The New Zealand Great Walks – which should I chose?
Last updated on January 15th, 2026 at 10:23 pm
The 11 New Zealand “Great Walks” are arguably some of the best in the country and having walked (an canoed) them all, I can attest to that. The problem is if you only have a certain amount of time or interest, which of them should you do?
Its actually hard to choose!
Three of the walks are in the North Island and the rest are in the South Island. And to note, there is another to be added to the South Island list in 2024 to make it 11 – the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. The thing is – they are all quite different so this post will help you work out which ones are right for you.
I am also giving my pick – which of the New Zealand Great Walks I would choose – if my time was limited. Spoiler alert – the Milford Track may be the most famous of the New Zealand Great Walks, but its not in my top picks list! But of course these are simply my picks, and you might have time factors and other interests that play a part in your decision.
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Insurance – Click here for travel cover with SafetyWing. Almost any nationality, its ok if you are already traveling, up to 64 years old. Or click here for cover with EKTA – any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling!
Accommodation – book a hotel with booking.com or Tripadvisor, or, a hostel with Hostelworld
Internet – get a highly rated yesim eSim before you go – click here for yours
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, Eatwith, or GetYourGuide. Some recommended options in these Great Walks are:
1. Tongariro Alpine Half Day Guided Group Walk, or, a day walk on the Tongariro Crossing
2. Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise. Or even cooler – this Abel Tasman Heli-hike with optional kayaking
3. Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk
4. Routeburn Track and Key Summit Guided Day Walk
Buses, trains, ferries and Flights – 12Go is now my first option for this, but for flights you can also find a good deal through Kiwi.com
Car rental – compare prices and get the best deals with Rentalcars.com
Hiking – use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – know where you are on the trail!
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How to decide?
To make your decision – read the brief blurbs below, note the timeframes and the highlights are to see what best suits you and your itinerary. Do you want shorter or longer walks, do you want to be in the alps, on beaches, around volcanoes, in the forests?
Clearly if you are only going to the North Island, then there are only three to choose from, and if only going to the South Island you at least are down from ten to seven to choose from. That’s a start anyway!
Just an important note! Because the walks have become so popular you must book in advance both for the huts and for camping. (You cannot camp on all the walks.) It is important to take this into account when planning your trip and may impact your choices if you cant get in on the dates you want or need. Unfortunately the one thing you cannot plan when booking is the weather and getting that right is absolutely going to be luck of the draw. Find out how to book the New Zealand Great Walks in my dedicated post about things you need to know before you go.
But for now, lets check the Great Walks out so you can decide what is going on your list!
North Island ‘New Zealand Great Walks’
1. Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 46 km – one way
I literally just finished this walk a day ago! I was pleasantly surprised at the stunning panoramic views from the Panekire Bluff – which you walk up and along the first (or last day) and part of the second day. Also stunning is the side walk to the KoroKoro Falls.
This is a forest lakeside walk with swimming spots all the rest of the way. The huts are not up to the same standard as the other Great Walks but perfectly ok. You do have to carry your own cooking gear.
There are four huts and five campsites on Lake Waikaremoana. Most people take four days and three nights for this trip and start at the Onepoto end. For example, Day 1 – Onepoto to Panekire Hut, Day 2 – Panekire Hut to Waiopaoa Hut, Day 3 – Waiopaoa Hut to Marauiti Hut, and Day 4 – Marauiti Hut to Hopuruahine.
You can get a water taxi from Waikaremoana to the start or end of the walk. Organise this in advance if you can – or at least arrange your return trip at the Waikaremoana Holiday Park where you can stay before and after the walk. You might be lucky like me as well and get a lift with a local on their boat!
Before and after your hike, stay in Napier at..
