Volcanoes to Fiords: What are NZ's Top 10 Great Walks?

Some call them the finest walks in the world. Others say you haven’t truly explored Aotearoa until you’ve done at least one. From multi day treks through Fiordland to coastal wanders with seal colonies, these Great Walks invite you to lace up, breathe deep, and discover what makes New Zealand so unforgettable - without worrying about the logistics.

Walk guided or self guided, with all the details organised for you. Just show up and walk.

1. Milford Track - The “Finest Walk in the World”

53.5km | 4 days | Late Oct - Apr | Best for bucket listers

Rainforest, alpine passes and the tallest waterfall in the country - this trail has earned its global reputation.

Experience it with us: On Day 3 of our Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk, we walk 11km through lush Fiordland, tracing the Arthur River toward Lake Ada and the Giant Gate Waterfall, then cap the day with a scenic boat cruise through Milford Sound.

Experience Piopiotahi, the Milford Sound - a truly remote paradise! Stay aboard the Milford Mariner, sailing in the most remote regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. | Izzi Barton

2. Routeburn Track - Short, Sharp and Spectacular

33km | 3 days | Late Oct - Apr | Best for fit walkers

Cross the Southern Alps in days - alpine ridgelines, pristine lakes and native birdlife at every turn.

Experience it with us: On Day 4 of our Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk, climb through rainforest to Key Summit for sweeping alpine views across snow capped peaks and glacial valleys.

Taking in the stunning sights on the Routeburn Track

3. Tongariro Northern Circuit - Walk Through a Volcano’s Shadow

43km loop | 3–4 days | Dec - Mar | Experienced hikers

Circle Mount Ngauruhoe, cross lava fields and pass the Emerald Lakes - raw, elemental Aotearoa.

Experience it with us: On Day 2 of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (self guided), tackle the full 19km across dramatic volcanic terrain, climb to Red Crater at 1,886m, pass the Emerald Lakes and the sacred Blue Lake, then return to the lodge for a well earned soak.

Vividly coloured volcanic lakes at Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Camilla Rutherford

4. Hump Ridge Track - The Newest Great Walk

61km | 3 days | Nov - Apr | Experienced walkers

Rainforest, sweeping coastline and panoramic views over Stewart Island and Fiordland’s wild interior.

Experience it with us: Across Days 2 and 3 of the Hump Ridge Track (guided), walk 33km through soaring forest, over ridgelines and historic viaducts - with a heli drop to Flat Creek and a night at Okaka Lodge before descending to Port Craig. Self guided option also available.

Panoramic views over Te Waewae Bay | Liz Carlson

5. Kepler Track - Built for Big Views

60km loop | 3–4 days | Oct - Apr | Fit hikers only

Alpine ridges, beech forest and dramatic Fiordland scenery on a purpose built showcase track.

Experience it with us: On Day 2 of our Best of Kepler, Milford and Routeburn Guided Walk, heli to Luxmore Hut, hike up to Mt Luxmore summit, then descend 16km through beech forest to Brod Bay for a boat transfer back to Te Anau.

Hiking on the Kepler Track above Lake Te Anau | Trips and Tramps

6. Abel Tasman Coast Track - Beaches, Bush and Blue Seas

60km | 3–5 days | Oct - May | Great for families and first time hikers

Golden sand, clear water, native bush and playful seals - a coastal favourite with comfort close by.

Experience it with us: Choose from guided or self guided options over 4 or 6 days:
Abel Tasman Self Guided Walk (4 Day)
Abel Tasman Extended Self Guided Walk (6 Day)
Abel Tasman Guided Explorer (4 Day)
Abel Tasman Guided Adventure (6 Day)

Wilson’s Walk, Abel Tasman National Park | Miles Holden

7. Whanganui Journey - Paddle a Great Walk

145km paddle | 5 days | Oct - Apr | All levels with a guide

Swap boots for paddles as you canoe a lush and remote river valley steeped in nature and story.

Experience it with us: Available as 5, 6 or 7 day adventures:
Whanganui Journey Guided Short Canoe Challenge (5 Day)
Whanganui Journey Guided Canoe Explorer (6 Day)
Whanganui Journey Great Walk Guided Canoe Adventure (7 Day)

Pristine and relaxing nature along the Whanganui Journey

8. Heaphy Track - Wild and Wonderfully Remote

78.4km | 4–6 days | May - Sep | For experienced hikers

From alpine plateaus to nikau palm fringed beaches - a journey through contrasting landscapes.

Experience it with us: Take on the full track at your own pace with our 6 day self guided adventure - wild coastlines, lush forest and no signal by design.

The track passes beside Scott's Beach on the Heaphy Track | Janet Oldham

9. Paparoa Track - A Trail of Contrasts

56km | 4 days | Late Oct - Apr | Intermediate to experienced

Alpine ridges, limestone canyons and dense rainforest on a route rich in West Coast character.

Experience it with us: Hike the full Paparoa Track on a 4 day self guided adventure - from historic Blackball to Punakaiki with epic escarpment views.

Above the tree line on the Paparoa Track | Sonia Lehmann

10. Rakiura Track - Birdsong and Solitude

32km loop | 3 days | All year | Beginner hikers

Remote, peaceful and rich with native birdlife - Rakiura is where you slow down and let nature lead.

Experience it with us: Explore the Rakiura Track on our 8 Day Unseen Stewart Island expedition cruise - visiting predator free sanctuaries, remote inlets and the granite cliffs of Port Pegasus.