Our Picks for The Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand

Last Updated: 16 November, 2025

What are the Best Hikes in New Zealand?

No Bots, Just Boots on the Ground

Strap on your backpack and lace up your hiking shoes because the best way to experience the great New Zealand outdoors is on the trails.

Hiking here can come in a range of experiences, from easy family-friendly rambles in the forest to multi-day missions over mountains.

You don’t have to be a backcountry expert to enjoy New Zealand’s walks thanks to many trails that are well-graded, easy to follow, and well-signposted, with the distinguishing green and yellow signs from the Department of Conservation.

So, what are the best New Zealand hikes? We’ve compiled a wide variety of New Zealand walks we personally love from both the North and South islands, including short walks, day hikes and multi-day tracks.

We also make sure to keep descriptions concise so you can choose the hike that piques your interest – don’t worry, there are links to detailed track descriptions in each listing.

Side note: Our hiking recommendations are from writers who’ve experienced New Zealand firsthand – no AI-generated fluff here! Scroll down to learn more about us.

1. Hooker Valley Track

For a good mix of swingbridge crossings, majestic mountain scenery and a glacier lake, set out on the Hooker Valley Track.

It’s an easy half-day out to suit most fitness levels. See more like this in the 10 Best Hikes Around Mt Cook.

Time: 3 hours return / Distance: 10 km (6 mi) / Location: Mt Cook, South Island

2. The Mount (Mauao) Summit Walk

Walk up the extinct volcano of Mauao, isolated at the end of Mt Maunganui’s beaches.

You’ll get expansive views of Tauranga city, the Bay of Plenty and the Pacific Ocean.

Learn more about the trail in the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Tauranga.

Time: 30-45 mins one way / Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 mi) / Location: Tauranga, North Island

3. Kura Tāwhiti Access Track (Castle Hill)

Walk among the craggy limestone outcrops of Castle Hill on the Kura Tawhiti Access Track.

At the end of the track, you can wander around the giant boulders, following the lightly trodden trails in the grass.

Time: 20mins one way / Distance: 1.4 km (0.9 mi) / Location: Castle Hill, Canterbury

4. Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway

A fun and historic-themed adventure awaits at Karangahake Gorge.

Wander through old railway tunnels, over swingbridges, alongside mining relics and to Owharoa Falls on the two walks here: the Rail Tunnel Loop (45 mins return) and Historic Walkway (4 hours return).

Time: 45 mins return or 4 hours return / Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 mi) or 4.3 km (2.7 mi) / Location: Paeroa, North Island

5. Pelorus Bridge Tracks

While the vineyards might take most of the limelight in Marlborough, the walks of the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve are a real hidden gem.

Check out the reserves’ short walks by the scenic Pelorous River like the 45-minute Circle Walk or the 4-hour Daltons Track.

See more walks in the 10 Best Walks in Marlborough.

Time: 45 mins to 4 hours return / Distance: 1.7 km (1 mi) to 14 km (8.7 mi) / Location: Havelock, South Island

6. Dawson Falls and Wilkies Pools Loop

Well worth seeking out in Taranaki, the 1 hr 20 mins Wilkies Pools Loop takes you through the gangly moss-covered trees of the “goblin forest” to Wilkies Pools.

Combine the trail with the 1-hour Kapauni Loop Track to see the picturesque Dawson Falls.

Time: 1 hr 20 mins and 1-hour loops / Distance: 1.4 km (0.87 mi) and 1.9 km (1.2 mi) / Location: Egmont National Park, North Island

7. Hokitika Gorge Walk

See vibrant blue water, huge grey boulders and verdant forest all in one place on the Hokitika Gorge Walk.

The short walk here features a couple of swingbridges, viewpoints and access to the river.

See more hikes in the area in the 20 Best Walks in Hokitika.

Time: 1 hr loop / Distance: 2 km (1.2 mi) / Location: Hokitika, South Island

8. Lake Matheson

Walk through ancient West Coast rainforest around the perimeter of Lake Matheson.

