WALKS & HIKES
IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a paradise for walkers and hikers, with a range of trails to suit all levels of fitness and experience. From short, easy walks through beautiful forests and along coastal areas, to multi-day hikes through the Southern Alps, there is something for everyone in New Zealand. The country is home to a number of national parks, each with its own network of walking and hiking trails that offer the chance to experience the beauty of the region in a truly immersive way. We show you our favourite short hikes and day hikes around New Zealand.
PURAKAUNUI FALLS
OTAGO We took a 10-minute walk through the rainforest to experience one of the Catlins most photographed waterfalls.
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MCLEAN FALLS
OTAGO This breathtaking waterfall waterfall in the Catlins is one of the most powerful waterfalls we have seen on our travels!
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NUGGET POINT LIGHTHOUSE
OTAGO Set out at Nugget Point, in the wild and untamed Catlins, is one of New Zealand's most photographed spots - the Tokata Lighthouse.
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PETERS POOL
WEST COAST On a clear and still day, Peters Pool offers the most incredible reflections of the mountains and it's even better when there's snow!
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FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER WALK
WEST COAST Take a short walk to catch a glimpse of one of New Zealand's most popular glaciers. It's an easy, flat walk suitable for most abilities.
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SENTINEL ROCK WALK
WEST COAST A 20-minute return walk through luscious West Coast bush to see the Franz Josef Glacier. There is so much to discover along the way.
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LOWER QUAIL STREAM TO UPPER HARLING TRACK
MARLBOROUGH An incredible 4-hour hike through the rolling Wither Hills and along the ridges. Breathtaking is an understatement!
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KARAKA POINT WALK
MARLBOROUGH Take 5- 10 minutes to walk this beautiful track in the Marlborough Sounds to a small and beautiful beach. The views are incredible! |
KAIPUPU SANCTUARY FUNDRAISER HIKE
MARLBOROUGH With the promise of a sausage sizzle and fresh lemonade at the top, we hiked up the steepest track we have done, all for a great cause.
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SOUTH COAST WALK
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TOKATOKA PEAK
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SHAKESPEAR LOOKOUT TRACK & TIRITIRI TRACK
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TASMAN GLACIER VIEW TRACK
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KAIPARA PLANT CENTRE SCULPTURE WALK
AUCKLAND An easy walk surrounded by trees, flowers and amazing art sculptures. There's even giant games to be played along the way!
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HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
CANTERBURY One of the most popular & scenic hikes in NZ. This 3 hour track has incredible views of Mt Cook as well as icebergs in the lake! |
MURIWAI WALKING TRACKS
AUCKLAND One of Auckland's little gems, the tracks offer diverse forests and expansive views. The sunsets here are pretty awesome too.
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PUHOI LOOP TRACK
AUCKLAND An easy 1km walk that will get the blood pumping and will give your calves a great workout on the stairs.
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TE HENGA WALKWAY
AUCKLAND A moderate 7.9km hike through bush and trails to reach the most incredible views! Finish at O'Neill Bay for a swim.
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RANGITOTO SUMMIT WALK
AUCKLAND Take a trip on the ferry and land on a dormant volcano and climb to the summit! Hike amongst masses of scoria and volcanic rock.
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MT PARIHAKA LOOKOUT
NORTHLAND The best place to get uninterrupted, panoramic views of Whangarei City and to learn about the history of Parihaka.
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MT JOHN
CANTERBURY Mt John offers one of the best views in NZ. Walk around the summit or have a coffee at the cafe. Prepare to say WOW!
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MAUNGARAHO ROCK
NORTHLAND One hell of a giant rock in the middle of the country side. You can either walk the base or scale to the top for 360 deg views.
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KAI IWI LAKES FOREST
NORTHLAND Set on private land, this forest is abundant in pine trees and fly agalic mushrooms. It's a great place to relax and unwind while exploring.
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ABBEY CAVES
NORTHLAND This incredible walk is surrounded by the most amazing limestone boulders and takes you to 3 limestone caves to discover.
