New Zealand
Looking for the best hiking 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 Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near New Zealand
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Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Backpack the Dusky Track
52.2 mi / 4265.1 ft gainThe Dusky Track is a tough and extraordinarily beautiful multi-day hike in central Fiordland. The trail is a one-way hike, with both the northern and southern terminal usually being accessed by boat. The southern terminal is situated on the northern shore of the large and deep Lake Hauroko. The ...Read more -
Bealey, New Zealand
Hike Arthur's Pass' Bealey Spur
4.37.5 mi / 1720 ft gainThis 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 challenging. There are few vertical cliff faces, and ...Read more -
Arthur's Pass, New Zealand
Backpack to Lake Mavis
16.8 mi / 3937 ft gainDAY 1Greyneys Shelter (SH73) – Goat Pass - 5h / 9km (5.6mi) / +400m (1300ft) The route starts here, near Greyneys Shelter on SH73, 5 km (3.1mi) south of Arthur’s Pass Village. You will need to cross Bealey River after it meets the Mingha River, but don't try to cross the river if the Bealey Rive...Read more -
-37.907459697565955,174.90095973014834, New Zealand
Bridal Veil Falls
4.50.87 mi / 236.66 ft gainThe platforms overlooking the 55m falls from different angles offer unique perspectives of this natural feature. Shaped over time by water flowing across harder volcanic rock onto soft stone below, the falls have a deep pool, which combined with an area surrounded by native bush and wildlife, pro...Read more -
Benmore, New Zealand
Hike the Benmore Peninsula Track
The Benmore Peninsula track is approximately a 4km loop circuit and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. It is not a particularly physically demanding hike, but beautiful nonetheless. On a good weather day, the water on Lake Benmore will appear to be bright turquoise and you will be able to see Mo...Read more -
Puponga, New Zealand
Hike Cape Farewell
2 mi / 1000 ft gainFrom the car park, it is only about a 10 minute walk up to the look out point for Cape Farewell. While this is a cool view, it is not worth the drive to just turn around at that point. From the viewing platform, there is a track that goes both left and right, climbing along the ridge line and top...Read more -
Rotoroa, New Zealand
Backpack and Kayak to Blue Lake
5.031.1 mi / 1430.4 ft gainThis lake has the clearest visibility fresh water found anywhere in the world with visibility between the 70-80 meter range. And the Colours are beautiful! (We just ask that you do not swim in this lake or do your dish washing in it as it is a super fragile ecosystem, oh and the duck in the pictu...Read more -
Ashburton Lakes, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt Sunday
4.02.2 mi / 328.1 ft gainFrom the car park follow an old road track / stream bed until it narrows into a scenic walking track. Cross the swing bridge and ascend the south side of the mountain to its picturesque summit. Alpine views abound in all directions. It's easy to see why it was selected as a LOTR set location.This...Read more -
Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Winter Overnight in Lake Angelus Hut
7.5 mi / 4000 ft gainThis is a popular and crowded route in summer months, but in winter you could have this 28 bunk hut with a stove all to yourself!Begin by climbing switchbacks to the summit of Mt Roberts and then following the crest of Robert Ridge. The route is exposed in a few places and an un-checked fall on s...Read more -
Gladstone, New Zealand
Hike the Breast Hill Track to Pakituhi Hut
3.05 mi / 1312.3 ft gainFrom the road to Pakituhi Hut the track is a steady climb rising 400 meters on a formed zig-zag track to a small saddle. You'll get increasingly better views of Lake Hawea as you climb up the switch-backs, and you might walk alongside some sheep that make the uphill slog look much easier than it ...Read more -
Auckland, New Zealand
Sunset Hike Mount Eden
5.02.9 mi / 643 ft gainThis brief hike up to the summit is perfect for any evening of your choice, providing an amazing 360 degree views, and of the downtown core. For those a little short on time or energy, you can also drive to and park at the summit to enjoy the sunset.Starting at the Mt Eden parking area, you work ...Read more -
Queenstown Lakes District, New Zealand
Ben Lomond Track via Old Skyline Road
5.025.99 mi / 3107 ft gainAdventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks. You can take the Skyline gondola part way up if you want to shorten the climb, but I usually start at the small signposted carpark...Read more -
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hike Lake Wanaka and Photograph the Famous Tree
5.013.7 mi / 0 ft gainTo begin this hike park in the lakeside lot on the west edge of town and begin walking counter-clockwise around Lake Wanaka. The first destination you will reach is the famed Wanaka Tree, which is easily recognized by the crowds of people around it taking photos. A few tips for maximizing your op...Read more -
Glenorchy, New Zealand
Backpack the Magical Earnslaw Burn
8.7 mi / 1968.5 ft gainOnce you identify the parking area (Right turn off Glenorchy Paradise Road just before crossing the Earnslaw Burn, park a the bend in the road.) Cross the boggy meadow in a NW direction until you see the orange trail markers on trees.The trail below bush line is long, very rugged and covered with...Read more -
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hike along Wanaka's Waterfall Creek Track
4.03.1 miThe Waterfall Creek Track is a well-formed track without any major undulations that can be enjoyed by foot or bike. It's family- and dog-friendly, and is perhaps the most heavily walked stretch of Wanaka's shoreline.Within the first few hundred meters along the Waterfall Creek track you'll come u...Read more -
Kaikoura Flat, New Zealand
Hike to the Summit of Mt. Fyffe
5.010.6 mi / 2952.8 ft gainFrom the car park follow the old road grade which eventually narrows into a hiking path. At about the halfway point you will pass the Mt. Fyffe hut, a popular overnight destination. Track continues ever upward in a north-easterly fashion until you arrive at the broad summit where views to east fa...Read more