Hiking Heaven: New Zealand’s Best Walking Trails
New Zealand is frequently labelled as the country of cinematic splendour – and for good reason. Boasting snow-capped mountains, volcanic landscapes, ancient rainforests, and unspoiled beaches, this island nation is a hiker’s delight. So whether you’re an eager newbie or after a break from the chaos of city life for some countryside calm, New Zealand has some of the easiest and most spectacular hiking trails on the planet.
From multiday hikes that traverse deep-cut fjords to serene day walks along alpine ridges, New Zealand accommodates every type of adventure. This guide will show you the best walks – locally referred to as the Great Walks – in New Zealand, as well as some hidden gems that are great for both the beginner and seasoned trekker.
1. Milford Track – The Crown Jewel of New Zealand Hiking
– Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island
– Distance: 53.5 km (4 days)
– Difficulty: Intermediate
– Best Time to Go: Late October to April
Known frequently as “the finest walk in the world,” the Milford Track takes you through lush rainforests, over swing bridges, and past the spectacular Sutherland Falls (New Zealand’s highest waterfall). Every day’s hike surfaces new surprises: the scoured dips and folds of glacial valleys, chittering calls of native birds, mirror-like lakes reflecting the tower drinks of peaks.
Why Beginners Love It:
The Department of Conservation(DOC) maintains well-marked trails and comfortable huts, making it ideal for first-time multi-day hikers ready to step up their game.
Tip: Book early – Milford Track huts sell out months in advance!
2. Tongariro Alpine Crossing – A Walk Through Mordor
– Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island
– Distance: 19.4 km (1 day)
– Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced (due to elevation)
– Best Time to Go: November to April
The full-day walk traverses an active volcanic zone where you’ll find craters, steaming vents, and surreal emerald lakes that resemble something from another world. It’s not hard to see why Mordor in The Lord of the Rings was shot on this trail.
Why Beginners Shouldn’t Miss It:
Challenging as they come, but one of the most rewarding single-day hikes. With the help of a guide, this can be quite manageable, however, even cautious first-timers can make it to the top and back down safely.
Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon weather changes and take warm clothes – the temperature drops quickly at higher altitudes.
3. Abel Tasman Coast Track – Golden Beaches & Forest Trails
– Location: Abel Tasman National Park, South Island
– Distance: 60 km (3-5 days)
– Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
– Best Time to Go: Year-round
While the trail runs along the coast, with its golden-sand beaches and turquoise waters, there is more to this stretch of earth. Hike the entire trail or break it down into shorter sections. You can customize your route; it’s ideal for newbies working up to hiking more.
Highlights:
– Secluded beaches to swim and relax
– Native wildlife like seals and fantails
– Optional kayaking or camping
Why It’s Ideal for Starters:
The trail is mostly flat and offers flexibility with accommodation (campgrounds, lodges, or DOC huts). And, it’s one of the sunniest places in New Zealand!
4. Routeburn Track – High Alpine Beauty
– Location: Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, South Island
– Distance: 33 km (2-4 days)
– Difficulty: Intermediate
– Best Time to Go: November to April
The Routeburn Track is a high-country traverse among alpine meadows, old-growth beech forests, and stunning mountain ridges. The views are epic, though the hike is surprisingly friendly to beginners with moderate fitness.
Key Attractions:
– Earland Falls
– Lake Harris
– Harris Saddle lookout
Why It’s Beginner-Friendly:
Shorter than most Great Walks, this trail has well-spaced huts and isn’t overly steep. Guided tours also make it accessible for those unsure about solo hiking.
5. Lake Waikaremoana Track – Forests, Lakes, and Maori Heritage
– Location: Te Urewera, North Island
– Distance: 46 km (3-4 days)
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Best Time to Go: October to April
Tucked away in a remote, less-visited part of New Zealand, the Lake Waikaremoana Track offers serene hiking through native forests, across ridgelines, and along the shores of a crystal-clear lake steeped in Maori history.