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MT RUAPEHU IN SUMMER
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND Mt Ruapehu isn't just for winter activities - hiking in summer will give fantastic views and a chance to explore areas you can't in winter. |
TANE MAHUTA
NORTHLAND A completely underwhelming tree... until you turn around and look the right way then WOW! New Zealand's largest and oldest kauri tree. |
BLACKSMITH'S CREEK WALKWAY
NORTHLAND An easy 2.4km walk out to a jetty where you can spot seals and stringray or catch some fish. Be sure to bring your fishing rod.
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TROUNSON KAURI PARK
NORTHLAND This sheltered walk is part of the Kauri Coast Trail in Northland where you get to experience giant kauri trees up close.
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WAIRERE BOULDERS
NORTHLAND More than just a bunch of rocks! This walk offers incredible views, a swimming hole and you may even spot some rock animals.
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TONGARIRO CROSSING
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND A 19.4km walk that takes around 9 hours to complete. You will be rewarded with amazing views and will feel like you're on another planet.
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COULDREY HOUSE LOOKOUT TRACK
AUCKLAND Just a quick 15 min uphill walk where you can sit and enjoy the view while having a picnic on the grass.
COWANS HILL TRACK
CANTERBURY A beautiful and peaceful walk up the back of Tekapo, full of lupins in Nov - Jan if you go down the right track. Great mountain views! TSS WAVERLY LAGOON WALK
MARLBOROUGH The Wairau Lagoon offers a 6km round trip across the salt marsh to reach and explore the TSS Waverly shipwreck.
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SMUGGLERS BAY LOOP TRACK
NORTHLAND If you want to go to paradise, this is the place! Emerald water, clear rock pools and octopus encounters await you.
WHANGAREI FALLS
NORTHLAND A powerful 23.6m high waterfall along the Hatea River in central Whangarei. These falls will blow your mind. Remember your raincoat! MT MANAIA TRACK
NORTHLAND Your blood will be pumping after climbing 1000 stairs to reach the summit. You will be rewarded with incredible views over the heads. |
MT MAUNGANUI SUMMIT WALK
BAY OF PLENTY You're rewarded with views across Tauranga and you can see across to the active White Island volcano. Lots of cute sheep on this track!
WHANGAREI QUARRY GARDENS
NORTHLAND A subtropical garden set in an old quarry which has been planted by volunteers. Escape to the tropics with this magical place.
RAIL TUNNEL LOOP WALK
KARANGAHAKE GORGE A diverse walk full of history, native bush, cliffside tracks, swing bridges and an old rail tunnel, along the Ohinemuri River. |
CULLEN POINT LOOKOUT
MARLBOROUGH A quick 10-minute walk from the carpark through native NZ forest, showing incredible views of Mahau Sound and beyond.
KEA POINT TRACK
CANTERBURY Discover the hidden gems of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park on the 1-hour Kea Point Track. You won't be disappointed!
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DAWSON FALLS
TARANAKI A beautiful waterfall set amongst an enchanted goblin forest up Mt Egmont and it's only a 2-minute walk from the carpark!
SUTHERLAND STREAM TRACK
MARLBOROUGH An easy 1-hour track through the iconic Wither Hills in Blenheim along the Sutherland Stream where plenty of quails will greet you.
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MT VERNON TRACK
MARLBOROUGH A 2-hour hike to enjoy in the Wither Hills, while being surrounded by rolling, steep country hills and incredible views.
CIRCLE TRACK
MARLBOROUGH An easy and beautiful walk through native New Zealand forest alongside the Pelorus River in the Marlborough region.
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TIROHANGA TRACK
MARLBOROUGH Get some of the best views in Picton with this 2- hour return track through native bush. There's so much for kids to explore here! |
MT IRON TRACK
OTAGO Discover panoramic views of Wanaka from the top of Mt Iron - a beautiful hike that will leave you breathless and in awe! |
ROCKY MOUNTAIN & DIAMOND LAKE TRACK
OTAGO One of our absolute favourite hikes in Wanaka with outstanding views of Lake Wanaka and Diamond Lake.
