15 Best Hikes in New Zealand — Day Walks and Great Walks
New Zealand has more hiking trails per capita than almost anywhere on earth, and the range runs from flat coastal paths to alpine crossings over active volcanoes. This guide covers the 15 best hikes across both islands — from half-day walks you can do without booking anything to Great Walks that require hut reservations months in advance.
Iconic Day Walks
1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
New Zealand's most famous day hike crosses volcanic terrain between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings). The trail passes the Emerald Lakes — vivid green pools in old explosion craters — the Red Crater, and Blue Lake before descending through tussock grassland. It is a point-to-point track requiring shuttle transport. Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid the midday crowds and to allow time for the steep Red Crater section.
Difficulty: Challenging. Elevation gain: 765m. Season: November through April. Winter crossings require alpine experience and crampons.
2. Hooker Valley Track
The most accessible track in the Aoraki/Mount Cook area, crossing three swing bridges to a glacial lake at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain. The path is flat and well-formed — doable for most fitness levels — and the views of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks are among the best in the country. Icebergs often float in the terminal lake. No booking required.
Difficulty: Easy. Elevation gain: minimal. Accessible year-round, though icy in winter.
3. Roy's Peak
A steep zigzag climb above Wanaka to one of New Zealand's most photographed viewpoints — the sweeping panorama over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. The track itself is straightforward but relentless: 1,300 meters of elevation gain on an exposed mountainside with no shade. Carry at least 2 liters of water and start early in summer. The famous ridgeline photo spot is about 20 minutes before the actual summit.
Difficulty: Challenging. Closed November-December for lambing season.
4. Ben Lomond Track (Queenstown)
Queenstown's signature summit hike to 1,748 meters with 360-degree views over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and Cecil Peak. Take the Skyline Gondola one-way to save an hour of forest switchbacks. The final section above the saddle is steep and exposed — weather can change fast. See our Queenstown things to do guide for more on the area.
Difficulty: Challenging. Elevation gain: 1,438m from town, 900m from gondola.
5. Kitekite Falls (Piha)
A short walk through native bush near Auckland's Piha Beach to a three-tiered waterfall. The track follows a stream through nikau palms and tree ferns — a lush, shaded walk that feels remote despite being 45 minutes from Auckland's CBD. You can swim in the pool at the base of the falls. Combine it with a visit to Piha's black-sand beach. See our Auckland guide for more day trips.
Difficulty: Easy. Year-round.
Great Walks (Multi-Day)
6. Milford Track
Often called "the finest walk in the world." The trail runs from the head of Lake Te Anau through rainforest, over the 1,154m Mackinnon Pass, past Sutherland Falls (New Zealand's tallest at 580m), and down to Milford Sound. Independent walkers stay in DOC huts (bunks, gas cookers, no showers). The guided option uses private lodges with hot showers, three-course meals, and a guide who knows every bird call in the valley.
Difficulty: Moderate. Limited to 40 independent walkers per day — sells out months ahead.
7. Routeburn Track
An alpine crossing between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. The Harris Saddle viewpoint and the Hollyford Valley panorama from Key Summit are the two highlight sections. Shorter than the Milford Track and can be walked in either direction. A popular day-walk option covers the Routeburn Flats section (2-3 hours return from the shelter). See our Milford Sound guide for combining a Routeburn day walk with a fiord cruise.
Difficulty: Moderate-challenging. Trailheads accessible from Queenstown.
8. Abel Tasman Coast Track
The easiest Great Walk — a coastal path through golden sand beaches, turquoise bays, and native bush at the top of the South Island. Water taxis let you skip sections or access beach campsites. The track is low-altitude with gentle gradients, making it suitable for fit beginners and families. Bark Bay and Torrent Bay are the standout overnight stops. Kayaking sections of the coast is a popular way to add variety.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Year-round, though hut bookings required October-April.
9. Kepler Track
A loop track starting and ending at the Te Anau lakefront — no shuttle logistics needed. The alpine section along the Kepler Range offers exposed ridgeline walking with views across Fiordland's lake-filled valleys. The Luxmore Hut sits at the treeline and is one of the most scenic overnight spots on any Great Walk. Easier to book than the Milford or Routeburn.
Difficulty: Moderate-challenging. The Luxmore Saddle section is exposed and weather-dependent.
Coastal and Forest Walks
10. Queen Charlotte Track
A ridgeline track through the Marlborough Sounds with continuous views over Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Unlike the Great Walks, accommodation options include lodges and homestays as well as DOC campsites, and water taxis carry your luggage between stops. Mountain biking is allowed on most sections. The track starts in Ship Cove (Captain Cook's landing site) and ends in Anakiwa.
Difficulty: Moderate. Year-round. No booking required for the track itself.
11. Lake Waikaremoana Track
A Great Walk in Te Urewera that circles a lake surrounded by ancient podocarp forest. The Panekire Bluff section — a steep climb to a ridgeline 600 meters above the lake — is the highlight, with sunrise views that rival anything in the South Island. Far less crowded than the southern Great Walks. The lake is sacred to Tuhoe iwi, and the area has a strong cultural significance.
Difficulty: Moderate. Hut booking required.
12. Pouakai Crossing
The North Island's answer to the Tongariro Crossing, but without the crowds. The trail crosses the Pouakai Range in Egmont National Park with views of Mount Taranaki reflected in the Pouakai Tarns — one of New Zealand's most iconic photo spots. The route passes through goblin forest (moss-covered trees in perpetual mist) and alpine wetlands. A shuttle service runs from New Plymouth.
Difficulty: Moderate-challenging. Best November through April.
13. Cathedral Cove Walk
A coastal walk on the Coromandel Peninsula to a natural rock arch framing a white-sand beach. The trail descends through pohutukawa forest (red flowers in December) to the cove. Go at low tide for the best beach access and early morning for the fewest people. Combine with Hot Water Beach (20 minutes south) where you can dig a hot pool in the sand at low tide.
Difficulty: Easy. Year-round.
14. Rangitoto Summit Track
Auckland's youngest volcano, accessible by a 25-minute ferry from the CBD. The summit track crosses lava fields and the world's largest pohutukawa forest to a crater rim with panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. A boardwalk loop around the crater adds 30 minutes. Bring water — there is no shop on the island and the black lava absorbs heat. See our Auckland guide for more details.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Year-round.
15. Mueller Hut Route
A steep climb from the Aoraki/Mount Cook village to the Mueller Hut at 1,800 meters — one of the most spectacularly located alpine huts in New Zealand. The route ascends 1,000 meters via the Sealy Tarns staircase (2,200 steps) and then traverses a rocky ridgeline to the hut. Sunrise over the Hooker Valley from the hut deck is extraordinary. The hut has 28 bunks and must be booked through DOC.
Difficulty: Very challenging. December through March only. Snow skills may be needed early/late season.
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