Roys Peak Track, Wanaka newzealand.com NEW ZEALAND’S MOST SPECTACULAR WALKS WALKING IN NEW ZEALAND CHOOSING A TRAIL terrain and are suitable for people of all abilities, with some accessible to New Zealand’s well-established and maintained wheelchairs or strollers. At the other end trail network offers a remarkably diverse array of the scale, expert trails follow challenging of hikes for every ability and interest. The routes through often steep and rocky majority can be found in New Zealand’s 13 backcountry requiring total self-sufficiency national parks and countless other reserves and extensive hiking experience. managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), although scores of regional parks Tourism New Zealand’s website is a great and recreational areas, managed by local place to start (newzealand.com), with greater detail provided by the Department of councils, offer even more trails. Conservation (doc.govt.nz). On the ground, Most tracks are officially graded from easiest to i-SITE visitor information centres provide expert, making it simple to select a walk that’s excellent advice from locals who know their right for you. Those graded easiest follow flat own back yards. Bream Head, Northland IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A NATURAL WONDERLAND SHORT WALKS & DAY HIKES MANAAKI TRAILS If there’s a special place A core Māori value that to visit or something encapsulates the spirit of Imagine a holiday where one journey leads to another, taking you to remarkable to see, you can looking after manuhiri (visitors), unforgettable places, full of incredible sights. be sure that there’s a Short Walk or Day Hike manaakitanga underpins a series of special that’ll take you there. A great way to get to walking journeys lead by expert local guides. Welcome to a walker’s paradise, where a The diversity of tracks across New Zealand’s know New Zealand when you’re short on time, Ranging from 1–5 days, Manaaki Trails allow you seemingly endless network of trails wind national parks and reserves means there’s fitness, or don’t want to carry a heavy pack, to hike with a light backpack and offer home through some of the best landscapes this something for everyone, from leisurely nature these trails are well formed and signposted, comforts such as great food, hot showers and country has to offer – from isolated beaches trails that bring unique ecosystems into focus, and usually easy to reach from major highways. comfortable accommodation. and rugged coastlines, through farmland, to challenging multi-day adventures in remote, wetlands, river valleys and towering forest, to untouched wilderness. MULTI-DAY WALKS GUIDED WALKS Although a wealth of maps, trail information tussock-cloaked high country and dramatic Although most walks explore our natural world, You may have heard of the and track signage makes independent walking mountain ranges. they are surprisingly easy to reach. Towns and Great Walks – ten outstanding possible on major tracks, guided walks offer a villages are seldom far away, offering a wealth of outdoor adventures in some New Zealand’s Great Walks, Day Hikes, Short more immersive experience. There are a huge visitor information and services. Passionate local of New Zealand’s most famous places. But Walks, Manaaki Trails and other tracks take you number of trips, from half-day to multi-day, with tour operators run guided trips with great food there are plenty more overnight hikes to be there. Many follow historic byways and pass transport, food, and accommodation ranging and comfortable lodging, making it possible to enjoyed –independently or with a guide – iconic natural wonders, or offer encounters from basic to luxurious. What’s more, passionate visit places you only ever dreamed of. offering deep exploration on easy-to-follow with unique wildlife such as kiwi, penguins and but sometimes challenging trails dotted with local guides enrich the journeys, bringing fur seals. An enviable hut network, peaceful This guide shares just a taste of New Zealand’s huts, campsites and lodges. landscapes to life with stories of natural and nature campsites and atmospheric lodges amazing trails. We hope it leads you on a human history. Leading New Zealand guiding make for truly memorable overnight stops. rewarding journey of discovery. companies can be found at newzealand.com. Roys PeakRoys Track, Peak, Wanaka WALKING IN NEW ZEALAND WHEN TO WALK WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS OUTDOOR SAFETY WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR You’ll need good quality, sturdy footwear – Even if you’re an experienced walker, you may For the most favourable weather and track Walking is a great way to encounter unique hiking boots are best. Layer your clothing, find New Zealand quite different other places conditions, plan your trip between October or and often rare native species in the wild. preferably wool or other thermals (as opposed you’ve been. The trails in this