New Zealand Hiking and Trekking Guide
Experience the beautiful nature of New Zealand with trekking and hiking courses suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.
New Zealand's Great Walks
These are representative trekking courses managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), where you can enjoy breathtaking natural scenery over several days.
Milford Track
Location: Fiordland region, South Island
Distance and Duration: Total 53.5km, takes 4 days
Features: A world-renowned trekking course with lush forests, majestic mountains, waterfalls, and fiords.
Reservation: Advance booking is essential on the DOC website during peak season (October to April).
This track is considered one of the most beautiful walking tracks in the world.
Routeburn Track
Location: A course connecting Fiordland and Aspiring National Parks
Distance and Duration: Total 32km, takes 2-3 days
Features: A course that offers high-altitude mountain scenery along with rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
Reservation: Advance booking is available on the DOC website.
Requires intermediate fitness, but you can enjoy the stunning views of the Southern Alps.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island
Distance and Duration: Total 19.4km, takes one day
Features: Unique landscapes featuring volcanic terrain, emerald lakes, and red volcanic zones.
Note: Difficulty may vary depending on weather conditions, so thorough preparation is essential.
This is the most famous hiking course in New Zealand's North Island.
Hiking Courses for Beginners and Intermediate Hikers
New Zealand offers a variety of hiking courses with different levels of difficulty, allowing everyone to choose a route that suits them.
Beginner Hiking Courses
Hokitika Gorge Track: West Coast region, South Island, approximately 2km, takes under 1 hour
Kaiteriteri Beach Walk: Near Nelson, North Island, approximately 1.5km, takes 30 minutes to 1 hour
These are flat and short courses suitable for beginners and family travelers.
Intermediate Hiking Courses
Abel Tasman Coast Track: Abel Tasman National Park, South Island, total 60km, takes 3-5 days
Roy's Peak Track: Near Wanaka, round trip 16km, takes 5-6 hours
While physically demanding, these are challenging courses that allow you to enjoy New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Safety Rules and Essential Preparations for Hiking
New Zealand's natural environment is unpredictable, so it is important to follow safety rules and thoroughly prepare essential items.
Safety Rules
Check the Weather: Verify weather conditions before departure and postpone hiking if conditions worsen.
Know the Route Information: Understand the difficulty and duration of the track and choose a course that matches your fitness level.
Prepare for Isolation: Travel with a group or guide, or share your travel plans with family or friends.
Prepare thoroughly in advance for safe hiking.
Essential Preparations
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Warm clothing
Plenty of water and high-energy snacks
First aid kit
Sun protection items (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
Headlamp or flashlight
Map and compass
Equip yourself with essential gear and explore New Zealand's nature safely.
Summary
New Zealand's Great Walks are representative trekking courses where you can experience the wonders of nature.
Beginners can choose short and flat courses, while intermediates can opt for challenging routes.
Follow safety rules and prepare essential items to enjoy a safe hiking experience.
The hiking and trekking courses in New Zealand offer a special experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Prepare thoroughly and set off into the nature of New Zealand!