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ROYS PEAK
OTAGO An iconic 16km hike with non-stop, breathtaking views. It's the best hike you can do in Wanaka (and one of the best in NZ!).
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CROWN RANGE SUMMIT
OTAGO Between Queenstown & Wanaka sits NZ's highest main road - the Crown Range. Take a short hike from the carpark for amazing views!
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LAKE MATHESON TRACK
WEST COAST A serene 1.5 hour walk around Lake Matheson with glass-like reflections on a windless day. We found loads of vibrant blue mushrooms!
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BARNES DAM TRACK
MARLBOROUGH The track follows a water pipe the whole way through the lush forest until you reach the dam and a stunning waterfall. |
OMARAMA CLAY CLIFFS
CANTERBURY This walk will you make you feel like you're on another planet! You can either explore near the entrance or go deeper into the cliffs. |
CHILDREN'S BAY RHINO WALK
CANTERBURY Want to see giraffes and a rhino in the New Zealand wild? This sculpture walk has animals to find plus incredible views across Akaroa.
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TAWA WALK
MARLBOROUGH A short 30-minute walk in the stunning Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a flat and easy walk through the stunning forest.
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ELVY WATERFALLS TRACK
MARLBOROUGH Experience two stunning waterfalls on this moderate 2-hour track which takes you over streams, a river and through native bush.
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WOODS CREEK TRACK
WEST COAST Learn about the gold mining history at Woods Creek, walk through tunnels where you can find cave weta and possibly find some gold
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BRUNNER MINE HISTORIC SITE
WEST COAST Experience the history of New Zealand's worst mining disaster on this short walk as well as historic buildings and a bridge crossing.
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GRANDJEAN FAIRY FOREST
WEST COAST There is nothing better than finding fairy houses and painted walks hidden around! There are plenty to discover on this forest walk. |
HOKITIKA GORGE
WEST COAST Take the short or longer walk through the Hokitika Gorge over bridges and marvel at the BLUE glacier fed river. |
WEST COAST TREE TOP WALK
WEST COAST Walk high above the West Coast forest to enjoy views of the snowy Southern Alps and climb the 47m high lookout tower!
COAL CREEK TRACK
WEST COAST Enjoy a 1-hour return walk through the West Coast rainforest and be wowed by the stunning Coal Creek waterfall.
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CAVE CREEK MEMORIAL TRACK
WEST COAST A peaceful hike through West Coast forest to Cave Creek which is a photographer's paradise and an amazing place to explore.
CALLAGHANS TRACK
WEST COAST Trek through the beech forest and see historic gold mining tail races and hand carved trails to enjoy a view from the top of the ridge.
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PUNAKAIKI PANCAKE ROCKS
WEST COAST This 20-minute cliff top walk shows off the famous pancake rocks and a blowhole if you're there at the right time! CALLERY GORGE WALK
WEST COAST Hike 5.2kms through a lush, green rainforest, past waterfalls & impressive viewpoints, to the gorge filled with electric blue water.
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MINNEHAHA WALK
WEST COAST A short 20-minute walk in Fox Glacier in the lush, green rainforest. At nighttime this track is filled with glow worms!
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CANAVANS KNOB WALK
WEST COAST This 1-hour return track in Franz Josef offers expansive views across both sides of the hill, including the famous Franz Josef Glacier.
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MORAINE WALK
WEST COAST Take a walk on an enchanting West Coast rainforest track, where everything is covered in moss and you feel like you're in a fairy tale!
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FOX GLACIER SOUTH SIDE WALK
WEST COAST A 2-hour return walk through the lush West Coast rainforest takes you to stunning views of the Fox Glacier, high up in the alps.
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TARTARE TUNNELS WALK
WEST COAST A super diverse track through the rainforest with views across the Tartare Gorge & a historic water tunnel filled with glow worms to explore! |
CASTLE HILL
CANTERBURY One of the shorter walks in Arthurs Pass which is full of incredible limestone boulders that tower high above & are so much fun to explore! |
MIRROR LAKES WALK
SOUTHLAND Along the Milford Road, heading out to Milford Sound, are some incredibly reflective lakes that showcase the beauty of the area.
