New Zealand Walks and Trails Highlights
New Zealand walks and trails offer an experience never to be forgotten. The simple action of putting one foot in front of the other is a way to feel the landscape through the soles of your feet. By having physical contact with the environment, you let it affect you. The sensations and scents of cool forest, rushing rivers, sun-warmed rock and salt-washed sand have the power to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit.
New Zealand walks and tramping tracks are located throughout the country, many are freely open to the public around lakes, towns and through conservation parks. Other walks are on private land and require permits or permission to walk them. Find professional Tour Guides for Tramping, Hiking and Bush Walks and take the stress out of exploring New Zealand's unique off the beaten track destinations.
Popular Walking Tracks and Trails
These are some of New Zealand's best-loved walking tracks and trails.
Photographer: David Wall
(www.davidWallPhoto.com)
Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail - Canterbury
Developed proudly by the Hurunui Trails Trust is the newly opened Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail. This trail is located in Waipara Valley, a sub region of the Hurunui District...keep reading about this walk
Clyde Wine Region - Central Otago
Central Otago, now the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand and known for its award winning Pinot Noir...keep reading about this walk
Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail - Central Otago
The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail offers a year-round opportunity to appreciate the golden heritage of the Otago region...keep reading about this walk
Otago Central Rail Trail - Central Otago
The Otago Central Rail Trail is a unique recreational facility rich in history. Popular with walkers, mountain bike and horse riders...keep reading about this walk
Rocky's Goldmine Trail - Coromandel
A summary of scenic highlights in and around the Coromandel, including birdlife, scenery and local history...keep reading about this walk
Kauaeranga Valley - Mountain Biking - Coromandel
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
There's no better way to see the Kauaeranga Valley than by mountain bike...keep reading about this walk
Karangahake Walkway - Coromandel
The Karangahake Gorge and Walkway links Paeroa with Waihi, following the old Paeroa-Waihi railway...keep reading about this walk
Top of Mount Cargill - Dunedin
Some of the most spectacular views of Dunedin and the surrounding area are those from the top of Mount Cargill...keep reading about this walk
Tunnel Beach Walkway - Dunedin
Tunnel Beach, a strikingly different Dunedin walkway, with sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves...keep reading about this walk
Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail - Dunedin
The Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail includes isolated beaches, rugged coastline, local history, fossilised forest, and Hector's dolphins...keep reading about this walk
Cook's Cove - Eastland
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
On the trail of Captain Cook - Cook's Cove and Tolaga Bay...keep reading about this walk
Mahia Peninsula - Eastland
Find a slice of heaven on the Mahia Peninsula...keep reading about this walk
Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks - Fiordland
Spectacular views and wilderness experiences on the Milford, Routeburn, Kepler, and Hollyford walking tracks...keep reading about this walk
Lake Tutira - Hawkes Bay
Lake Tutira is an idyllic picnicking and camping spot. Includes the Tutira Walkway, bird sanctuary, swimming, and trout fishing...keep reading about this walk
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve - Marlborough
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a quaint little spot of paradise with a wide range of walking tracks...keep reading about this walk
Wairau Plain Wineries - Marlborough
The Wairau Plain, home to the largest grape growing area in New Zealand...keep reading about this walk
Queenstown Wine Trail - Queenstown
Explore the wineries throughout the Queenstown region on the Queenstown Wine Trail...keep reading about this walk
Tongariro Crossing - Ruapehu
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)
The Tongariro Crossing, a one-day hike that does it all; alpine meadow, mountain summit, stunning volcanic features...keep reading about this walk
Hiking Trails - Tongariro National Park - Ruapehu
There are a number of scenic hiking trails around the Tongariro National Park, from a just one hour to five days...keep reading about this walk
Purakaunui Falls - Southland
A variety of walks leading to waterfalls and caves with stunning views at the reflection lake...keep reading about this walk
Catlins River Walk - Southland
Highlights of the Catlins including the Catlins River Walk, Curio Bay Petrified Forest, Slope Point, and Waipapa Point Lighthouse...keep reading about this walk
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track - Southland
Find nature and history on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, New Zealand's newest walking track...keep reading about this walk
Waiohine Gorge - Wairarapa
Waiohine Gorge, Lake Wairarapa, Tararua Forest Park - enjoy walks and bird watching...keep reading about this walk
Rob Roy Glacier Track - Wanaka
Photographer: Bob McCree
(www.bobmccreephotos.co.nz)
An exceptional day walk that takes you into the alpine zone in just a few hours...keep reading about this walk
The Clutha, Lake Wanaka - Wanaka
The Clutha River outlet, at the south-eastern tip of Lake Wanaka, is popular with fishermen, families, joggers and cyclists...keep reading about this walk
Haast Pass - Wanaka
Haast Pass - spectacular scenery from Wanaka thru to the West Coast...keep reading about this walk
Mauao's Base Track - Mt Maunganui
Mauao's Base Track Walk is one of New Zealand's most popular and best loved walks. This gently undulating 3.4 kilometre track winds around the base of Mt Maunganui and takes about 45 minutes to traverse...keep reading about this walk