High End – 415 Marine Parade, or, The County Hotel, or, Cobden Garden Bed And Breakfast
Mid Range – Motel de la Mer, or, Art Deco Masonic Hotel, or, MnM’s BnB
Budget – Bestern on Mohaka, or, The Nautilus
Backpackers – Crash palace Napier
2. Tongariro Northern Circuit
Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 45 km – loop walk
One of my personal favorites of the Great Walks! The landscapes are nothing short of other-worldly as you weave around Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe – you are in the midst of volcanic drama, native forest, waterfalls and rivers, and the famous emerald colored lakes. It can be hot walking in the summer – but great as there are spots to swim in near the huts!
Most walkers take 4 days/3 nights or 3 days/2 nights. Very fit people can walk it in 2 days/1 night, but each day is at least 8 hours. There are three huts – each with a campsite.
You can do the walk in either direction. Personally I recommend you stay the three nights and take a short easy walk on the day of arrival in the park to Mangatepopo Hut. Get up early the next day and get walking before the crowds come to do the Tongariro Crossing day walk, which is the same path as yours for the first part of the day. It is really good to avoid them.
If its summer you can also take a dip in the pools above the waterfall at the next hut – the Oturere Hut. Some people skip this hut but I wouldn’t as the scenery is so good and its good to take your time. The third hut, Waihohonu Hut, has lots to do at it – a great swimming spot in the river, a short walk to the source of the beautiful Ohinepango Springs, and another short walk to the Historic Waihohonu Hut!
If you are short of time you can get a taste on this Tongariro Alpine Half Day Guided Group Walk, or take the shuttle buses and do a day walk on the Tongariro Crossing
Stay in the Tongariro National Park or at Turangi at..
High End – The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge
Mid Range – Braxmere Lodge or the more upmarket Belle Vue Boutique Lodge
Budget – Adventure Lodge and Motels or Creel Lodge
Backpackers – The Crossing Lodge & Backpackers, or, Riverstone Backpackers
3. Whanganui Journey
Duration: 3 days from Whakahoro to Pipiriki, and 5 days from Taumarunui to Pipiriki
Distance: 87 or 145 km – one way canoe trip
This is a bit different as its not a walk but a canoe trip down the river. Great fun and I recommend doing it in summer so you can drift in the water and swim plenty. Its a lovely trip and if you do go, I recommend four days so you can really relax and enjoy the whole journey and explore the caves and crevasses you find en-route.
You don’t need your own gear – there are plenty of options from canoe hire to guided trips. There are a number of campsites and huts. One of the huts you can stay in is the Tīeke Kāinga, which is a functioning marae as well as a hut.
You can also take a jet boat tour on the river on this Railcart and Jetboat Adventure if you are short of time.
Stay in Taumarunui before your trip at..
High End – stay at Bradleys Garden Bed and Breakfast
Mid Range – Ongarue Valley Retreat
Budget – Kelly’s Riverside Motel
For a group try the Haven Hills Retreat or 21morero
My pick of the North Island Great Walks
Of course if you are into canoeing and would like something different the Whanganui Journey might well be for you. But for me – the top choice is 100% the Tongariro Northern Circuit!
And if you were also thinking of doing the Tongariro Crossing – my advice is don’t! Instead do the Northern Circuit which shares the best part of the Tongariro Crossing route, and then has even wilder landscapes that you miss out on if you just do the Crossing. It’s definitely worth the extra time!
Stewart and South Island ‘New Zealand Great Walks ‘
4. Abel Tasman Coast Track
Duration: 3–5 days or more if you want to chill by a beautiful beach
Distance: 60 km – one way track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a real old favorite – not just with me. As people can boat in, day walk, and kayak the track, and it is very beautiful with great beaches and rainforest, you can imagine there are plenty that want to be there. I would avoid January and probably February too.
However, crowds are relative and its not crowded at all by most standards. And, it is beautiful – golden sand, clear sea, lush forest and lovely rivers. Walk or kayak it – you cant go wrong.
If you are short of time, a brilliant day out to get the best of it all is this boat and walking tour from Kaiteriteri! You can choose from three walking options. Another option is this Full-Day Abel Tasman National Park Hiking Tour with Cruise. Or even cooler – this Abel Tasman Heli-hike with optional kayaking in the park!!
