New Zealand is an amazing location for those who love the outdoors. And while the Great Walks of New Zealand are all multi-day hikes, not everyone has the desire, time, or propensity to spend a few days on the trail. So here is a list of the best day hikes of New Zealand, all of which are quite varied in location, length, and difficulty to make sure that you are seeing the extensive beauty that New Zealand has to offer. There is no significance to the order of this list.
South Island
For an easy hike with beautiful views...
The Hooker Valley Track
Distance:
6.8 miles (10.9 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
646 ft (197 m)
Time:
Less than 3 hours
Difficulty:
Medium
The trail is relatively flat and is mostly on a boardwalk as you make your way to Hooker Lake. At the viewpoint, you will see a lake formed by a glacier that still flows into the lake. You will also have the chance to see Mount Cook towering above everyone if the sky is clear.
South Island
For a sample of a Great Walk...
The Kepler Track: Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut
Distance:
9.8 miles (15.8 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
2,789 ft (850 m)
Time:
Less than 3 hours
Difficulty:
Hard
The Kepler Track is typically a 4-day hike and one of the Great Walks. However, the first part of the hike can be completed as a round-trip day hike. This hike goes up through the forest to above the tree line where you will have beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and nature. The great thing about this hike is that the trailhead can be accessed by boat that departs from the town center of Te Anau.
South Island
To reach an alpine lake...
Lake Marian Track
Distance:
3.8 miles (6.1 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
1,312 ft (400 m)
Time:
3-4 hours
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Lake Marian is a beautiful alpine lake. This hike is challenging and includes a steady climb over rocks and roots. You need to wear good hiking boots and avoid doing this hike when the ground could be wet because the track may be slippery. With the challenging hike, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of an alpine lake nestled within the mountains.
South Island
For a challenge that a lot of people talk about...
Roy's Peak Track
Distance:
9.9 miles (15.9 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
4,213 ft (1,284 m)
Time:
5-6 hours
Difficulty:
Hard
For those who are avid hikers or want an athletic challenge, Roys Peak Summit is an incredibly popular hike. The walk itself is not the most interesting and is quite intense, walking steeply uphill for the entire hike. However, at the peak, you will get beautiful views of the valley and lakes below.
South Island
For access to secluded beaches...
Abel Tasman Track: Anchorage to Marahau
Distance:
7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
1,453 ft (443 m)
Time:
4.5 – 5.5 hours
Difficulty:
Medium
This one-way hike is initially accessed by water taxi from the main town of Marahau. Throughout the walk you will have the opportunity to walk down to various viewpoints and bays, giving yourself access to isolated beaches to take advantage of the beautiful and clear turquoise water.
North Island
For one of the best day hikes in the world...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Distance:
12.4 miles (20 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
2,799 ft (853 m)
Time:
6-8 hours
Difficulty:
Hard
The Tongariro Crossing is considered one of the best hikes in the world and is incredibly popular. As a one-way hike, it is a challenging hike that goes up and over an impressive volcanic landscape. You will be driven to the start of the hike with a shuttle service. The terrain is ever changing and keeps the entire walk interesting, starting with volcanic terrain with geothermal properties and views of the Lord of the Rings Mount Doom and transforming to tropical forests
North Island
For a potential introduction to New Zealand's multi-day hikes...
Pinnacles Track: Kauaeranga Kauri Trail
Distance:
8.6 miles (13.8 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
2,546 ft (776 m)
Time:
5-7 hours
Difficulty:
Hard
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail is a challenging day hike that goes to the Pinnacles summit. There is also a lodge near the summit so, while this hike is doable as a day hike, the best way to experience it is to spend the night at the Pinnacles Hut. The beginning of the walk is relatively straight forward, hiking uphill through the forest. To get to the peak past the hut, you will have to go up a lot of stairs and climb some metal ladders.
North Island
For an urban walking trail...
Auckland's Coast to Coast Walk
Distance:
10.3 miles (16.6 kilometers)
Elev. Gain
1,457 ft (444 m)
Time:
5-7 hours
Difficulty:
Medium
Auckland is located at one of the most narrow points of all of New Zealand. In fact, there is a coast to coast walk that goes from one side of the island to the other. It also runs through a few different viewpoints and museums that we believe are important to visit while in Auckland.
