Aotearoa is famous for its spectacular landscapes, from lofty mountains and stunning glaciers, to breathtaking beaches and blue lakes. It’s no surprise the indigenous people had named New Zealand “The Land of the Long White Cloud”. As home of the Adventure Capital of the World (Queenstown) and the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, the country has loads of adrenaline-pumping activities, as well as some of the most enthralling hikes and trails to offer. If you are searching for more ways to explore New Zealand on foot, then here are the best 20 walks in New Zealand you should check out.
Beginner-Friendly Day Hikes
1. Roy’s Peak Track
This is a great introduction for beginner hikers in New Zealand as the trail lets you enjoy the majestic mountain ranges of the country as you walk through farmland and alpine meadows.
It has a few steep climbs; thus, it’s suitable for people with low to average fitness ability.
When to hike: November – April
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hrs. (return)
Nearest town: Wanaka
2. Key Summit
This short walk is famous for being the most rewarding as hikers are treated with great views of Fiordland National Park, which features a mirror-like pool that reflects the surrounding peaks.
Expect rain when hiking this track so pack your rain gear. This track is doable even for beginners.
When to hike: Year-round (weather permitting)
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 3 hrs. (return)
Nearest town: Te Anau
3. Routeburn Falls Hut
This is another short hike that will indulge you with gorgeous scenery. You will enjoy peaceful walks in the woods, ringing birdsongs in the forest, and the dramatic view of the Routerburn River.
The best part about this hike is that it is easily accessible from Queenstown.
When to hike: October – May (weather permitting)
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs. (one way)
Nearest town: Glenorchy (45 min from Queenstown)
4. Rob Roy Track
This is easily one of the most rewarding short, quick, day hikes in the country. The hike starts at the stunning West Matukituki Valley. Hikers will then cross over the crystal clear waters of Matukituki River and then transcend to the foot of a hanging glacier.
When to hike: Year-round (weather permitting)
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 3-4 hrs. (return)
Nearest town: Wanaka
5. Mt. Eden Volcano Walk
This is probably the shortest and easiest walk you can get in New Zealand. Easy, however, doesn’t mean bad as this walk takes you to the highest volcano (inactive) in town, leaving you to relish a 360-degree panoramic view of Auckland, and that’s why I included it on the list of the best 20 walks in New Zealand.
When to hike: Year-round
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 1 hr.
Nearest town: Auckland
Intermediate Day Hikes
6. Ben Lomond
Behind the gorgeous town of Queenstown is the easily accessible escape of the Ben Lomond track. This walk offers variety of scenery all the way up to its peak.
Do not worry if you run out of steam during the hike as you can rest at the saddle nestled between Ben Lomond and Bowen Peak. Make sure you take a good rest as the final stretch of the trail is a demanding hike.
When to hike: Year-round (winter hiking gears like ice axe required for winter hikes)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs. to summit
Nearest town: Queenstown
7. Te Whara Track
Te Whara track features a Maori trail with a gorgeous coastal view. This is perfect for anyone looking for a hike with a little bit of history.
Sitting beside the coastline of Ocean Beach, the track has a lush vegetation of colourful plants, native birds such as wood pigeons, and North Island robins. If you are lucky, you might spot a kiwi along the way.
When to hike: Year-round (except on track maintenance)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs.
Nearest town: Whangarei
8. Lake Alta Track
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, then you should check out Lake Alta track and get close to the quaintest lake ever. The hike may be short, but it takes you to a great picnic spot at the top for a memorable lunch by the lake and gaze over the entire Queenstown region.
When to hike: December – April
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs.
Nearest town: Queenstown
9. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The most popular of the best 20 walks in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks. With that said, the hike is also considered as the best day hike in Aotearoa.
The trail offers a hike across a volcanic alpine landscape. Hikers will have to wade through the steaming vents all the way to the glacial valleys and the blue crater lakes. Along the way you can enjoy endless breathtaking scenery.
When to hike: Year-round (guided hike during winter)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hiking time: 7-8 hrs.
Nearest town: National Park Village, Ohakune, and Turangi
For more in depth information and how to get there, check out my extensive Tongariro Crossing Guide HERE
Advanced Day Hikes
10. Wye Creek
Though close to Queenstown, this trail is quite secluded and feels far away from the civilization. This trail takes you behind the Remarkables Range. Hikers will have to pass through pristine lakes and rivers, before heading to the forest.
