Besides Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is probably most famous for its Great Walks. These specially designated 11 backpacking trails highlight the country’s natural beauty, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife. And since North America’s winter is New Zealand’s summer, it’s possible to escape snowy, dreary skies and go on a gorgeous, sunny adventure in December or January.
But with hikes in places that vary from the mountains to the beaches, and distances ranging from 19 to 50 miles, how do you know which Great Walk is the right one?
Consider this your flow chart for picking the best Great Walk for you, with details on our eight favorites. I recently completed one on the South Island, and have included all the info on logistics and immigration that you need to know.
If You Love the Beach …
When the cold, gray winter is giving you the blues, it’s time to embark on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This 37-mile trail takes hikers across sandy beaches and turquoise waters, with temps reaching into the 70s in December and January.
I did this hike in December, and loved the opportunity to jump in the ocean every day. I did so much in just a few days: observing a fur seal colony, eating lunch by waterfalls, and hiking both on the beach and in rainforest-like environments.
I also think this is a great choice for beginner backpackers: It’s relatively flat, extremely well way-marked, and has plenty of campsites to customize your itinerary.
Things to know: One of the trail’s cutest creatures is also its most naughty. The weka, a protected bird, will do just about anything to grab a snack from your pack or tent. It’s important to keep a close eye on your gear. The weka can open tent zippers, so be sure to use a carabiner or other tool to lock your doors from these sneaky birds.
If You Want to Paddle, Not Hike …
If a multiday canoeing adventure is more your cup of tea, the Whanganui Journey is the trip for you. Over the course of 5 days, you’ll paddle 90 miles down the Whanganui River, a body of water so important that the New Zealand government granted it the same legal rights as a person.
Highlights on this trek include plenty of bird watching, including kiwi, kereru, tui, fantail, rātā, rewarewa, and more. You’ll stay in a mix of campsites and huts, including in a Marae, a gathering space for Māori people.
Things to know: The Department of Conservation (DOC) strongly recommends that only individuals with strong swimming skills and canoeing experience undertake this journey independently. If you’re a beginner paddler, it’s highly suggested that you go on a guided trip.
If You Want Variety …
The Heaphy Track has got it all: rainforests, beaches, mountains, grasslands, and forests. The 49-mile trail crosses Kahurangi National Park, the country’s second-largest national park. Take a dip in a natural spring, observe mountain vistas, and explore caves and rock formations.
This is one of the longer Great Walks, with most people taking four to six days to complete it. If you really want to maximize your time in the wild and experience the great natural diversity that New Zealand has to offer, this is the ticket.
Things to know: The Heaphy Track has steep climbs and descents, and the trail can be muddy, rocky, and uneven. Be sure to bring sturdy footwear and trekking poles with you.
If You Love Not Having Cell Service …
For many backpackers, unplugging and tuning into nature is an essential part of the experience. Lake Waikaremoana is one of the most undeveloped, rugged of the Great Walks, making it a perfect fit for those who want a true escape.
The 29-mile trail takes hikers through the traditional home of the Māori iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tūhoe. This forest is home to almost all of the North Island’s native birds, as well as waterfalls and beaches.
Things to know: The weather near the lake can change unexpectedly, with heavy rains possible even in the summer, so bring adequate layers.
If You Want the ‘Lord of the Rings’ Experience …
If you associate New Zealand with the journeys of Sam and Frodo across Middle Earth, then the Tongariro Northern Circuit is the trail for you. The 28-mile trail crosses paths with Mount Ngauruhoe, the film’s infamous Mount Doom. Lava forms and emerald lakes will transport you to another world.
This trek is one of the few Great Walks that is a loop, which makes logistical planning much easier than a point-to-point. You’ll also have the opportunity to stay in the Waihohonu Hut, the country’s oldest existing mountain hut.
Things to know: Several of the alpine lakes are sacred to the Ngāti Tuwhareto, a group of Māori, and visitors should refrain from swimming in them. This track is currently closed for the 2025/2026 season for construction, but should reopen soon.
If You Want to Be an Alpinist …
New Zealand’s Milford Track is like California’s High Sierras, with intense elevation changes and gorgeous mountaintop views. The hike up to Mackinnon Pass (3,780 feet) is strenuous, but well worth the reward of stunning vistas of cliffs and waterfalls.
Take a side trip to Sutherland Falls, whose thundering water cascades down nearly 2,000 feet. November through February marks the flowering season for several special plants.
Things to know: On the trail’s high peaks, it can snow, even in the summer, so bring adequate clothing. Attempting this hike outside of the Great Walks season (October to April) requires advanced mountaineering skills.
If You Want to Do Two Walks on One Trip …
Since you’re flying all the way around the world to New Zealand, you probably want to get your money’s worth. Luckily, there are two tracks that are close enough to each other to do both in one trip. The western end of the Routeburn Track (21 miles) is about an hour’s drive from the start of the Kepler Track (38 miles) in Te Anau.