Stay in Nelson before or after your hike at..
Higher End – The Nelson Loft.
Mid Range – Ah House City B&B, or, 204 The Sands.
Budget – Arcadia Motel, or, Chelsea Park Motor Lodge.
Backpackers – Tasman Bay Backpackers.
Or stay in Takaka or in the Abel Tasman area before or after your hike at..
Higher end – a holiday house – Parapara Beach Escape
Mid range – Shady Rest, or, try the Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman if you are hiking there next!
Budget – Golden Bay Holiday Park, or Mohua Motels, or, Patons Rock Beach Villas
5. Heaphy Track
Duration: 4–6 days, one way (2-3 for biking)
Distance: 78.4 km
I love this track. I think its the variety in scenery that appeals so much. From tussock downs, to granite rocks and beech forest, to streams and rivers and the nikau palm forests and the wild west coast beaches. The bonus is the population of resident Takahe birds – once nearly extinct in the country!
Most popular is to walk from the Golden Bay end to the West Coast. This way there will be more downhill than uphill.
There are six huts and nine campsites on the track. You are most likely to see takahe at Saxon Hut so do try and book that. The takahe are also sometimes seen at the Perry Saddle Hut.
I’d say don’t rush it – its too lovely to whizz through!
Logistically it is a harder track as you start and finish in relatively distant areas – by road. However there are bus and taxi services at either end of the track from nearby towns. (There is mobile phone coverage at both ends of the Heaphy Track.) There are also small planes that transport hikers from the small towns near both ends of the track, and there are also car relocation services.
Note: mountain bikers are allowed on the track from from 1 May – 30 November.
Stay in Takaka or in the Abel Tasman area before or after your hike at..
Higher end – a holiday house – Parapara Beach Escape
Mid range – Shady Rest, or, try the Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman if you are hiking there next!
Budget – Golden Bay Holiday Park, or Mohua Motels, or, Patons Rock Beach Villas
and on the West Coast stay in Karamea or nearby before or after your hike at..
Higher end – Birds Ferry Lodge Luxury B&B
Mid range – Riverstone Retreat Karamea.
Budget – the very popular Old Slaughterhouse Traveller’s Accommodation , or the Last Resort, or, Karamea River Motels
6. Kepler Track
Duration: 3–4 days
Distance: 60 km – loop walk
Stunning views from the Luxmore Hut over the alps and lakes, and walking above the bushline in exposed tussock country with these views are the highlights of this walk for me. It is definitely pretty walking through the forest on the lakes edge as well.
There are three huts and two campsites along the Kepler Track. Most people take four days and three nights. You can take a water taxi from Te Anau to Brod Bay to start the walk, or get a shuttle or drive to the Kepler Track carpark not far from Te Anau – its about1.5 hours to walk to Brod Bay from there. Then you head up to the Luxmore Hut for your first night.
You can do a day walk to the Luxmore Hut if you are short of time and want to squeeze the best of this walk in. Even better, if your pockets can handle it, take a helicopter (heli option 1 and heli option 2) to the hut and walk to Luxmore Summit before heading back to Brod Bay (5-6 hours). If you can do this, I highly recommend it!
If you want to make the day spectacular – still hiking, you can take this full day Kepler Track Guided Heli-Hike – also found on Viator but a little more pricey!
Stay in Te Anau at..
Luxury – Fiordland Lodge, or, The Cinema Suites
Higher end – Dunluce Boutique B&B, or, Tukare Lookout,
Mid Range – Lakefront Lodge, or, Shakespeare House
Budget – Aden Motel, or, Anchorage Motel Apartments
Backpackers – Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
7. Milford Track
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 53.5 km – one way track
Yes its the famous one! But, its not my favorite. I definitely enjoyed it. And for sure, it is beautiful, but I think there is too much hype and would not stress if you didn’t get to do it – especially if you do the Routeburn and a few others in the area (personal opinion of course)!
