fiordland National Park.

Safety & Weather 

Hollyford Track is in a remote wilderness area and it's important to note there is no cell phone reception or other means of communication. It is strongly recommended that you carry a Personal Locator Beacon and/or Mountain Radio.

The weather in Fiordland can be very unpredictable and change dramatically, and very quickly. The close proximity of towering mountains and the ocean makes for conditions and temperatures that can vary markedly across the course of a day.

It is important you are prepared with the appropriate equipment and clothing. Good supportive hiking boots are recommended for the Track, as it can be wet, muddy and slippery depending on the weather conditions.

Summer months average around 20°C but evenings can be cooler. Winter temperatures average around 10°C on the coast with evenings much colder. Be prepared for the worst conditions, and carry the appropriate clothing at all times.

When is the best time to walk the Hollyford Track? 

Although open all year round, the best time to walk the track is from late October through to  April. Flora and fauna in the valley can vary within this period. The New Zealand Fur Seal colony is permanently at Long Reef. Many of the mature bulls leave in December, whilst Mothers have their pups in January.

The rare Fiordland Crested Penguins nest in the flax bushes at Long Reef from July to December. They're generally visible in pairs, and entertaining to watch. Whilst they return to land between February and March to moult, they're rarely seen as they're timid and tend to hide.

December is often the peak time to see the Southern Rātā flower. The traditionally warmer months of January to March see the summer flowering plants in bloom, including Rātā vine, Manuka and some of the orchid varieties. It is great travelling with a guide as they can point out and share local knowledge that you may not have seen otherwise. 

Other Local Activities 

There is good access for other local activities including trout fishing, deer hunting, climbing and exploration of areas surrounding the Hollyford Track. Anglers should hold a current fishing licence, and hunting permits must be obtained online at www.doc.govt.nz

How To Prepare For Your Walk

It's essential to prepare for your walk. We suggest a simple training program of around 6 weeks before your trip. This will ensure your walk is comfortable and enjoyable. Keep it simple with short brisk walks of about 1 hour, then increase to 3 hours as your fitness grows.

Venturing further on bush walks to vary the terrain, with a few hills thrown into the mix will improve fitness. Remember to always carry water and snacks. The list below shows the section lengths and the time on average it takes to walk. You can use these as a guide for your training.

Experience the Hollyford Track on our Best of Fiordland Trip here. View the itinerary and dates here.

Map of the Hollyford Walking Track 

Check Points along the Hollyford Trail 

Lower Hollyford Road to Hidden Falls Hut - 9 km (2--3 hr)
Hidden Falls Hut to Lake Alabaster Hut - 10.5 km (3--4 hr)
Lake Alabaster Hut to McKerrow Island Hut - 10.5 km (3--4 hr)
Demon Trail McKerrow Island Hut to Demon Trail Hut - 4.2 km (1.5 hr)
Demon Trail Hut to Hokuri Hut - 9.6 km (5--6 hr)
Hokuri Hut to Martins Bay Hut - 13 km (4--5 hr)

Getting to the Hollyford Track 

Coming from Te Anau, approx. 87km along Milford Road, you'll want to take the Marian Corner turn off point leading to Lower Hollyford Road. The start of the Hollyford track begins at the end of the road. 

Explore our range of South Island's Great Walks here. 

Trip Grading: Moderate  |  Duration: 3 days  | Length: 61km loop

Back in 2019, the Department Of Conservation (DOC) announced that the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track would become a Great Walk of New Zealand - and finally, it's official in October 2024!

Also known as the 'Stairway to Heaven', this article will provide everything you need to know about this South Island walking track so you can experience it before the rest of the world finds out about it. 

The Hump Ridge walking track is a 61km loop walked over 3 days. As you progress along the track, you'll notice the landscape drastically transforms from crossing several swing bridges, passing through native forest canopies, to standing at the base of the tors at Stag Point where you'll be welcomed with panoramic views over Te Waewae Bay and the chance to spot rare Hector's dolphins.

Facts about the Hump Ridge walking track: 

-    Length: 61km loop track
-    Duration: walked over 3 days
-    Trip Grading: Moderate
-    Elevation: 918 metres
-    Located in the Fiordland National Park, South Island
-    Popular season: November - March

Hump Ridge Trail Map

Hump Ridge 3-Day Walking Guide: 

-    Day 1: Rarakau to Okaka Lodge - 21km (7 - 9 hours)
-    Day 2: Okaka Lodge to Port Craig Lodge - 21km (7 - 9 hours
-    Day 3: Port Craig Lodge to Rarakau trailhead - 20 km (5 - 7 hours) 
We include transfers to and from Tuatapere as well as transfers to Queenstown, Invercargill and Te Anau.

Accommodation 

Best Season to hike the Hump Ridge Track

Great Walks of New Zealand offers walkers a variety of ways to enjoy the track:
-    Completely supported Guided Tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
-    Self-guided so you can enjoy the scenery and walk the track at your own pace.

>> View our Hump Ridge Guided Explorer Walk here.

>> View our Hump Ridge Self-Guided Hike here.