This is a challenging hike of mostly descents, and requires navigational skills.
When to hike: December – May
Difficulty: Advanced
Hiking time: 6-7 hrs.
Nearest town: Queenstown
11. Avalanche Peak
With a 1,100-metre steep climb that gains elevation really quickly, this is probably the most challenging day hike in the country. Ice and snow can cover the track, making it dangerous in poor conditions. The reward on top, however, is the breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks.
When to hike: December – May
Difficulty: Advanced
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs.
Nearest town: Arthur’s Pass Village
2-Day Hikes
12. Aspiring Hut
If you know someone who you want to get hooked to hiking and backpacking, then this is a great 2-day introduction. It will take you to breathtaking views of mountains and rivers from start to finish, with not a lot of steep climbs.
When to hike: Year-round
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 2 Days
Nearest town: Wanaka
13. Mueller Hut
This trail features a spectacular view of the Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mueller Glacier and its surrounding peaks.
When to hike: December – March
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hiking time: 2 Days (4 hours per day)
Nearest town: Mt. Cook Village
14. Copland Track
Copland track is long and well-maintained track. It doesn’t have lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, or dramatic views of the mountains. However, it has lots of natural hot pools, perfect for relaxation.
When to hike: Year-round
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking time: 2 Days (6 hours per day)
Nearest town: Fox Glacier
15. Mt Brown Hut
Looking for something really challenging? Check out the grueling trail of Mt. Brown Hut. This track features a muddy trail. But don’t worry as there are plenty of tree roots you can use as handholds.
The reward, however, is a chance to stay at the iconic backcountry huts of New Zealand. If you’re lucky, you may witness the spectacular sunset.
When to hike: November – May
Difficulty: Advanced
Hiking time: 2 Days (3-5 hrs. per day)
Nearest town: Hokitika
16. Liverpool Hut
This track features an overlooking view of the stunning West Matukituki Valley. The climb is mostly reasonable, but steepens at the top. Also, this is not for hikers who suffer from vertigo.
When to hike: December – April
Difficulty: Advanced
Hiking time: 2 Days (6.5 hrs. each way)
Nearest town: Wanaka
17. Mt. Owen
This is one of the many otherworldly tracks you can find in New Zealand. The climb to the top features a gorgeous view of the dramatic marble formations that looks like glaciers.
When to hike: November – May
Difficulty: Advanced
Hiking time: 2 Days (6 hrs. per day)
Nearest town: Nelson
3-4 Day Hikes
18. Greenstone-Caples Track
If you want to hike for multiple days but don’t want grueling tracks, then this one is for you. This trail features an awesome backcountry walking experience; it has mostly flat valleys, view of the gorgeous mountains, and lets you experience turquoise blue rivers. It starts and finishes at the same spot.
When to hike: Year-round (weather permitting)
Difficulty: Beginner
Hiking time: 4 Days (6-7 hrs. per day)
Nearest town: Glenorchy
19. Travers-Sabine Circuit
If you are looking for the best alpine experience of the Nelson Lakes National Park, then this is the track for you. It offers a variety of sceneries – from easy valley walks, shores of blue lakes, and peaceful forests.
This trail is quite popular, which means it can be crowded during peak seasons.
When to hike: December – April
Difficulty: Intermediate
Hiking time: 4-7Days (3-9 hrs. per day)
Nearest town: St. Arnaud
20. Cascade Saddle Route
And the last one of the best 20 walks in New Zealand I will talk about is the Cascade Saddle Route. This track may be challenging, but it has some of the most dramatic sceneries you can find anywhere in New Zealand. From sheer-rock cliffs, glistening glaciers, to steep-walled valleys, there are a variety of views and wildness experiences to be enjoyed.
This track can be demanding and will require a good sense of balance and overall fitness.
When to hike: December – March (weather permitting)
Difficulty: Advanced
Hiking time: 4-5 Days (up to 10 hrs. per day)
Nearest town: Glenorchy, Wanaka
Explore the beauty of The Land of the Long White Cloud, a.k.a. Middle Earth, through the best 20 walks in New Zealand.
If you are in Auckland and want to just explore more local walks, then be sure to check out my TOP 10 BEST AUCKLAND WALKS