You’ll reach various viewpoints with reflections of the Southern Alps in the inky black water.

Check out more walks nearby in the 10 Best Walks in Fox Glacier.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins loop / Distance: 2.6 km (1.6 mi) / Location: Fox Glacier, South Island

9. Deliverance Cove Track to Castlepoint

A token lighthouse walk on this list of New Zealand hikes, the Deliverance Cove Track gives you two options to get to the Castlepoint Lighthouse.

Either walk through pine trees above a lagoon or walk the southern route on the edge of the lagoon through coastal grassland.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins return / Distance: 3.6 km (2.2 mi) / Location: Masterton, North Island

10. Oparara Arch

Follow the trail through a lush forest with cascading streams and the Oparara River until you reach Oparara Arch, the largest limestone arch in Australasia.

Discover more walks nearby in the 10 Best Walks in Karamea.

Time: 50 mins return / Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles) / Location: Karamea, South Island

11. Manginangina Kauri Walk

An easy one for families and suitable for wheelchairs, the Manginangina Kauri Walk displays New Zealand’s largest trees along a fully boarded trail.

Check out more kauri forests to walk through in the 10 Kauri Forests in New Zealand.

Time: 15 mins / Distance: 350 m (383 yards) / Location: Kerikeri, North Island

12. Queen Charlotte Track

One of many multi-day hikes in New Zealand, the Queen Charlotte Track spans from the historic Ship Cove to the inner arm of Queen Charlotte Sound.

Enjoy forest, history and views of the sound’s calm waters on this walking and cycling trail.

Check out more walks nearby in the 10 Best Walks in Marlborough.

Time: 3-5 days / Distance: 71 km (44.1 mi) / Location: Picton, South Island

13. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Spend the day trekking over the volcanic terrain of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with emerald lakes, craters and steaming vents.

The walk can be done independently between November and May, but track bookings and transport need to be arranged for this one-way hike.

Plan your hike using our Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport Guide.

Time: 6-8 hours one way / Distance: 19.4 km (12 mi) / Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island

14. Cape Foulwind Walkway

Follow this superbly graded track along the South Island West Coast to see a seal colony, a lighthouse, rugged coastline and the sands of Tauranga Bay.

See more walks like this in the 10 Best Walks in Westport.

Time: 1 hr 15 mins one way / Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 miles) / Location: Westport, South Island

15. Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway

A short walk to admire the North Island’s coastal beauty, the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway offers just the right balance of coastal forest, unfolding views, beaches and crystal clear waters.

Time: 2-3 hrs return / Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi) / Location: Waipu, North Island

16. Hollyford Track

Another breathtaking multi-day hike, the Hollyford Track is a journey from mountains to sea through the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park.

It’s one of the rare multi-day hikes in Fiordland that you can do all year round.

Time: 4-5 days / Distance: 56 km (34.8 mi) / Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island

17. Manawatu Gorge Tawa Loop Track

Manawatu Gorge might have a short walk and a long hike to choose from, but the Tawa Loop Track provides a happy medium meandering through the forest on a 2-hour loop.

Find lookouts over the river gorge and a Māori statue part-way through.

Check out more walks nearby in the 25 Best Hikes Around Palmerston North.

Time: 2-hr loop / Distance: 4.1 km (2.5 mi) / Location: Ashhurst, North Island

18. Ben Lomond Track

A popular day hike in Queenstown, the Ben Lomond Track is a steep climb across the Ben Lomond Saddle (3-4 hours one way) to the summit (6-8 hours one way).

Walk the trail in summer, otherwise, the trail will likely be under snow.

Time: 3-4 hours one way or 6-8 hours one way / Distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) / Location: Queenstown, South Island

19. Mt Urchin Track

This steep climb in the Kaimanawa Ranges rewards hikers with striking views of the volcanoes, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.

Check out more walks nearby in the 15 Best Walks in Tūrangi.

