The Great Walks
The Great Walks include New Zealand's most renowned walking tracks as well as a river journey. On average, these take three to four days to complete, guided or unguided.
For those walking independently, accommodation options along the track include communal huts and camping areas. Pre-paid huts are usually spaced about four to five hours apart. They contain bunks, water and often cooking facilities.
Most of the major walks in New Zealand can be walked as freedom or guided walks. Freedom walking means carrying all equipment including food and sleeping equipment.
On guided walks, hikers carry a light daypack and all meals and overnight accommodation are provided. A number of walks and huts now operate on a booking system to keep visitor numbers to a manageable level.
Abel Tasman
In New Zealand's smallest National Park, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is a 51 kilometre (31 mile) easy to moderate walking track that passes through coastal forests and golden sandy beaches. All streams are bridged and most people can walk it in 3-5 days.
Further information:
Department of Conservation (DOC) Nelson Regional Visitor Centre
Phone +64 3 546 9339
Email nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz
Heaphy Track
Although long, at 82km (50 miles), the Heaphy Track is an ideal walking track for most people, being well formed with all streams and rivers bridged. It is suitable for families. It crosses a range of landscapes in Kahurangi National Park, from the junction of the Brown and Aorere Rivers, over expansive tussock downs to the lush forests and roaring seas of the West Coast in the South Island.
Further information:
Kepler Track
A 67 kilometre (42 mile), u-shaped moderate walking track in Fiordland National Park, which takes three to four days to complete. The Kepler crosses lake edges, beech forest, alpine ranges and a glacial valley.
Further information:
Lake Waikaremoana Track
The Lake Waikaremoana Track is situated in the Te Urewera National Park in the North Island. The 46 kilometre (28 mile) track takes around three days to hike and is of moderate difficulty. The area has spiritual significance to Maori, with several areas held sacred by the Tuhoe and Ruapani iwi (tribes). There are more than 650 varieties of native plants in the area, and a wealth of bird life including kaka, kakariki, morepork and the New Zealand robin. Native bats - the long and short-tailed - are both present in the park.
Further information:
Milford Track
Described as the finest walk in the world, the track extends for 54 kilometres (33 miles) from the northern end of Lake Te Anau, to Sandfly Point near Milford Sound. It is renowned for its glacial carved valleys, rainforest, alpine flowers and waterfalls and is open November to April. A medium to high level of fitness is required.
Further information:
Rakiura Track
A 29 kilometre (18 mile) three day hiking track in the remote wilderness of Stewart Island, at the bottom of the South Island, Rakiura is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness and can be walked year round. The Rakiura track offers the chance to see kiwi in their natural environment, plus many other native birds and sea life. The tracks are well formed, but the weather can be inclement. This area is New Zealand’s newest National Park.
Further information:
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn track is a 32 kilometre (20 mile), two to three day moderate hiking track which links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks via the Harris Saddle (1277 metres or 4190 feet). Features of the track include waterfalls, forested valleys, rich bird life, lakes and spectacular mountain scenery. The walk begins at Glenorchy, near Queenstown, and ends in Milford. The alternative start is it at the Divide on the Milford/Te Anau Highway. The track can be easily walked unguided. Open November to April.
Further information:
Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit in the central North Island winds its way over volcanic Mount Tongariro and around Mount Ngauruhoe. This walk passes through unique and stunning landforms that include volcanic craters and glacial valleys.
Further information:
Whanganui Journey
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains of the Central Plateau to the Tasman Sea. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park. The 145 kilometre (90 mile) river journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki takes an average of five days to complete by canoe. A shorter three day journey from Whakahoro to Pipiriki is also possible.
Further information:
Wanganui Conservancy
Phone: +64 6 348 8475
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