Best Backpacking in New Zealand

Looking for the best backpacking in New Zealand? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around New Zealand. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the incredible Outbound community.

Backpack the Routeburn Track

If you're looking for the best the Routeburn Track has to offer but only have one night to spend - hike from the Glenorchy side Routeburn Shelter to Lake Mackenzie in 12.5 miles (approx. 3,500 feet of elevation gain) and stay at this stunning hut ...

12.5 miles

Hike Roys Peak Track

This is a very strenuous uphill hike, with very few level stretches along the way, so make sure you have a good level of fitness, and wear sturdy shoes to avoid blisters, as the way back down will be hard on your knees and feet. The track begins o...

6.8 miles 4127.3 ft gain

Climb to Mueller Hut

This trek begins in the gateway town of Mount Cook Village, which is a must-visit destination in its own right, and serves as the jumping off point for most Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park ventures. Drive to the White Horse Hill Campground (follow...

6.4 miles 3000 ft gain

Backpack the Kepler Track

Important: In the Great Walks season (October till late April) bookings are required for campsites and huts - huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens. Check with local DOC before you go. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are grea...

37.3 miles

Backpack the Brewster Hut Track

Twenty kilometers north of Haast Pass (568m/1864ft) there is a carpark for Fantail Falls, a beautiful waterfall with numerous rock cairns displayed at its base. From here, take a 3-4 hour hike along Brewster Hut Track (more like climb) through bee...

11.2 miles 5656 ft gain

Hike Mt. Ngauruhoe & the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Starting at the Tongariro Crossing Alpine carpark Mangatepopo (1120 m) you walk passing by the Soda Springs (last toilet for a long time!) up to the South Crater which will take you about 2-2.5 hours. From here you can take a side trip to Mount Ng...

14.9 miles 4101.1 ft gain

Overnight at the Barker Hut

Begin at Klondyke Corner if the Waimakariri is low or at the O'Malley's Track if the river is too high to ford safely. After walking through the Waimakariri River to the Carrington Hut and on up the White River Valley you’ll reach this tiny red hu...

29.8 miles 3018.4 ft gain

Backpack the Tongariro Northern Circuit

Most people visiting Togariro National park do the 1 day Alpine Crossing. I opted to do the full circuit, a 27 mile hike that takes you all the way around the prominent summit of Mt. Ngaroe.I traveled the trail clockwise, leaving from Whakapapa Vi...

26.7 miles

Hike to the Rob Roy Glacier

Follow the Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd. west of Lake Wanaka. The pavement turns into a dirt road shortly after you drive around the lake. You will drive for about an hour, then park at Raspberry Flats in the Matukituki Valley. From the Raspberry Flat...

6.2 miles 1625 ft gain

Climb the Buchanan Peaks above Lake Wanaka

From Wanaka-Mt. Aspiring Road, head west out of town and past Glendhu Bay (and Roy's Peak). Go right on West Wanaka Station Road and follow it until the obvious split towards the Homestead Bay / Minaret Burn Track parking area to the right.Take th...

18.6 miles 8202.1 ft gain

Backpack the Pouakai Circuit

The track starts at Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (North Egmont) and can be walked in either direction. Two serviced backcountry huts (15$ each) provide overnight accommodation (equipped with woodburners, toilets, water, bunks and...

15.5 miles

Hike Arthur's Pass' Bealey Spur

This moderately difficult climb affords amazing views of the Waimakariri River Valley as well as Bruce Stream. It is not an incredibly difficult hike, although in winter and early spring there will be snow and ice on the ground, making it more cha...

7.5 miles 1720 ft gain

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