The McKinnon Pass is fabulous, as is the finale at Milford Sound (but you can get there by car.) There are rugged mountain peaks, beautiful waterfalls and if you time it right with the rain, even a valley of waterfalls, and of course, there are lovely forests and rivers. Don’t let me put you off, but do consider the other walks as well!
To get to the track you have to either take a boat from Te Anau Downs or a float plane from Te Anau. There are three huts, with 40 beds each, on the walk – no camping. You can also go on a more luxurious guided walk which has separate huts and you don’t have to carry your full pack. I have only walked independently which was great so I cannot comment on this but am sure it is a great option too.
Stay in Milford or Te Anau at..
Luxury – Milford Sound Lodge, or in Te Anau at Fiordland Lodge, or, The Cinema Suites
Higher end – Dunluce Boutique B&B, or, Tukare Lookout,
Mid Range – Lakefront Lodge, or, Shakespeare House
Budget – Aden Motel, or, Anchorage Motel Apartments
Backpackers – Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
8. Paparoa Track
Duration: 2–4 days
Distance: 55 km – one way track
This is another one I really loved for its variety! You walk through lush rainforest, limestone karst landscapes, goblin forests dripping in moss, high alpine ridgelines above the bush line with sweeping views to the sea, and beautiful river and coastal nikau forests. Again there will be mountain bikers on the track – year round. (There are also mad runners doing it in a day!)
There are three huts on the walk – Ces Clark Hut, Moonlight Tops Hut and Pororari Hut. Most people do this walk in 4 days and 3 nights staying at each of the huts. Most people start from the Blackball end and walk in to the Ces Clark Hut, and exit near Punakaiki on the West Coast. Going this way is easier, and the second day is short but there is a nice side-walk you can do.
Note – get some salami or sausages from the Blackball Salami Company in Blackball – they are fabulous!!
The only issue with this track is the mountain bikers book out the Moonlight Tops Hut as they do a two day trip. This makes it hard for walkers to book that hut – and you really need it unless you are super fit and happy to do a very long day. It will be easier to book in winter months. I did do this walk in the middle of winter – I had all weather from light snow to bright sunshine. It was great.
Stay in Greymouth or nearby to Paparoa before or after your hike at..
Higher end – Birds Ferry Lodge Luxury B&B or for a very cool 2-bed house the Punakaiki Forest Retreat, or this Boutique Beachfront Accommodation, or Awatuna Sunset Lodge
Mid range – Beach View Motel or The Alpine Rose Motel
Budget – Te Nikau Retreat, or the Westway Homestay Bed & Breakfast, or, Greymouth Seaside Top 10 Holiday Park
9. Rakiura Track
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 32 km – loop walk
Situated on the wonderful Stewart Island, below the South Island. No grand mountain ranges, just a peaceful and idyllic bush and beach walk, with some of the clearest water you will see and the sound of kiwi birds calling out at night. Watch out for their footprints and in the evening, keep your eyes peeled!
The walk is typically done over 3 days and two nights. There are two huts and three designated campsites on the track. You start and finish in Oban – the main town on Stewart Island.
Definitely don’t rush this one if you can help it. And if you are short on time, this Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk will give you a good taster of the island and its wildlife and culture.
Stay on Stewart Island before or after your hike at..
Higher End – Kowhai Lane Lodge with great hosts who will look after you well. or Evening Cove or Butterfield Beach Studio
Mid Range – Try either The Bay Motel or the South Sea Hotel
Backpackers – stay at the great Stewart Island Backpackers!
10. Routeburn Track
Duration: 2–4 days
Distance: 33 km – one way track
Wild valleys, mountain lakes and meadows, and the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps are your companions for much of the time and this is what makes it a favourite for me. Added to that are plenty of waterfalls and viewpoints, and the lovely forest – all in all it makes it a perfect track.
The walk is usually done in 3 days and 2 nights. There are three huts and two campsites on the track. Most walkers stay at Routeburn Falls and Lake Mackenzie Huts. You can also extend the walk and make it into a loop with the Greenstone and Caples Tracks.