Time: 3-4 hours return / Distance: 6.6 km (4.1 mi) / Location: Turangi, North Island

20. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Watch seal colonies and seabirds on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.

The walk can be started at different points between Kaikoura town and the car park on the peninsula itself, giving you a choice of short and long walks.

According to our very own editor-in-chief, Laura, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic views and wildlife spotting opportunities along this stunning coastal track.

See more walks like this in the 5 Best Walks in Kaikoura.

Time: 5 mins one way to 3 hours loop / Distance: 200 m (218 yards) to 11.7 km (7.3 mi) / Location: Kaikoura, South Island

21. Taranaki Falls Walk

Not just a walk to the magnificent 20m (65ft) Taranaki Falls, the Taranaki Falls Walk features forest, ancient lava flows and views of the volcanoes Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe on a clear day.

We’re big fans of this loop track, as we’ve seen for ourselves how it showcases some of the best scenery in Tongariro National Park.

Combine this New Zealand walk with others in the 15 Best Walks Around Waimarino (National Park Village) & Whakapapa Village.

Time: 2-hour loop / Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) / Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island

22. Cathedral Caves

Meander down the forest to the sandy shores of the Catlins Coast on this walk.

Cross the beach and you’ll find Cathedral Caves, two huge cave entrances carved into the cliffs.

When we visited on our last trip, we were in awe of the sheer scale of these natural wonders.

Note that this walk can only be done at low tide and requires a small fee.

Time: 30 mins one way / Distance: 1 km (0.6 mi) / Location: Catlins, South Island

23. Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk

Several short walks to spectacular limestone features can be found on the road from Waitomo to the coast, such as the 17 m (56 ft)-high arch Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

During our last trip, we discovered it’s a stroller-friendly track down a river gorge to the bridge, then returning over farmland.

Time: 20 mins loop / Distance: 700 m (766 yards) / Location: Waitomo, North Island

24. Wainui Falls

As you can tell by now, there is no lack of waterfall walks in New Zealand; we could easily fill this list of 50 New Zealand hikes with waterfalls.

The Wainui Falls Track in Golden Bay, for instance, is a worthy option, taking you through a less-visited side of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Time: 1 hr 20 mins return / Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 miles) / Location: Takaka, South Island

25. Okere Falls Track

We told you! Okere Falls is a fun waterfall walk on the North Island.

Follow this well-maintained bushwalk to a lookout over the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.

It’s one of the 15 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua.

Time: 30 mins one way / Distance: 1.2 km (0.7 mi) / Location: Rotorua, North Island

26. Roberts Point Track

Get the best hiking trail views of the Franz Josef Glacier from the Roberts Point Track.

Although the Franz Josef Glacier Walk provides an easier walk, the views are unrivalled.

Hike over ice-carved rock and swingbridges on this full-day walk.

Time: 5 hrs return / Distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) / Location: Franz Josef, South Island

27. Orongorongo Track

Staying in Wellington? A popular day trip is the Orongorongo Track in the Remutaka Forest Park.

Follow this easy-going in-and-out trail through the forest to a swimming hole.

Time: 2 hrs one way / Distance: 5.2 km (3.2 mi) / Location: Kapiti, North Island

28. Wharariki Beach

Strolling to the sandy shores of Wharariki Beach is just one of many walks to enjoy along this stretch of coast in Golden Bay.

The beach makes for a stunning photo spot with views of the Archway Islands.

We love the way the wind-sculpted sand dunes create an otherworldly landscape.

Time: 20 mins one way / Distance: 1 km (0.6 mi) / Location: Collingwood, South Island

29. Rangitoto Summit Track

Take a ferry from Auckland city centre to hike the Rangitoto Summit Track.

Cross boardwalks over lava fields and follow trails through New Zealand’s largest pohutukawa forest to the island’s crater summit.

It’s also worth taking the 30-minute detour to scramble through the lava caves.

