Get out and walk

Take a walk, a Great Walk, through some of New Zealand's most awe-inspiring landscapes on premier walking tracks - watch one of our short videos and discover why they are called Great Walks!

Managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), there are 10 Great Walks to choose from - find out more below about the spectacular scenery that you'll see on each track and what you definitely won't want to miss!

Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

3-5 days, 60km

Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and coastal forest, the Abel Tasman Coast Track really has it all. Choose to walk the whole track or water taxi or kayak between different locations at any time of the year. 

Find out more about the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Heaphy Track, New Zealand.

Heaphy Track

4-6 days, 78.4km

From forest to coast, the Heaphy Track combines all of New Zealand's scenic beauty into one Great Walk. Travel through expansive tussock downs, lush forests and nīkau palms to the roaring seas of the wild West Coast.

Find out more about the Heaphy Track.

Rakiura Track, New Zealand.

Rakiura Track

3 days, 32km

Escape on an island adventure and exchange the hustle and bustle of mainland life for the tranquillity of the Rakiura Track. Revel in the peacefulness and idyllic surroundings with the bush, birds and beach at your side.

Find out more about the Rakiura Track.

Paparoa Track, New Zealand.

Paparoa Track

2-3 days, 55km one way

The Paparoa Track boasts some of the most beautiful scenic vistas in New Zealand, from alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes, thriving rainforests to the Tasman Sea.

Find out more about the Paparoa Track.

Kepler Track, New Zealand.

Kepler Track

3-4 days, 60km

An adventure above the clouds! The Kepler Track takes you from the gentle, beech-forested shores of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri to the exposed tussock lands and the summit of Mount Luxmore for spectacular alpine views.

Find out more about the Kepler Track.

Milford Track, New Zealand.

Milford Track

4 days, 53.5km

Experience the stunning grandeur of the Milford Track including rugged mountain peaks, breathtaking sheer canyons and majestic waterfalls. Walk beside pristine rivers and amongst lush, green rainforest before crossing Mackinnon Pass and reaching spectacular Milford Sound.

Find out more about the Milford Track.

Routeburn Track, New Zealand.

Routeburn Track

2-4 days, 32km

The Routeburn Track traverses the Southern Alps of New Zealand and passes through ice-carved valleys and beech forest. Walk alongside pristine rivers and glistening alpine lakes offering breathtaking views and mountain scenery.

Find out more about the Routeburn Track.

Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

3-4 days, 43km

Winding its way past Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe, this Great Walk lets you explore dramatic volcanic landscapes including craters, glacial valleys, native beech forest, alpine meadows and emerald-coloured lakes in this World Heritage area.

Find out more about the Tongariro Northern Circuit.

Whanganui Journey, New Zealand.

Whanganui Journey

3-5 days, 145km

The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. This journey lets you take a multi-day canoe or kayak trip to experience its most remote scenic beauty, history and cultural significance.

Find out more about the Whanganui Journey.

Lake Waikaremoana Track, New Zealand.

Lake Waikaremoana Track

3-4 days, 46km

Trace the shoreline of beautiful Lake Waikaremoana 'the sea of rippling waters' for spiritual and cultural enlightenment. Walk through ancient rainforest, pass giant podocarp trees and admire stunning views from Panekire Bluff.

Find out more about the Lake Waikaremoana Track.

Abel Tasman Coast Track image courtesy of the Department of Conservation; Heaphy Track image courtesy of the Department of Conservation; Rakiura Track image courtesy of the Department of Conservation; Paparoa Track image courtesy of Neil Silverwood; Kepler Track image courtesy of Daniel Deans; Milford Track image courtesy of Graeme Murray; Routeburn Track image courtesy of Will Patino; Tongariro Northern Circuit image courtesy of the Department of Conservation; Whanganui Journey image courtesy of Justin Rihia; Lake Waikaremoana Track image courtesy of Malcolm O'Neill