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TUNNEL TERRACE WALK
WEST COAST This track enters and exits through old miners tail race tunnels and takes you through the forest where you can see old gold workings.
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DEVILS PUNCHBOWL TRACK
CANTERBURY Take the popular 2km return track to a powerful 131m high waterfall, surrounded by snowcapped mountains in Arthurs Pass.
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CAREW CREEK FALLS
WEST COAST Hike 2kms return through lush forest to see the incredible 30m high Carew Falls, near Lake Brunner on the West Coast of NZ. |
MANANUI BUSH TO BEACH WALK
WEST COAST This short 10-minute track takes you through lush rainforest and ends up on a stunning West Coast beach.
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SNOUT TRACK
MARLBOROUGH This coastal track offers absolutely incredible views across the Marlborough Sounds. It's a 3-4 hour return track through the bush. |
LOWER QUAIL STREAM TO ROTARY LOOKOUT
MARLBOROUGH One of the most popular tracks in the Wither Hills, this track has incredible views of the hills and beyond.
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UPPER QUAIL STREAM TO ROTARY LOOKOUT
MARLBOROUGH High up in the Wither Hills, this track is a steady uphill climb to the top then along to the rotary lookout - prepare for amazing views!
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HUMPHRIES DAM TRACK
MARLBOROUGH A gentle walk through the forest, along the dam lines and out to the Humphries Dam. There is lots to discover along the way. |
MCHUGHS FOREST FAIRY DOOR WALK
CANTERBURY Step into a magical world full of fairy doors hidden in tree trunks on this short walk in Christchurch.
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MT JOHN VIA LAKESIDE WALK
CANTERBURY The best hike in Tekapo, with views of the Southern Alps and uninterrupted views of Lake Tekapo in just 3 hours return.
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MT JOHN SUMMIT CIRCUIT WALK
CANTERBURY Enjoy 360deg views across the Canterbury plains, while enjoying a short walk around the summit of Mt John.
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RED TARNS TRACK
CANTERBURY The mountain of stairs up to the red tarns are well worth it for the views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps - prepared to be wowed!
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TASMAN LAKE TRACK
CANTERBURY One of the shortest and most scenic tracks in Mt Cook National Park, that takes you to Tasman Lake and icebergs!
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RIUWAKA RESURGENCE
NELSON TASMAN A 10-minute walk to see where the Riuwaka River emerges from the Takaka Hills. The colour of the water is magical!
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RAWHITI CAVE TRACK
NELSON TASMAN One of the most spectacular geological formations in New Zealand that will have you saying WOW as soon as you see it!
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LABYRINTH ROCKS
NELSON TASMAN Follow a map or get lost in the labyrinth rocks in Golden Bay where you can find unique shapes in the rocks.
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CENTRE OF NEW ZEALAND
NELSON TASMAN Take a hike up to the centre of New Zealand and enjoy views of Nelson and all the way across to the Abel Tasman National Park.
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WAINUI FALLS TRACK
NELSON TASMAN An easy track takes you to the Wainui Falls in the Abel Tasman National Park. The track looks like a rainforest!
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TE WAIKOROPUPU SPRINGS
NELSON TASMAN These springs have some of the clearest water in the world with visibility reaching up to 200ft! The track is flat and easy through the forest.
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HAWKES LOOKOUT
NELSON TASMAN High up on the Takaka Hill is a lookout with insanely beautiful views from a long way up. The track is flat & easy with beautiful birdsong.
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KAITERITERI LOOKOUT
NELSON TASMAN Take a short 300m stroll through the forest to get the best view in Kaiteriteri and see the golden sands and turquoise water from above.
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CABLE BAY TRACK
NELSON TASMAN This steep yet rewarding track offers incredible panoramic views across Cable Bay & Tasman Bay and you'll be joined by sheep and cows!
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