The Department of Conservation has nominated nine of New Zealand’s premier walking trails which lead you through some of the most impressive and contrasting scenery the country has to offer. These Great Walks are outlined briefly below; the tracks themselves are excellently maintained, as are the huts along the route. All the tracks can be walked independently, with some offering guided options and lodge-style accommodation. For further information on any of the walks or do discuss how best to build them into an itinerary, please contact one of our specialists.

Lake Waikaremoana

Lake Waikaremoana lies at the southern end of Te Urewera National Park. The 46 kilometre track is graded as easy and takes three to four days. The stunning blue of the lake contrasts beautifully with the deep green of the surrounding lush vegetation, and the bird life is prolific – thanks to a predator control programme, kiwi numbers are increasing in the area. There are also plenty of opportunities for swimming and fishing, and the whole region is steeped in Maori history.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Snow-capped volcanoes, craters and alpine lakes, pristine rainforest, sparkling rivers, dramatic waterfalls and astonishing wildlife - Tongariro National Park has it all. This 41 kilometre track, graded as medium, is widely thought to be the best of the North Island’s fine selection of routes. Beginning and ending at Whakapapa village, the trail is well marked and easy to follow as it winds its way around the base of Mount Ngauruhoe. For those with limited time, the one day Tongariro Crossing traverses many of the highlights and can be completed in seven to eight hours. It is widely regarded as one of the best day walks in the world.

Whanganui River Journey

Although actually a river journey by kayak, the Whanganui Journey is classed as one of the DOC Great Walks. This enticing stretch of river winds its way through the Whanganui National Park to Pipiriki, where it follows the Whanganui River Road out to the Tasman Sea. The journey is a total of 145 kilometres in length, and can be kayaked comfortably in five days, although there is a shorter three day option. Gliding through the valleys you are rewarded with wonderful views of pristine native bush, and along the River Road you can take in some of New Zealand’s early settler history.

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

The vast native forests of the Abel Tasman National Park are ringed by iconic golden-sand beaches and crystal clear seas, and enjoy one of the sunniest, warmest climates in New Zealand. This three to five-day 51 kilometre tramp takes you along the winding coastline, often overlooking the glorious bays, and with plenty of chances for swimming. This is the easiest of our favourite tramps, suitable for all levels of experience. With a good network of local water taxis operating along the route, it is very simple to choose sections as day walks, returning to your accommodation each evening.

Heaphy Track

The Heaphy Track takes you from the calm waters of Golden Bay near Nelson through the Kahurangi National Park to the wind-swept beaches of the West Coast. Widely regarded as the most diverse and varied tramping route, its 82 kilometres stretch from the low-lying red tussock grasslands along forgotten river valleys to the West Coast, lined with nikau palms. Open only to independent walkers, accommodation is in huts and you need to carry your own equipment. This is an easy-medium graded trail.

Routeburn Track

The popular Routeburn Track traverses 32 kilometres of wild and scenic mountain country between the Hollyford and Dart valleys at the base of New Zealand's Southern Alps. This medium trail passes through two national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring, and takes you into a world of alpine basins, tumbling waterfalls, deep forests and to the shores of shimmering lakes. Transport options are available from Te Anau or Queenstown, and the trek takes three days to complete.

Milford Track

This impressive five-day adventure tramp from Te Anau to Milford Sound is renowned for its glacially carved valleys, waterfalls, primeval forests and alpine flowers. It is always wise to expect rain when in Fiordland, but you shouldn’t be disappointed when it comes: the result is spectacular. Small streams become raging torrents in a matter of minutes before the sun reappears onto a glistening, revitalised world. A total of 53 kilometres, and generally easy with one demanding climb on the third day, the Milford Track is a popular guided option, but equally accessible to independent walkers.

Kepler Track

Providing a third option for experiencing the awesome scenery of Fiordland, the Kepler Track is a circular route between Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. It is 60 kilometres in length and graded as easy, taking three to four days to complete. The area around the Murchison Mountains has ‘Specially Protected Area’ status, and is home to the takahe, an endangered flightless bird. There is a wealth of other flora and fauna, but it is the scenery which really takes your breath away.

Rakiura Track

Rakiura, meaning ‘the land of glowing skies’, is the Maori name for Stewart Island and the newest of New Zealand’s national parks. The track itself is 29 kilometres of tramping trails, with further stretches of road walking taking it to a total of 36 kilometres spread over three days. The track gives you a good overview of the island as a whole, but with a major feature of Stewart Island being the native birdlife, it is highly recommended to opt for a guided trip with one of the excellent local bird enthusiasts.