BEST WALKS in NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, offering everything from scenic coastal walks to challenging alpine treks. Whether you're after a short stroll or an epic multi-day adventure, this guide covers the best walks and hikes to experience the country’s stunning landscapes.
1. Hooker Valley Track
Location: Mount Cook – Hooker Valley Track, Mt Cook National Park 7999, New Zealand
Distance: 10km round trip
Experience one of New Zealand’s best walks! This incredible track suits all fitness levels. Start at the car park near the trailhead—arrive early as it fills up fast. The well-maintained path, complete with multiple suspension bridges, leads you to the stunning base of Mount Cook. We completed it in 2 hours, but the average time is around 3 hours. A must-do hike for breathtaking views
2. Diamond Lake
Location: Diamond Lake Car Park off Mt Aspiring Road – 2km from Wanaka
Distance: 2.5 return (45 minutes) for Lake lookout but recommend going to Lake Wanaka Lookout which is 5km (2hrs).
If you’re hesitant about tackling the challenging Roy’s Peak hike, Diamond Lake is a fantastic alternative. This shorter, more manageable trail still rewards you with breathtaking views without the intense climb. Perfect for those seeking a scenic hike near Wanaka, the Diamond Lake trail offers incredible vistas of the lake and surrounding landscapes. It’s an ideal option for families or anyone looking for a rewarding, less demanding outdoor adventure in New Zealand!
3. Abel Tasman coast track
Location: Abel Tasman Doc carpark – 2 Harvey Road, Mārahau 7197, New Zealand
Distance: Can be anything from just under 4km to 22km
Park at the car park and head into the national park via the coastal track for a stunning walk with incredible views. Along the way, explore beautiful beaches and bays—we hiked 13.5km to Stillwell Bay in 3 hours, but shorter options like a 5km walk are also available. The trail is easy to follow, though some paths down to the beaches can be steep. On your way back, stop at The Park Cafe for a refreshing drink and a delicious pizza—perfect to round off the day!
4. Lake Matheson Walk
Location – Fox Glacier 7886, New Zealand
Distance: 2.6km loop
This easy, flat walk around the stunning Lake Matheson offers breathtaking mountain views. The best times to visit are dawn or dusk when the water is still, and the mountains reflect beautifully on the surface. Don’t miss the Matheson Cafe nearby—it’s perfect for a hot drink with incredible scenery to match
5. ALEX Knob
Location: Park in the Franz Josef Glacier car park.
Distance: 17.2km (Alex Knob) Rata lookout (3 hours return) Christmas lookout (5 hours return)
This is one of the most challenging hikes, taking around 8 hours to complete. For a shorter option, you can hike to Rata Lookout or Christmas Lookout, which still offer stunning glacier views but remain quite demanding due to the tramping terrain. Start at the car park and follow the signs—initially, the trail runs parallel to the road through woodland. While much of the path involves uphill walking through the forest, there are sections of scrambling. A tough but rewarding adventure for experienced hikers
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