Korokoro Falls, Lake Waikaremoana

New Zealand’s landscape is best experienced by foot. The country’s vast outdoors offers hundreds of walking and hiking trails perfect for people of all fitness levels. The choices range from walking tracks in wide-open spaces and urban heritage trails to native bush walks and adventure hikes. Beyond the beautiful scenery, New Zealand offers a diversity unrivaled around the globe. New Zealand stands out.

If you prefer to stick to the cities, Auckland’s inner city trails cover the city’s 49 volcanic cones, including Rangitoto Island. The new multi-day Hillary Trail is 30 minutes from Auckland. Wellington’s Botanic Garden and Otari-Wilson’s Bush are full of tracks, bush and garden walks. Walkers and hikers in Christchurch will experience coastal views along the banks of the Avon River or the Port Hills. New Zealand’s small size allows travelers to quickly and easily access spectacular hiking 30 minutes from any major city.

Adventurers should check out Queenstown’s heli-hiking in a remote alpine setting. Fiordland allows heli-hikers to land on a glacier and take a walk across the ice. The Franz Joseph Glacier walk on the west coast is also a must-see.

Crater Lakes, Tongariro Alpine Crossing

New Zealand allows hikers to experience beaches, bush, glaciers and mountains. Travelers can even explore for themselves the locations where blockbusters such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings filmed. Thousands of miles of trails cover the terrain and a number of options exist for all ability levels ranging from 30 minutes to multiple days. On-site facilities along all the trails are well maintained, high-quality and easily accessible.

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Te Araroa: The Long Pathway

Te Araroa, or the long pathway, runs the length of both New Zealand’s islands and is the ultimate hiking experience. Beginning at Cape Reinga, at the northern end of North Island, the trail ends at Stirling Point at Bluff, at the bottom of South Island. The interconnecting trails, officially opened in 2011, vary in difficulty, from easy walks to alpine traverses, all while soaking in the natural splendor of gorgeous New Zealand.

The Great Walks of New Zealand

Hikers on any of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks will pass through magnificent destinations and by local icons.

Lake Waikaremoana: Rainforests and wetlands await on this track through Te Urewera National Park.

Tongariro Northern Circuit: The walk through Tongariro National Park encircles active volcanoes and lava flows.

Whanganui Journey: A canoe trip and walk all in one, the journey flows through native forest with abundant birdlife.

Abel Tasman Coast Track: The track runs along beaches and rock formations, offering coastal views.

Heaphy Track: Rainforest, sub-alpine tussock, mountains, lowland forest and beaches — this track passes through it all.

Kepler Track: Fiordland is showcased on this trail, with its mountains, native forest, glacier-carved valleys and waterfalls.

Milford Track: Also in Fiordland and famous, the journey traverses to lakes, mountain peaks, valley views and the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.

Rakiura Track: This track navigates the much-unchanged habitats of New Zealand’s Stewart Island.

Routeburn Track: This great walk is a link between Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park.