Helpful tips
Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.
By Miles Holden
Discover New Zealand's wonders first-hand when you take one of the country's many spectacular day hikes.
With walks from 4 to 8 hours, New Zealand's day hikes offer something for everyone.
Traverse the rugged volcanic landscape of the North Island's famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing or explore picturesque coastal forests on the Te Whara Track.
In the South Island, majestic glaciers await when you walk the stunning Hooker Valley Track or challenge yourself with a climb to the top of Roy's Peak in Wānaka.
Find your ultimate day hike in the collection below.
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: ADVANCED
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: ADVANCED
5 - 6 Hrs — 7.5 km
Follow an ancient Maori trail from Urquharts Bay to Ocean Beach, in Bream Head Scenic Reserve.
Wānaka
GRADE: EASY
Wānaka
GRADE: EASY
5-6 Hrs — 16 km (1300m climb)
With stunning panoramic views across Lake Wānaka, Roy's Peak is a great way to experience true South Island beauty.
Taupō
GRADE: ADVANCED
Taupō
GRADE: ADVANCED
8 Hours — 20.2 km
Lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to make the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike an unforgettable walking journey.
Waikato
GRADE: ADVANCED
Waikato
GRADE: ADVANCED
3 Hours (one Way) — 8 km
Make your way up Mount Te Aroha, the highest point in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park at nearly 1 km tall.
Queenstown
GRADE: EASY
Queenstown
GRADE: EASY
4 Hrs — 5.6 km
Take in superb lake and mountain views on an easy walk over undulating open grassland and scattered scrub.
Queenstown
GRADE: ADVANCED
Queenstown
GRADE: ADVANCED
4 Hours (one Way) — 14km
It's not a walk in the park, but this challenging day hike promises to lift your spirits as high as the Southern Alps.
Auckland
GRADE: EASY
Auckland
GRADE: EASY
4-5 Hrs — 16 km
Cross the width of the country in one day. See life in Auckland unfold and explore various landmarks.
Wellington
GRADE: EASY
Wellington
GRADE: EASY
4-5 Hours
Views, forests, parks and gardens keep things interesting along these signposted Wellington walkways.
Southland
GRADE: EASY
Southland
GRADE: EASY
5 Hours (one Way)
The Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail takes you to see isolated beaches, a fossilised forest, Hector's dolphins and many historic sites.
Wellington
GRADE VARIES
Wellington
GRADE VARIES
6-7 Hours — 12 km
This varied walk will take you from central Wellington into the suburbs, hills, and south coast.
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: EASY
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: EASY
5 Hrs — 7.3 km
Access by water only, this island is rich in history and worthy of a day's visit.
Marlborough
GRADE: ADVANCED
Marlborough
GRADE: ADVANCED
5 Hours — 9 km
Follow an old gold miners trail on this challenging day walk.
Central Otago
GRADE: EASY
Central Otago
GRADE: EASY
6.5 Hours — 21.5 km
Marvel at the emerald green waters of the Clutha River while enjoying the peaceful scenery on the upper river walk.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Christchurch - Canterbury
3 Hrs (return) — 10 km
One of the most popular walks in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. Pass through Hooker Valley and walk beside the Hooker River. Find out more about this popular track.
Coromandel
GRADE: EASY
Coromandel
GRADE: EASY
7 Hrs Return — 20 km
One of the best coastal walks in New Zealand. Discover beautiful beaches, quiet nature and twinkling bays.
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: VARIOUS
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: VARIOUS
8 Hrs — 8.2 km
This is a full circle walk with many options for where to start and end.
Queenstown
GRADE: EASY
Queenstown
GRADE: EASY
6-8 Hrs — 40 Km
Hike from Queenstown to Ben Lomond Saddle (3 - 4 hours return) or climb the summit of Ben Lomond (6 - 8 hours hike).
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: ADVANCED
Northland & Bay of Islands
GRADE: ADVANCED
8 Hrs — 33 Km
This magnificent hiking track runs the length of Cape Brett. It's a challenging walk, so you'll need a high level of fitness.
Taranaki
GRADE: EASY
Taranaki
GRADE: EASY
5 - 8 Hours — 22 km (return)
Get some fresh air and exercise on the Whitecliffs Walkway. This farmland walk delivers more than five hours of spectacular coastal and Tasman Sea views.
Marlborough
GRADE: EASY
Marlborough
GRADE: EASY
1-5 Hours — Various
Close to Blenheim, on this track you can meander through farms and experience views over the Wairau Lagoons.
