New Zealand's Top 5 Great Walks Ranked
A comprehensive look at booking hut passes, physical difficulty, and seasonal conditions for the premier hiking trails.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) maintains ten premier Great Walks across New Zealand. These well-maintained trails showcase the country’s most exceptional scenery. Here is our expert ranking of the top five multi-day treks.
1. The Milford Track (Fiordland)
Regarded for over a century as 'the finest walk in the world', this 53.5km route passes Mackinnon Pass, Sutherland Falls (one of NZ's tallest waterfalls), and deep glacier valleys. Hut spaces sell out in minutes every winter for the upcoming season.
2. The Routeburn Track (Mount Aspiring & Fiordland)
Linking Mount Aspiring National Park with Fiordland, the 32km Routeburn Track offers unmatched alpine vistas. Walking along Harris Saddle gives sweeping panoramic views over the Darren Mountains.
3. Tongariro Northern Circuit (North Island)
Circling the active volcano Mount Ngauruhoe, this trail wanders through emerald lakes, crater floors, and steaming geothermal vents. It includes the world-famous day trek, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
4. Abel Tasman Coastal Track (Nelson Tasman)
For those preferring golden beaches and coastal warm weather, Abel Tasman provides gentle coastal walking with water taxi support and sea kayaking options.
5. Kepler Track (Fiordland)
Designed specifically for easy walking, the Kepler Track is a 60km loop that traverses tussock ridge-lines high above Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri.
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