Time: 2 hours return / Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) / Location: Auckland, North Island

30. Mt Isobel Track

Experience sublime alpine views from the top of Mt Isobel on the full-day Mt Isobel Track.

The trail, which is mainly over open alpine grassland, features panoramic views of the Hanmer Basin.

It’s Hanmer Springs‘ most popular day hike.

Time: 5 hrs 30 mins to 6 hrs 30 mins return / Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi) / Location: Hanmer Springs, South Island

31. Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)

Either a full-day or overnight hike, The Pinnacles Walk features glorious views over the Coromandel Peninsula.

Book into the Pinnacles Hut to stay overnight and catch the sunrise from The Pinnacles.

Learn more in the 15 Best Hikes in The Coromandel.

Time: 3-4 hrs one-way / Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi) / Location: Thames, North Island

32. Lake Marian Track

Hike up to the stunning hanging valley holding Lake Marian on this half-day walk.

The initial part of the Lake Marian Track takes you to a series of waterfalls before ascending to the lake.

See more walks nearby in the 20 Best Walks in Milford Sound.

Time: 3 hrs return / Distance: 3.1 km (1.9 mi) / Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island

33. Aotea Track

Escape to Great Barrier Island and experience this piece of paradise on the Aotea Track.

The multi-day hike takes you through the forest, over hilltops and to hot springs.

See more walks in the 15 Best Hikes on Great Barrier Island.

Time: 2-3 days / Distance: 25 km (15.5 mi) / Location: Auckland (Hauraki Gulf), North Island

34. Rob Roy Track

Not to be confused with Roys Peak in Wanaka, we think the Rob Roy Glacier, also near Wanaka, is much more worthwhile.

Cross a swingbridge into a valley with snowfields, sheer rock faces and waterfalls on the way to a glacier’s edge.

Time: 3-4 hrs return / Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) / Location: Wanaka, South Island

35. Mt Manaia Track

Enjoy a steady climb through nikau palm and kauri forest to the rocky summit of the Mt Manaia Track with breathtaking views of Whangarei Heads.

Time: 2 hrs return / Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi) / Location: Whangarei, North Island

36. Charming Creek North Walkway

The Charming Creek Walkway is split into two tracks due to a slip in the middle.

The most worthwhile route, however, is the North Walkway, following disused railway lines lined with old mining relics and Mangatini Falls.

Check out more walks nearby in the 10 Best Walks in Westport.

Time: 2 hrs one way / Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 mi) / Location: Westport, South Island

37. Cathedral Cove

One of the top-visited sights on the North Island, Cathedral Cove is famous for its white cliffs arching over the beach.

The walk is an easy one to do. Note that parking is not permitted where the track officially starts at Grange Road. Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.

Time: 1 hr 30 mins / Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 mi) or 3.5 km (2.2 mi) / Location: Hahei, North Island

38. Routeburn Track – Key Summit

Although part of a popular multi-day Great Walk, the Key Summit of the Routeburn Track is well worth doing on its own.

Starting from the Milford Sound Road, the track zigzags through the forest to alpine shrublands with mountain views.

From what we’ve personally experienced, the panoramic vistas at the summit are simply breathtaking.

Time: 3 hrs return / Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 mi) / Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island

39. Cape Kidnappers

At low tide, follow the beach under the steep cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, displaying faultlines and fossils.

The end of the route rewards you with a close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony.

Having tried it ourselves, we can’t get enough of the breathtaking coastal scenery along the way.

See more 10 Best Walks in Hawke’s Bay.

Time: 5 hrs return / Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles) / Location: Hastings, North Island

40. Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track

Another excellent waterfall walk, the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track is a ramble through the forest and across a river to a viewing platform for a 121 m (397 ft) waterfall.

Time: 1 hr return / Distance: 2 km (1.2 mi) / Location: Arthur’s Pass, South Island

41. Tarawera Trail

Take the one-way Tarawera Trail through the forest on the shores of Lake Tarawera.

The trail ends at Te Rata Bay, where a campsite and hot springs meet the lake. Book a water taxi with Totally Tarawera to return.

