In 2018, we embarked on our greatest hiking challenge yet: the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand in 9 Weeks!
It was one of the greatest things we've ever done. If you want to see how it went or do one of the Great Walks, then check out our articles below!
1. The Routeburn (Fiordland)
A stunning 2-3 day walk that goes from Glenorchy to The Divide in Fiordland. Expect stunning ridge lines, waterfalls and glacier views along the way.
2. The Milford Track (Fiordland)
“The Finest Walk in the World” should be on everyone’s bucket list. This historic 4 day track links Te Anau with Milford Sound - an incredible natural wonder. This walk will blow you away.
3. The Kepler Track (Fiordland)
The Kepler Track is a hidden gem and possibly our favourite of all the Great Walks. This 4 day hike will take you across some of the most stunning ridges and views you’ll see anywhere in the world. This is another that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
4. The Rakiura (Stewart Island)
Short, but sweet, The Rakiura is a 2 day hike around one of New Zealand’s wildest areas. As well as hiking through ancient woodland and beautiful beaches, you’ll have the best chance of seeing Stewart Island’s favourite native (and New Zealand icon): the kiwi.
5. The Abel Tasman Coast Track (South Island)
At times the Abel Tasman Coast Track was so enjoyable and relaxed that we forgot we were on a multi-day hike! The track weaves along the coast going from beaches to forest seemlessly for 4 days. With infrastructure such as pack transfers, water taxis and even wi-fi in the huts, this is a hike for those who don’t want to be completely detached from the outside world.
6. The Heaphy Track (South Island)
The Heaphy Track is the perfect hike for anyone wanting a diverse trail where you’ll only see anyone else when you get to the hut for the night. Going from Golden Bay to the wild West Coast, the Heaphy is a beautiful 4 day hike that offers everything: mountains, beech forests, rivers, palm trees, wild coastlines and great opportunities to see wild animals.
7. The Whanganui Journey (North Island)
The one Great Walk that doesn’t involve any walking! The Whanganui Journey is one for the adventure lover, paddling through the wild Whanganui River for 3-5 days with wild gorges and a few rapids for good measure. Trust us, this is an adventure you’ll never forget.
8. The Tongariro Northern Circuit (North Island)
Hikes don’t get more epic than the Tongariro Northern Circuit and the trail through this volcanic landscape is one of the greatest walks we’ve ever done. In this 2-3 day hike you’ll pass 3 volcanoes, the incredible Emerald Lakes and be in awe as you walk through landscapes that range from the surface of the moon to lush green forests and everything in-between. This is another for the bucket list.
9. Lake Waikaremoana (North Island)
If you want a quiet multi-day walk through a land that few people visit, then Lake Waikaremoana is for you. This 3-4 day trail takes you up a mountain, through dense forest and around the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, a place that has a long and significant history with the Maori population.
