The Great Walks: Complete Guide
Each of New Zealand's Great Walks offers a distinct experience and unique landscapes. Here's your comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect track for your adventure.
Milford Track
Known as "the finest walk in the world," the Milford Track is New Zealand's most famous multi-day hike. This spectacular 53.5km journey through Fiordland National Park takes you through ancient rainforest, alongside crystal-clear rivers and lakes, past thundering waterfalls including the 580-meter Sutherland Falls, and over the alpine MacKinnon Pass before descending to the stunning Milford Sound.
- Distance: 53.5km (33 miles)
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Season: Late October to late April
- Highlight: MacKinnon Pass and Sutherland Falls
- Huts: Clinton, Mintaro, Dumpling (40 beds each)
The track operates one-way only (north to south) with strict booking limits to protect the fragile environment. Access requires a boat transfer from Te Anau Downs to Glade Wharf, and the track finishes at Milford Sound where you can take a cruise before returning to civilization. Book well in advance as this track fills quickly - bookings open in May for the following season.
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is celebrated for offering the most diverse and spectacular alpine scenery of all the Great Walks. This 32km trail links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, crossing the Southern Alps via Harris Saddle and delivering jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and lush forests.
- Distance: 32km (20 miles)
- Duration: 2-3 days, 2 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Season: Late October to late April
- Highlight: Harris Saddle and Conical Hill views
- Huts: Routeburn Falls, Lake Mackenzie, Lake Howden
The track can be hiked in either direction, starting from the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy (45 minutes from Queenstown) or The Divide on the Milford Road. Many consider the Routeburn the best all-around Great Walk, combining accessibility with spectacular scenery. For those short on time, excellent day hike options include the walk to Key Summit or up to Harris Saddle.
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Trek through an otherworldly volcanic landscape on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a 43km loop around Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings). This UNESCO World Heritage site features active volcanic terrain including steaming vents, vivid emerald and blue crater lakes, mineral-stained valleys, ancient lava fields, and the famous Red Crater.
- Distance: 43km (27 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 days, 3 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Season: Late October to late April (best Dec-Mar)
- Highlight: Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
- Huts: Mangatepopo, Oturere, Waihohonu, Ketetahi
The circuit includes the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing - often called New Zealand's best day walk - but continuing the full circuit allows you to experience the volcanic landscape without the crowds. Weather can change rapidly in this alpine environment, so come prepared with layers and waterproof gear. This is the North Island's premier Great Walk.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
New Zealand's most popular Great Walk combines stunning golden beaches, turquoise bays, lush coastal forest, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The 60km Abel Tasman Coast Track hugs the coastline of this beautiful national park, offering a more relaxed hiking experience with the option to kayak sections or use water taxis.
- Distance: 60km (37 miles)
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Difficulty: Easy
- Season: Year-round (Oct-Apr peak)
- Highlight: Pristine beaches and coastal scenery
- Huts: Multiple huts and campsites along route
Unlike other Great Walks, the Abel Tasman allows flexibility - you can hike the entire track, do sections as day walks, or combine hiking with sea kayaking. Water taxis service most beaches, making it easy to customize your itinerary. The moderate climate and relatively flat terrain make this an excellent choice for families or less experienced hikers.
Kepler Track
The Kepler Track offers Fiordland's spectacular scenery on a convenient loop track starting and finishing in Te Anau. This 60km circuit takes you through beech forest, along pristine lake shores, across an exposed alpine ridge with 360-degree views, and into remote mountain valleys.
- Distance: 60km (37 miles)
- Duration: 3-4 days, 3 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Season: Late October to late April
- Highlight: Mt Luxmore alpine ridge walk
- Huts: Control Gates, Luxmore, Iris Burn, Moturau
The highlight is the alpine section along the Mt Luxmore ridgeline, offering stunning views across Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, and the surrounding mountains. As one of only two loop Great Walks (along with Tongariro), the Kepler's logistical simplicity makes it popular with both international and domestic trampers.
Heaphy Track
New Zealand's longest Great Walk at 78.4km, the Heaphy Track delivers incredible landscape diversity. Trek from lush rainforest through tussock-covered downs and limestone karst landscapes before descending through nikau palm groves to the wild West Coast beaches.
- Distance: 78.4km (49 miles)
- Duration: 4-6 days, 4-5 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Season: Year-round (summer best)
- Highlight: Diverse ecosystems and coastal scenery
- Huts: Perry Saddle, Saxon, James Mackay, Heaphy, Kohaihai
The Heaphy uniquely showcases New Zealand's contrasting environments in one journey. You'll walk through ancient beech forests filled with native birds, cross expansive tussock plateaus with mountain views, and emerge at palm-fringed beaches pounded by Tasman Sea surf. The track is open year-round and is also popular with mountain bikers during designated periods.