Why Go:
– Cultural richness
– Peaceful surroundings
– Fewer crowds
Great for Beginners:
This walk provides an off-the-beaten-path experience with DOC huts and manageable terrain, making it a great first long-distance hike for those looking for solitude.
6. Hooker Valley Track – A Quick Taste of the Alps
– Location: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, South Island
– Distance: 10 km return (3 hours)
– Difficulty: Easy
– Best Time to Go: Year-round
This short but dramatic trail leads you to the glacier-fed Hooker Lake, with stunning views of Mount Cook (Aoraki) towering above. With several swing bridges, scenic boardwalks, and wildflower meadows, it’s a must for anyone visiting the South Island.
Perfect for Beginners:
It’s flat, well-maintained, and requires no backcountry planning. Ideal for families or first-time hikers.
Bonus: Sunrise or sunset hikes here are simply magical.
7. Rakiura Track – The Wild South
– Location: Stewart Island / Rakiura
– Distance: 32 km (3 days)
– Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
– Best Time to Go: October to April
For those wanting to truly disconnect, the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island offers an untouched wilderness where the stars shine brighter, and the kiwis roam freely at night.
Unique Appeal:
– Dense native forests
– Abundant birdlife
– A chance to see the Southern Lights
For Beginners:
It’s one of the lesser-trodden Great Walks, meaning more space, slower pace, and fewer distractions – a peaceful start to your hiking journey.
8. Ben Lomond Track – Queenstown’s Favourite Hike
– Location: Queenstown, South Island
– Distance: 11 km return (6-8 hours)
– Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (final push is steep)
– Best Time to Go: November to May
If you’re looking to add scenic beauty to your accomplishment, trek to the summit of Ben Lomond for 360-degree views from above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. It is a tough hike, but a very popular hike with first-time adventurers wanting to challenge themselves.
Beginner Tip:
You can shorten the hike by taking the gondola up to Bob’s Peak, skipping the first steep section.
9. Kepler Track – Looping Through Fiordland’s Wonders
– Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island
– Distance: 60 km (3-4 days)
– Difficulty: Intermediate
– Best Time to Go: October to April
The Kepler Track is a beautiful circular track that can take you back through glory: lakeside beech forest, open tussock-covered ridgelines, deep glacier-carved valleys, and golden sand beaches. Crafted to highlight the very best of Fiordland, it features sweeping views of Lake Te Anau, towering limestone bluffs, and enchanted mossy forests.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Although it features some steep climbs, the track is well-graded and signposted. The loop design also means no backtracking and makes logistics easier.
Highlight:
Spending the night at Luxmore Hut, perched high above the forest line, offers one of the most scenic sunrise views in New Zealand.
10. Pinnacles Walk – A Short Yet Epic Hike in the Coromandel
– Location: Coromandel Forest Park, North Island
– Distance: 12 km return (1-2 days)
– Difficulty: Moderate
– Best Time to Go: Year-round
Ideal for a weekend adventure, the Pinnacles Walk follows a historic packhorse route of kauri loggers and miners. The last ascent has an element of ladder-assisted rock climbing where clambering is required for the last direct, as you’re greeted at the top with 360-degree views of The Coromandel Peninsula.
Why Beginners Love It:
You can do this hike as a long day trip or stay overnight at Pinnacles Hut, one of the largest huts in New Zealand, to catch the sunset and sunrise. It’s an ideal taste of adventure without committing to a long expedition.
Fun Fact:
The track follows ancient Maori routes and includes remnants of old stone steps built in the early 1900s.
Conclusion: Start Your Hiking Journey in Aotearoa
New Zealand’s trails are more than just walks – they’re spiritual, physical, and deeply rewarding journeys through some of Earth’s most pristine landscapes. Whether you’re walking along golden beaches, climbing ridgelines in Fiordland, or strolling under snow-covered peaks, each trail offers an unforgettable experience.
New Zealand is a great place for beginners to fall in love with hiking. With safe, well-marked trails and a supportive hiking community, there’s no better place to take your first plunge into the wild.