guide are well early November and the end of April. These Inland trails reveal birdlife such as kiwi, to cotton), as it stays warm when wet. Pack formed and signposted, but New Zealand’s months are designated the Great Walk season, kereru, tui and the country’s two cheeky a sunhat in summer, and a hat and gloves if terrain and unpredictable weather make it when the ten walks and other popular tracks parrots – kea and kaka. Highlights out on the there’s any potential for cold temperatures. essential to choose a trail that’s right for you will need to be booked in advance (with DOC coast include seabirds such as albatrosses and A rain jacket is essential all year round. penguins along with fur seals, dolphins and and be well prepared. Follow the Outdoor or tour operators). TELL SOMEONE YOUR PLANS other unforgettable marine life. Safety Code for safe, enjoyable adventures. Some great weather – and thinner crowds – Many tracks go through remote country with KNOW YOUR LIMITS minimal cellphone coverage or other support can be enjoyed early or late in the season, Be sure you’ve selected a walk or hike that’s if things go wrong. That’s why it’s important to and while high-altitude walks are mostly out suitable for you and your group, based on tell someone about your plans and when they of bounds in winter, many low-level tracks can fitness levels, the available time and expected should raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. be completed all year round. weather conditions. If you’re not sure about Kiwis call this ‘leaving your intentions’. this, ask a local – someone at the DOC officer, WHERE TO STAY i-SITE or another knowledgeable person. PACK THE RIGHT GEAR & SUPPLIES Make sure you have all the right gear for your New Zealand has more than 950 huts in its WATCH THE WEATHER trip – such as a map, torch, sleeping bag, etc – national parks and reserves. At a minimum Famous for serving up ‘four seasons in one and more than enough food to get you through. they have bunkrooms with mattresses, water day’, New Zealand’s weather can change fast supply and toilets, and most have some form and between extremes thanks to its maritime For more advice on staying safe in the New of heating. and mountain climates. It is vital to check the Zealand outdoors, see mountainsafety.org.nz forecast before your trip, and be prepared for Some also have gas cooking facilities, all eventualities. lighting and a resident hut warden in the high season during which popular huts must be booked in advance. KEY: TRACK GRADES AND INFORMATION Of the many campsites along New Zealand’s Return track Intermediate - easy Booking not required One way track Intermediate Guided hikes available walking trails, most are basic with a water Loop track Advanced Flight time supply, toilets and a shelter. Many privately Time Best time to go Drive time run lodges can be found on or near the trails Easy Booking required Ferry time offering all the comforts of home. Charming Creek, West Coast International airport Domestic airport Kerikeri Paihia Whangarei AUCKLAND Whitianga SHORT Nelson WELLINGTON Westport WALKS Greymouth Hokitika Rangitoto Summit Track Fox Glacier CHRISTCHURCH Aoraki Mount Cook Easy to get to and great for all ages, New Zealand’s Short Walks are a Lake Tekapo SHORT WALKS brilliant way to get to know New Zealand and take in heaps of must-see 1 Mount Manaia Track Milford Sound sights including epic beaches, ancient forest and glacier-carved valleys. Wanaka 2 Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway QUEENSTOWN 3 Rangitoto Summit Track Spread throughout New Zealand, each of 4 Cathedral Cove Walk the 14 walks takes between 30 minutes and Te Anau 5 Wainui Falls Track three hours. They are graded Easiest to Easy, 6 Charming Creek Walkway which means they follow mostly flat or gently 7 Cape Foulwind Walkway undulating paths with steeper sections easily 8 Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track achieved via well formed trail or even steps. 9 Kura Tāwhiti Access Track 10 Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk Most can be enjoyed by walkers with low 11 Fox Glacier/Te Ara O Tuawe Valley Walk to moderate fitness, while some of the 12 Blue Lakes & Tasman Glacier View easiest trails are even suitable for wheelchairs 13 Blue Pools Track Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway or strollers. 14 Lake Gunn Nature Walk NEW ZEALAND WALKING GUIDE | SHORT WALKS NEW ZEALAND WALKING GUIDE | SHORT WALKS MOUNT MANAIA TRACK RANGITOTO SUMMIT TRACK Just a stone’s throw from the coast, this proud 2 hrs Auckland’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto is a 2 hrs mountain is a magnet for lookout-lovers. must-see for any visitor. 4 km/2.5 mi 7 km/4.3 ml A head for heights and some huff and puff are required for A scenic ferry ride kick-starts this walk on this pleasingly Easy Easy this steep, forested walk to the 420m summit of Mount symmetrical volcanic island in the glittering Hauraki Gulf.