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.