If you want to get the best of the walk and are limited in time, or want a guide, then this is an excellent day walk option from Te Anau – Routeburn Track and Key Summit Guided Day Walk. It does book out so book as soon as you can. Another option, from Queenstown is this Routeburn Track Guided Hike (Full Day or Half Day available.)
Note that one day in late April they hold the Routeburn Classic Adventure Trail Run, and about 400 runners will be on the track for the day making it not entirely peaceful! Check the dates before you book. And if you want to do the run – book well ahead!
Stay in Te Anau before or after your walk at..
Luxury – Fiordland Lodge, or, The Cinema Suites
Higher end – Dunluce Boutique B&B, or, Tukare Lookout,
Mid Range – Lakefront Lodge, or, Shakespeare House
Budget – Aden Motel, or, Anchorage Motel Apartments
Backpackers – Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
11. The Hump Ridge Track
Distance: 61.5 km
Duration: 3 days – loop walk
This is a very varied three-day loop with a real mix of alpine tussock tops down to wild southern beaches and ocean. Cross an historic viaduct in the stunning forest, and walk around the 45 min loop track full of tors and tarns on the tops with superb views of southern Fiordland. The walk is about 20km each day and the first day is a steep climb – give yourself plenty of time or make sure you are feeling fit before you leave.
The walk is done over 3 days and two nights. It always starts (and finishes) at the Rarakau car park near Tuatapere – about 1 hour from Invercargill. The first day you walk uphill to the wonderful Ōkaka Lodge and its views. the second day you walk down to Port Craig Lodge and the final day back out to your car or transport at Rarakau car park.
You can get a bit of pampering on this walk as it is a community based walk in association with DoC – have your pack helicoptered up the first day (on Thursdays), book a private room with hot shower for the first night, and be served hot porridge in the mornings! Not bad!
These are the options:
- Freedom Package – walking the track at your own pace with multi-share accommodation at Ōkaka and Port Craig Lodges
- Prime Package – a bit of luxury but still walking the track independently at your own pace
- Guided Package – for a fully catered guided experience
- Combine the walk with helicopter transport or a jet boat ride
Stay in Tuatapere or Invercargill at..
2-bed apartment – in Invercargill at Boutique on Edinburgh
Higher end – in Invercargill at The Lodges At Transport World, or, Whare Manu Boutique Cottage
Mid Range – in Invercargill at Villa Rouge Bed and Breakfast, or, McIvor Lodge
Budget – Rarakau Lodge in Tuatapere or Clifden Pitstop nearby, or in Invercargill at Tower Lodge Motel
My pick of the Stewart and South Island ‘New Zealand Great Walks ‘
Impossible to pick one so I’m allowing myself three! (But really, I’d pick them all!) However, if I only had a short time then I would pick these three with close runners up being the Paparoa and Hump Ridge Tracks!
Abel Tasman Coast Track —- Heaphy Track —- Routeburn Track
Others will pick differently, but I like a good mix of things and these three will absolutely give you that!
My overall pick of the New Zealand Great Walks for variety
It will be no surprise then that if I am trying to give you a wide range of scenery and variety, these are my overall top choices, in no particular order. Do these four and you will get volcanoes, golden beaches and stunning forests, the high peaks of the Southern Alps , tussock downs and nikau forests – and the extra treat is the Takahe birds on the Heaphy!
Tongariro Northern Circuit (for volcanoes) —- Abel Tasman Coast Track (for beaches and rainforest) —- Routeburn Track (for the alps) —- Heaphy Track (for the variety in landscapes)
Related Posts
10 great multi-day hikes in the South Island New Zealand that are not “Great Walks”
The 30 best short walks in the North Island of New Zealand
12 great multi-day hikes in the North Island New Zealand (off the beaten path)
The 12 best day walks in the North Island New Zealand (off the beaten path)
Walk the Te Paki Coastal Path; a North Island hidden gem!
Note
If you want to get a quick feel for each of the tracks, try the videos via this walking app page. The app has ok, but not the greatest reviews, but the very short videos will help give a sense of the walks.