New Zealand has some of the finest hiking (tramping, as Kiwis call it) on the planet. From multi-day Great Walks through ancient rainforest to world-class day hikes with views that would cost thousands to see by helicopter, there is a trail for every fitness level. Here are the 12 best, covering both islands and ranging from easy family walks to serious alpine adventures.
1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing — The Greatest Day Hike
Widely regarded as one of the best single-day hikes in the world. The 19.4-kilometre crossing takes you through an active volcanic landscape of emerald crater lakes, steaming vents, red craters and vast lava flows in Tongariro National Park — a dual World Heritage site. Allow 7 to 8 hours. Shuttle transport runs from Taupō and the surrounding towns. Best done October to April, though it is open year-round with proper alpine gear in winter.
Base yourself in Taupō — 90 minutes away →
2. Hooker Valley Track — Aoraki Mt Cook
The most accessible and rewarding alpine walk in New Zealand. A flat 10-kilometre return track across three swing bridges to the Hooker Glacier terminal lake with New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (3,724m), towering directly ahead. Takes around 3 hours return. Free, no booking required, suitable for most fitness levels. The final swing bridge view — icebergs floating in the lake with Mt Cook filling the sky — is one of the most photographed scenes in the country.
Read our full Aoraki Mt Cook guide →
3. Milford Track — The Finest Walk in the World
New Zealand's most famous Great Walk and often called the finest walk in the world. A 53.5-kilometre, 4-day tramp through Fiordland rainforest, over the 1,154m Mackinnon Pass, past the 580m Sutherland Falls (one of the tallest waterfalls in the world), and finishing at Milford Sound. Hut bookings through DOC are essential and open in June for the October-April season — they sell out within hours. Guided walks are also available through Ultimate Hikes.
4. Routeburn Track — Alpine Grandeur
A 32-kilometre, 2 to 4 day Great Walk connecting the Dart Valley near Glenorchy to The Divide on the Milford Road. The Routeburn crosses the Harris Saddle at 1,255m with panoramic views across Fiordland and the Hollyford Valley to the Tasman Sea. Many trampers consider it more scenic than the Milford Track. DOC hut bookings required in season.
5. Roy's Peak — Wānaka
The iconic Instagram hike. A steep 16-kilometre return track climbing 1,300 metres from the shores of Lake Wānaka to the 1,578m summit of Roy's Peak. The panoramic view from the top — across Lake Wānaka to Mt Aspiring and the surrounding ranges — is jaw-dropping. Allow 5 to 6 hours return. The ridgeline section before the summit is where everyone takes that famous photo.
6. Abel Tasman Coast Track — Golden Beaches
A 60-kilometre, 3 to 5 day Great Walk along the coast of Abel Tasman National Park. Unlike most Great Walks, this one is coastal — golden sand beaches, turquoise water, native bush, and swimming at every stop. You can walk the whole thing, or use water taxis to skip sections and do day walks. The easiest of the Great Walks and suitable for families.
7. Kepler Track — Te Anau, Fiordland
A 60-kilometre, 3 to 4 day Great Walk loop starting and finishing in Te Anau. The Kepler climbs above the bushline to the Luxmore Ridge with stunning views across Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland mountains. The ridge walk on a clear day is one of the most spectacular sections of any Great Walk. Well-maintained track and huts.
8. Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway — Seals & Mountains
An easy 2 to 3 hour coastal walk around the Kaikōura Peninsula with seals basking on rocks, the Seaward Kaikōura Range rising behind, and the chance to spot whales from shore. Free, flat, suitable for all ages. The combination of mountain and ocean scenery is uniquely Kaikōura.
9. Tongariro Northern Circuit — 3-Day Volcanic Loop
The multi-day extension of the Alpine Crossing, looping around Mt Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings). A 43-kilometre, 3 to 4 day Great Walk through some of the most dramatic volcanic terrain in the world. Includes the Alpine Crossing section plus remote Oturere Valley and the Tama Lakes. DOC hut bookings required.
10. Ben Lomond — Queenstown
Queenstown's signature hike. A full-day climb of 1,438m elevation gain to the 1,748m summit of Ben Lomond, with views across Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and the Queenstown Basin. Start from the Skyline Gondola base or take the gondola up to cut out the first section. Allow 6 to 8 hours return from the base.
11. Lake Matheson — Fox Glacier
The famous mirror lake walk. A flat, easy 2.6-kilometre loop through native kahikatea forest to Lake Matheson, where on a calm morning, Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman are reflected perfectly in the dark tannin-stained water. One of the most photographed views in New Zealand. Allow 1.5 hours. Best at dawn. Free.
12. Redwoods Treewalk — Rotorua
Not a traditional hike but a unique elevated walkway through 117-year-old Californian redwood trees in the Whakarewarewa Forest. The daytime walk crosses 28 suspension bridges up to 12 metres above the forest floor. The nighttime version — with 30 lantern sculptures illuminating the canopy — is magical. Family-friendly and suitable for all ages.