1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Where: Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand
- Starting point: Mangatepopo car park
- End point: Ketetahi car park
- Time needed: 6-8 hours.
- Distance and Type: 19.4 kilometers point to point.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: The crossing is open year-round, but the best time to hike is during the summer months (December-February) for milder weather and clearer views.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby towns of National Park Village, Whakapapa Village, and Ohakune.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s most popular and iconic hikes, taking hikers through stunning volcanic landscapes, including active volcanoes, crater lakes, and thermal vents. The trail is well-marked but can be challenging, with steep climbs and rough terrain. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and should pack plenty of water, food, and warm clothing.
2. Hooker Valley Track
- Where: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, South Island, New Zealand
- Starting point: White Horse Hill Campground car park.
- End point: Hooker Lake
- Time needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best from November to April.
- Where to Stay: White Horse Hill Campground, Mount Cook Village.
The Hooker Valley Track is a popular and easy-to-moderate hike that offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and Hooker Glacier. The trail starts from the White Horse Hill Campground car park and follows the Hooker River through alpine meadows and over swing bridges. Along the way, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Cook and its surrounding peaks. The trail ends at Hooker Lake, where hikers can view icebergs floating in the lake and the face of the Hooker Glacier.
3. Roy’s Peak
- Where: Roy’s Peak, Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
- Starting Point: Roy’s Peak car park on Mount Aspiring Road
- End Point: Roy’s Peak summit
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours.
- Distance and Type: 16 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The trail is open all year round, but it is best to hike in the summer months (November to April) when the weather is warmer and more stable.
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations options in Wanaka, ranging from budget hostels to luxury lodges.
The Roy’s Peak hike is one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand, offering stunning views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, but it is a steep uphill climb for most of the way. The summit provides panoramic views of the Southern Alps, making it a great spot for a picnic or a rest before making your way back down.
4. Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Where: South Island, New Zealand
- Starting Point: Marahau
- End Point: Anchorage or Torrent Bay
- Time Needed: 3-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers point to point.
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best from October to April.
- Where to Stay: Marahau or nearby towns or camping in the park.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a stunning coastal trail in the Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and turquoise waters. Hiking the shorter section from Marahau to Anchorage or Torrent Bay offers a beautiful taste of the trail without committing to the full 60 km track. The trail winds through lush forest and over hills, with panoramic views of the coast and ocean. It’s a popular hike with great facilities, including huts and campsites, and can be done in one day or as an overnight trip.
5. Mount Taranaki Summit Track (Egmont National Park)
- Where: Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand
- Starting Point: North Egmont Visitor Centre
- End Point: Mount Taranaki Summit
- Time Needed: 8-10 hours.
- Distance and Type: 12 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: December to April is the best time to hike, as the weather is usually milder. The trail is often closed in the winter months due to snow and ice.
- Where to Stay: There are campsites available in Egmont National Park, as well as nearby towns such as New Plymouth and Stratford.
The Mount Taranaki Summit Track is a challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the North Island’s highest peak, Mount Ruapehu. The trail begins at the North Egmont Visitor Centre and follows a well-marked path through the forest before ascending steeply towards the summit. The final section involves climbing over rocks and scree, and hikers should be prepared for potentially hazardous weather conditions. However, the incredible views from the summit make the challenging hike well worth the effort.
6. Rob Roy Glacier Track (Mount Aspiring National Park)
- Where: South Island, New Zealand
- Starting point: Raspberry Creek car park
- End point: Rob Roy Glacier viewpoint
- Time needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10.4 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from November to April.
- Where to Stay: Accommodations are available in nearby towns like Wanaka or Queenstown.
This hike takes you through beautiful beech forest and up to a viewpoint overlooking the stunning Rob Roy Glacier. The trail can be steep at times, but the views of waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers make it worth the effort. Keep an eye out for native birds like the kea along the way.
7. Kepler Track (Fiordland National Park)
- Where: South Island, New Zealand
- Starting Point: Rainbow Reach car park
- End Point: Luxmore Hut or Iris Burn Hut (depending on the direction).
- Time Needed: 1-2 days for the shorter section.
- Distance: 27 kilometers circuit, shorter section distance varies depending on the chosen endpoint (around 10-15 km).
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but facilities are only open during Great Walks season (October to April).
- Where to Stay: Luxmore Hut or Iris Burn Hut (depending on the direction), or campsites along the track.
The Kepler Track is a popular multi-day hike that circles around the Kepler Mountains. The shorter section starts at Rainbow Reach car park and heads to either Luxmore Hut or Iris Burn Hut, depending on the chosen direction. The trail takes hikers through native beech forests, river valleys, alpine tussock lands, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and lakes. The trail is well-maintained and offers various facilities along the way, including huts, campsites, and toilets. Hikers can also spot various bird species, including the endangered Kea, and other wildlife.
8. Cascade Saddle (Mount Aspiring National Park)
- Where: South Island, New Zealand
- Starting point: Raspberry Flat car park
- End point: Cascade Saddle
- Time needed: 8-10 hours.
- Distance and Type: 21 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Difficult
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from December to April, during the summer months when there is less snow, and the weather is more stable.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodations options nearby, including campgrounds and lodges.
The Cascade Saddle hike is a challenging yet rewarding hike that takes you through a diverse range of landscapes including alpine meadows, dense forests, and mountainous terrain. The trail starts at the Raspberry Flat car park and follows the West Matukituki River before climbing steeply up to the Cascade Saddle. From the saddle, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Aspiring and the surrounding mountains, as well as the stunning scenery of the Matukituki Valley below. The hike is best suited for experienced hikers due to its challenging terrain, steep climbs, and exposure to the elements.
9. Rangitoto Island Summit Track
- Where: Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand
- Starting Point: Rangitoto Wharf
- End Point: Rangitoto Summit
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but summer (December-February) is the most popular time to visit.
- Where to Stay: Accommodation options are available in Auckland.
The Rangitoto Island Summit Track is a popular hike that takes you through lava fields and lush vegetation to the summit of Rangitoto Island. The hike offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline. The trail is well marked, and the terrain is a mixture of gravel, rock, and dirt. The summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the city of Auckland. The trail is suitable for all levels of hikers but be prepared for some uphill climbs.
10. Whangarei Heads Coastal Walkway
- Where: Northland, New Zealand
- Starting Point: Ocean Beach Road car park
- End Point: Smugglers Cove Road car park
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5 kilometers point to point.
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Year-round, but best during spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Where to Stay: Whangarei city or nearby accommodation options.
The Whangarei Heads Coastal Walkway is a scenic trail that follows the stunning coastline of Whangarei Heads. The trail passes through farmland, native bush, and stunning beaches, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with some steep and narrow sections. The trail ends at Smugglers Cove, a secluded and picturesque beach that’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing. The walkway is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Whangarei.
