Strap On Your Boots And Pack: Milford Track is one of the most stunning great walks in New Zealand.
The way to experience the very best of the great outdoors in New Zealand is by making the time to enjoy one of its nine great walks around the country. Whether you want to set aside a few days to hike New Zealand's most famous walk, the Milford Track, in South Island's Fiordland National Park or prefer the stunning volcanic terrain that is the hallmark of the Tongariro Northern Circuit - which includes the Tongariro Crossing day walk - in the Central North Island's Tongariro National Park, a great walk is a bucket list-must for every Kiwi and visitor in New Zealand. While there's officially nine great walks in New Zealand, we've rounded up the five best favourite great walks NZ has to offer (one even includes paddling down a river... not walking!).
And if you take a great walk, why not share your love for it on Localist so others can discover your local tips too?
Milford Track, Fiordland National Park
I'm an avid hiker and bush walker and Milford Track is at the very top of my must-do list for the summer. The reason I want to spend four days walking in the wilderness of Fiordland National Park is because Milford Track is home to the tallest waterfall in New Zealand and so of its most pristine lakes. There's also lots of opportunity to trek through tussock-filled high country at the beginning of the walk. And once you get to the end in Te Anau, don't miss a delicious feed of good old fish and chips from the Te Anau Dairy. It's the place the locals love.
Whanganui Journey, Whanganui National Park
What I love about this great walk is that technically it's not a walk but instead either an 87km or 145km paddle down one of New Zealand's most beautiful, bush-clad rivers. The paddle takes three to five days, depending on the length you choose, and it's important to check the Department of Conservation's website before you embark on the journey for any high-water warnings. You'll see some of the oldest native trees in New Zealand because the land surrounding the river is one million years old. The native bird life is also rich. Check out Ohakune on the way home - it's one of New Zealand's favourite little mountain villages with lots of excellent bars and restaurants serving up tasty, seasonal, local fare.
Lake Waikaremoana Track, Te Urewera National Park
My advice if you're planning to walk Lake Waikaremoana this summer is to book well in advance. You can't free camp anywhere on the track so in order to do this walk you either need to book into one of the designated campsites or huts along the trail. Te Urewera National Park is one of the most untouched regional parks in New Zealand and if you suspend your belief, you can almost see dinosaurs (and moa!) roaming, that's how historically rich Lake Waikaremoana is. The bush is dense and it can get a little cold so it's a good idea to take a few layers. The great walk is a long one so at the end of it, you'll no doubt want to rest your head in a comfortable bed. That's where I suggest you head to Lake Waikaremoana's The Tuai Suite as it's great accommodation with a lake view. Plus if you've got kids and they can't handle the long trek, this is excellent accommodation and a base to try some of the shorter walks in the area.
Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tongariro National Park
If you're looking to experience active volcanos during one of the great walks NZ has to offer then go no further than the three to four-day Tongariro Northern Circuit tramp. Taking in the very famous Tongariro Crossing day walk, this hike lets you traverse some of the most barren, stunning, mountainous scenery New Zealand has to offer. My favourite part of this walk was my stop at Emerald Lakes. I still have the photos of my friends and I hamming it up on the side of the lake during our four-day tramp across the Northern Circuit. On the final day, you'll see the beautiful Tama Lakes before walking down into Whakapapa Village. And by then you're pretty sick of eating freeze-dried hiking food so I reckon the best place to go for a decent feed and good beer is The Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar. Their menu changes regularly and they've got lots of boutique beers on tap. Plus you're bound to bump into a local with a good story about the area.
Abel Tasman National Park
The ATNP is a pretty weatherproof walking destination. Drive to Marahau and walk or take a water taxi out into the park. It’s beautiful in spring and not too busy, although a bit chilly for swimming. The sand is still golden, and the walking tracks are pretty good all year round. This is a good time to enjoy a day walk or overnight to one of the huts.
Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park
I love this great NZ walk- take one day or three - four to explore this area of the Karamea. If you’re going on the full tramp, make sure you visit the DOC website for information on tracks and huts.
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