Both trails highlight the majesty of Fiordland National Park, home to the Southern Alps, alpine lakes, and sweeping glacier-carved valleys. Here you’ll observe unique species, like the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.
Things to know: Several local companies, including Tracknet and Fiordland Outdoors, provide buses and shuttle services in the park and between tracks.
Other Great Walks
In addition to the ones above, there are three other Great Walks. If you’re a mountain biker, check out the 35-mile Paparoa Track, which is a shared-use trail for hikers and bikers. Pause your pedaling to stand in awe of the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Pororari River Gorge.
The Tuatapere Hump Ride Track, which opened in 2024, is New Zealand’s newest (and most luxurious) Great Walk. Should you choose, it’s possible to enjoy hot showers and three-course meals on this 37-mile trail.
Lastly, there’s the Rakiura Track, which is on an almost uninhabited island off the coast of New Zealand. The 20-mile trail is on the shorter side, but it still has plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
Logistics
When to Go
The designated Great Walks Season lasts from October to April. Unless you have mountaineering and alpine skills, it’s recommended that you only attempt the mountain walks during this time period.
For the Abel Tasman Coast Track, I went at the beginning of December, and it was perfect: temps in the mid-70s and not too crowded. Locals told me that peak season is January and February.
Reservations
All of the designated Great Walks have campsites and huts that you must reserve in advance online through the DOC. The basic campsites are barebones, with primitive privies and picnic benches, costing around $18 for non–New Zealand residents during peak season.
Huts offer bunk beds and heating. They are more expensive, at around $50. DOC employees will check reservations, and those without reservations may be fined and asked to leave.
I stayed in the campsite, and thought it was well-maintained and perfectly adequate. Unless you can’t stand sleeping on the ground, the hut really doesn’t really seem worth the extra money (in this author’s humble opinion, at least).
For every walk, the DOC has a suggested itinerary. I would strongly suggest modifying this plan to suit your own needs. I only stayed in one campsite that was on the designated itinerary for the Abel Tasman, and it was incredibly crowded, with a horde of noisy high schoolers.
When I hiked an extra mile further down the trail on other days to stay at other campsites, they were peaceful, calm, and nearly empty. Each walk has a plethora of huts and camps, so it’s easy to stay off the beaten path.
Travel
Unless you hold a passport from New Zealand or Australia, you’ll likely need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter the country. This document, which you request in advance from the New Zealand Government, allows you to travel within the country for up to 3months. It costs around $10 and takes up to 72 hours to process.
In an effort to protect its agricultural industry, New Zealand has very strict biosecurity laws. When you fly into the country, you must declare any food items (including fruits, grains, and meat) and any camping supplies (like boots and tents). Failure to declare can result in a $233 fine per item.
When I flew into Auckland, customs officials tested my tent in an on-site lab to ensure it wasn’t carrying any invasive pests. Be sure to clean your camping gear thoroughly beforehand.
I also (foolishly) assumed that my store-bought, packaged backpacking meals would be okay to bring into the country. However, the ones that contained any meat were all confiscated. Either bring vegetarian meals or plan on purchasing food from an outdoor store in New Zealand. And since you can’t fly with fuel for camping stoves, you’ll also need to purchase that on the islands before you embark on your hike.
Gear to Bring
The gear list for backpacking in New Zealand is similar to that of most backpacking trips. The number of layers and warmth you’ll need will vary greatly depending on the Great Walk you choose to pursue.
When I did the Abel Tasman, I brought just a light fleece (that I didn’t even wear). Great Walks in the mountains will require more layers. New Zealand has significantly higher UV levels than the U.S., so sunscreen and a hat are essential, regardless of which walk you choose.
If you’re hiking on the beach, I recommend bringing trail runners instead of boots. With variations in tides, it’s likely your feet will get wet. You’ll want something that dries out quickly. I brought KEEN’s new trail runner, the Roam. After mistiming some waves, they ended up taking on water, but they dried within 2 hours.
- Sleeping bag (15-30 degrees, depending on location)
- Sleeping pad (ideally with an R-value of 2 or more)
- Freestanding tent (with a rainfly)
- Backpack (I brought the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L)
- Trekking poles (I use the Black Diamond Distance Z)
- Water bottles/bladders
- Water filter (I used this well-reviewed filter from Sawyer)
- Backpacking stove and fuel (My go-to is this new stove from Coastal Range Equipment)
- Food and snacks (This freeze-dried hummus is my new favorite)
- Fleece jacket (I brought the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Tunic Hoody), plus base layers and puffer if needed
- Rain jacket
- Hiking shirts and pants/shorts (These quick-dry REI shorts performed great)
- Hiking boots or shoes, plus camp shoes if desired
- Socks (x2-3)
- Underwear (x2-3)
- Headlamp (I brought the Petzl Tikka)
- Garmin inReach
- Printed/online confirmation from DOC of campsite/hut bookings
- Entertainment (cards, a book, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat (I love this hat from Turtle Fur)
- Sunglasses (Ombraz are a GJ staff favorite)