We personally love the serene atmosphere of this hidden gem. Plus, plan more hikes in the area using the 10 Must-Do Walks in Rotorua.

Time: 5-6 hrs one way / Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi) / Location: Rotorua, North Island

42. Tunnel Beach Track

The Tunnel Beach Track leads down to dramatic coastline with arches and a tunnel carved through the cliffs.

Head through the tunnel to reach a beautiful beach with caves and even waterfalls after heavy rainfall. Time your walk with low tide to access the beach.

Time: 1 hr return / Distance: 2 km (1.2 mi) / Location: Dunedin, South Island

43. Wellington Southern Walkway

Yes, you can even hike in the city! Walk from coast to coast along Wellington‘s Town Belt on the Southern Walkway.

It’s all about the views on this walk, which include those of the cityscape, Mt Victoria, Oriental Bay and Island Bay.

Choose from more walks nearby in the 10 Best Walks in Wellington.

Time: 4-5 hrs one way / Distance: 10.7 km (6.6 mi) / Location: Wellington City, North Island

44. Rakiura Track

One of the “New Zealand Great Walks“, the Rakiura Track showcases the beauty and serenity of Stewart Island along with its beaches, bush and bird residents such as kiwi and kaka.

Time: 3 days / Distance: 32 km (19.9 mi) / Location: Stewart Island, South Island

45. Whisky Falls Track

A little-known track on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, the Whisky Falls Track is a half-day adventure through the Nelson Lakes National Park.

From what we’ve experienced, this walk combines some epic NZ highlights between bird-watching, pristine lakes, mountain views and an epic waterfall.

Time: 3-4 hrs return / Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 mi) / Location: St Arnaud, South Island

46. Ship Creek Walks

Choose from a couple of short walks over sand dunes and ancient West Coast forest at Ship Creek.

The pitstop on your way between Haast and Franz Josef has walks suitable for most fitness levels.

Check out more nearby trails in the 5 Best Walks in Haast.

Time: 20 mins or 30 mins return/ Distance: 800 m (875 yards) or 1 km (0.6 mi) / Location: Haast, South Island

47. Pouakai Circuit

For a spectacular multi-day hike on the North Island, check out the Pouakai Circuit.

The hiking trail takes you over various volcanic terrain with side trips to a waterfall and a mirror lake.

Time: 2-3 days loop / Distance: 25 km (15.5 mi) / Location: Egmont National Park, North Island

48. Children’s Bay Walkway

A walk with a quirky feature, the Children’s Bay Walkway takes you through small tracts of bush to open grasslands with metal animal structures.

Either return the same way once you reach the rhino or continue on the trail and back along the roads to make a 3-hour loop.

Time: 1 hr return or 3 hrs loop / Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 mi) / Location: Akaroa, South Island

49. Redwood Memorial Grove Track

The final instalment of our 50 New Zealand hikes takes you through an unusual landscape found in New Zealand. In Rotorua‘s Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as The Redwoods, do the Redwood Memorial Grove Track to walk among towering Californian Redwoods.

Time: 30 minutes return / Distance: 2km (1.2 miles) / Location: Rotorua, North Island

50. Waikaremoana Track

Get truly off the beaten track and walk from hut to hut in the Te Urewera forest. Although one of the New Zealand Great Walks, the Lake Waikaremoana Track is the most blissful due to its remote albeit difficult-to-access location.

According to Ngāi Tūhoe (the custodians of Te Urewera), trail conditions are ever-changing. Please check their website for updates.

Look out for cave weta and admire the views from two lookouts. See the 15 Best Lake Waikaremoana Walks for more walks nearby.

Time: 3-4 days loop / Distance: 46 km (28.6 mi) / Location: Te Urewera, North Island

More About New Zealand Hikes and Walks

That’s it for our guide to New Zealand hikes and walks; for more information about stunning trails and scenic routes, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in 20 Best Short Walks on the South Island.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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The Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand