People who often have difficulty in decision-making will ultimately fail to choose what hike to take in New Zealand, and I can’t blame them. The country offers tremendous diversity, from striking alpine lakes to lush forests. As a result, New Zealand is a top-tier destination for backpackers looking for adventure and picturesque tracks to reminiscence. New Zealand is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most hikers, but many return to the country to relive the best days of their lives. I know a few who have re-settled on the moreish Island altogether.
New Zealand’s scenery is dramatic and ever-changing, national parks are extensive, and best of all, a network of backcountry huts means you don’t need a tent at all. That is because there are so many routes ranging over glaciers, fiords, peaks, lush-green rainforests, and golden-sand beaches for hikers to consider. And if you are not sure what hike to take, we have set up eight options worth your consideration.
Whereas the landscape may be barren, it is the most beautiful and unique and makes for the best route in New Zealand. The entire hike is 12-miles long and takes between 6-7 hours to complete, but you most likely will get lost in the beauty avowal on your way. Nevertheless, the hike has grown in popularity as one of the best day hikes globally and is a dual World Heritage Site.
Given how detailed this hike is, you might want to plan ahead of your trip for the best experience. First, you will need to book a shuttle to take you to the trailhead. The hike starts quickly with a walk through Mangatepopo Valley, but soon enough, the elevation rises as you close in on Mount Ngauruhoe. The beautifully jarring jagged rock formations make up for exertion on the course. You then might want to continue towards the fuming Red Crater and the naturally heated Emerald Lakes and finish off with a glimpse of the Te Maari Crater.
If you are not pressed on time, then perhaps check out the 37.9-miles long track that will take you about three days to finish. The trail is only closed a month (between summer and winter season) in the whole year. However, cabin bookings are essential if you are to enjoy the perks of the track.
The three-day track leads hikers along the south coast of New Zealand, all the way up to the sub-alpine section of the Hump Ridge into the hub of the natural forest. There are two backcountry cabins to stay in along this route, each hosting up to 40 guests. Whereas one lodge is at sea level, the other marks the highest point of the track.
One of if not the top destinations for hikers coming to New Zealand, the 53-kilometer walk beginning at Lake Te Anau through suspension bridges, boardwalks, and a mountain pass, will leave you with memorable tales. Once denoted as the “Finest Walk in the World” by Blanche Baughan, a New Zealand poet.
Milford has captivated the minds and hearts of hikers from all corners of the globe for a century now. Most hikers on the Milford are fascinated by its rather moody weather, where you might experience all four seasons in a single day. The track is open all year, but bookings are a prerequisite from October through April; only 40 hikers are allowed to start the Milford every day, and it should take you four days to complete.
Nothing beats a mountain hike, especially if you get off the adrenaline of summiting after a harrowing journey uphill. Located within the Fiordland National Park, the Kepler is a 60-kilometer long advanced trail that gets pretty knobbly in the winter season. The park offers excellent hut lodging for hikers, but camp is still available to those to wish. If you opt for the park lodgings, then the prior booking will save you a hustle in the peak seasons.
Many of the hikers on the trail are captivated by the alpine wilderness, glacial lake foreshores, and pristine beech forests. As a result, the adaption of wild swimming side trips has become part of the hiker’s 4-day itinerary of the Kepler Track.
New Zealand presents you with quite a rare opportunity of trying out a beach hike. The Abel Tasman National Park is an extensive 30-mile stretch of golden sand beaches. The crystal clear water, impressive granite cliffs, and lush-green vegetation often leave many hikers questioning initial honeymoon setups.
The beach hike is a much less strenuous track than the Kepler or Milford, making for a family activity on the highland for bird-watching and wildlife spotting.
If you are still new to hiking and would love to try out a multi-day track, then voila, the Tarawera Trail. The 15 km one way with an elevation gain of 600m presents the best opportunity to build on your endurance in preparations for many competent tracks. The moderately tricky level track is clearly defined, with a few steep and challenging sections dotted with lush green vegetation to contrast the sky blue of Lake Tarawera.
The end of this trail is the most captivating for hikers. Hot Water Beach Camp, located on the lakeshores, has hot springs under the sand, making for a relaxing hot swim.
New Zealand’s diversity in hiking trails is mind-boggling. However, the 1-km short and gentle path is an attractive option for those will to try out hiking as a hobby. The Tapeka Point Track offers a 360-degrees view of beaches, cliffs, and bays of the area.
However, watch out for muddy and slippery cliff edges after it rains.
And if you still can’t make your mind up by this time, then perhaps you do the cross-country. A 3000 km stretch from point to point is an excellent opportunity for a thru-hike when you visit New Zealand.
The Te Araroa is the world’s newest thru-hikes known for its dense forests, rugged terrain, exposed alpine pass, and unbridged rivers. The Te Araroa Trail is a route for those eagerly ambitious to experience a thru-hike on the Island.
