This 16km hike crosses the width of the country, and should only take you about 5 hours. Check out the harbour, explore Auckland city, and climb volcanic hills for stunning views.
This 12km hilly walk in the Coromandel region has breathtaking vistas of the peninsula, craggy mountains, and the beautiful terrain that is so unique to New Zealand.
If you only have a day in Coromandel, make sure you do this walk. It's a 10km path, passing underneath Mt Moehau and along the glistening coastline. If you don't want to double back at the end of the path, there are shuttles which will take you back to the town.
If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, you'll certainly enjoy admiring the Putangirua Pinnacles, which were used as a filming location for the 'Paths of the Dead' scene. Allow about three hours for this 7km walk.
5. Snout Track
Though this is just an hour-long walk, it is a perfect way to spend a sunny day, with a picnic at the end. From Shelley Beach along the peninsula to Queen Charlotte Sound, it's probably one of the most stunning views in the country.
Nelson is one of the best parts of the countries for hikers to explore. This walk is easy but has surreal views of the coastline and deserted beaches. Look out for seals, rock pools and hidden caves. You can add a few hours to your walk by continuing onto Farewell Spit.
Though it's only a 5km walk, it's fairly challenging and rocky at times. Pass by the glacier and be rewarded with wonderful icy views. Get tips for preparing for your walk here.
This is a 13km riverside walk through the Mt Cook National Park, peppered with views of icebergs, mountains and glaciers. It's mostly flat but can be a bit muddy at times so make sure you're wearing the right shoes.
This spectacular path follows the gorge rim then descends down into a forest valley and across bridges which will take your breath away with their beauty.
10. The Outlet Track
This 3km, one hour stroll is perfect for walkers of any age. The reflections on the Clutha River are particularly wondrous, and it's amazing during autumn when the track is carpeted with orange and red leaves.
11. Ben Lomond
Just outside Queenstown, this is either a four- or eight- hour walk, depending how much of it you want to do! There are mind-blowing panoramic views that'll take your breath away and make your toes tingle. You'll need a relatively high fitness level to tackle this one- there are quite a few hills.
This is a 41km hike and should take about three or four days. It offers up stunning views of the active volcano Mount Ngauruhoe and its surrounding landscapes: peaks, crater lakes, explosion pits, and hills formed by flowing lava. It incorporates the Tongariro Crossing day trek but gives you a longer and more memorable walking experience. There are huts and campsites along the way.
This three to four day hike is 46km long and takes you through rain forests, along the shores of the lake and will reward your hard work with incredible panoramas. The wildlife here is abundant, and you’ll hear amazing birdsong at sunrise and sunset. There are campsites and huts along the way.
This 70km, five day hike will take you through forests which look completely untouched by humans. If it’s your thing, you can kayak or cycle certain portions of the track. The views of Marlborough sounds are simply amazing, and you’ll also come up close to a ton of local wildlife. There are campsites and lodges along the route.
15. Milford Track
This 53km track is arguably one of New Zealand’s most well known walks. You’ll pass towering mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes and the tallest waterfall in New Zealand. Though it’d be more comfortable in dry weather, it is particularly wonderful with torrents of rainwater cascading down the steep mountainsides. Camping isn’t allowed but there are three public lodges you can stay at if you book ahead.
Spend four days traversing this 51km route along the scenic north coast of the South Island. Get up close with seals and dolphins, paddle in the water of sparkling etches and pass through ancient forests. There are a number of waterfront campsites so you can wake to the sound of crashing waves and a sunrise over the water.
17. Heaphy Track
This five to six day, 78km hike is incredibly diverse. You’ll get a mix of rainforest, grasslands, mountains and surf beaches. It’s certainly not too easy of a walk but it is certainly an experience that makes it all worth it. This track was first used by Maori hunters travelling around the country. There are heated huts and campsites along the way.
18. Rakiura Track
This three-day hike on Stuart Island will make you feel incredibly in touch with nature. Listen to melodic birdsong as you traverse beautiful wilderness, and feel entirely at peace as you sleep under the stars and relax on white sand beaches.
19. Ball Pass
20. Kepler Track
A 60km track through fjord lands, this hike is particularly beautiful in the winter. Be amazed by glaciers, huge mountains, rivers and tumbling waterfalls. Book accommodation at one of the huts dotting the track before you set off.
This 80km journey is nothing short of epic. Fans of birds will enjoy the diverse wildlife, and fans of scenery will rejoice in the mountain vistas, clear streams and amazingly clear air. The walk itself is fairly advanced, and there are huts along the track if you're not keen on camping.
22. St James Walkway
