Discover New Zealand's Scenic Gems: Counting the Top Great Walks in the Country
How many great walks in New Zealand are there? This is a question commonly asked by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are seeking the best trails to explore in this stunning country. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are several world-renowned hiking trails to discover in New Zealand.
In total, there are nine Great Walks in New Zealand, which are carefully selected for their incredible scenery and exceptional natural beauty. These trails offer breathtaking views of the country's unique landscapes, including lush forests, sparkling lakes, towering glaciers, and majestic peaks.
The Great Walks cover over 500 miles of diverse terrain throughout New Zealand, with each trail offering its own set of challenges and experiences. So, which great hike should you choose? That depends on your level of fitness and personal preferences.
If you're seeking an unforgettable adventure, consider the Milford Track, considered the finest walk in the world by many hikers. The 33-mile trek takes you through the remote Fiordland National Park, with stunning views of Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, and Lake Mackenzie.
For those who enjoy a bit of history, the Tongariro Northern Circuit offers both beautiful scenery and an insight into Maori culture. This 27-mile hike takes you past sacred Maori sites and the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park.
Do you love wildlife? Then take on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the chance to see penguins, fur seals, and dolphins. This 34-mile hike is also excellent for beginners with comfortable huts and plenty of campsites.
Regardless of your choice, you'll have the opportunity to connect with nature in ways that will take your breath away. Each of the Great Walks is well-maintained, with hiking huts along the way, so you can focus on taking in the scenery and challenging yourself without worrying about logistics.
While these hikes are not easy, they are achievable with proper planning, preparation, and determination. Whether you're an experienced hiker or new to hiking, you'll need to be reasonably fit to complete these trails, so make sure to train beforehand.
But don't let that put you off, as the rewards of completing a Great Walk are well worth the effort. You'll create memories that last a lifetime, meet fellow hikers from around the world, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of New Zealand.
So, how many great walks in New Zealand are there? Nine. And each one offers a unique experience that will challenge, inspire, and excite you in different ways. Take up the challenge, pack your backpack, and set out to explore the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand.
"How Many Great Walks In New Zealand" ~ bbaz
How Many Great Walks In New Zealand?
New Zealand, a land of magnificent vistas, sprawling green landscapes, and awe-inspiring scenic beauty, is a backpacker's paradise. The country nestled in the Pacific Ocean holds some of the world's most impressive hiking routes, also known as Great Walks. New Zealand's seven Great Walks are a must-visit for every trek lover.The Seven Great Walks:
New Zealand's Great Walks cater to people who love hiking, being outdoors, and want to explore some of the most beautiful locations in the country on foot. The network consists of seven official walking tracks authorized by New Zealand's Department of Conservation. Each walk offers a unique experience.
The Milford Track, often known as the finest walk worldwide, is undoubtedly New Zealand's most popular Great Walk. The 54 km trail takes you through rainforests, mountains, waterfalls, and Lakes on the South Island. On the West Coast of the South Island, the Routeburn Track covers 32 km over high alpine passes and across stunning river valleys.
Tongariro Northern Circuit on the North Island is one of the most comprehensive walks, covering 43km. The trail takes you through varying scenery, from alpine to volcanic terrain, showcasing mountains, lakes, hot springs, and forests in their entire splendor.
The Heaphy Track, also on the South Island, is a winding trail that spans some of the most varied topography, from rolling coastal hills to misty, dense forests. At 82 km and taking about five days to complete, it is a popular choice with hikers seeking more of a challenge.
The Abel Tasman Coastal Track on the South Island is another favorite, with the track stretching 60 km along the coastline. The route boasts bright blue waters and sandy beaches and is a perfect walk for soaking up the sun.
The Kepler Track, also on the South Island, covers 60 km and includes alpine tussocks, waterfalls, beech forest, and clear mountain streams. Located near Fiordland National Park, the track is perfect for people looking to experience New Zealand's untouched wilderness.
The Rakiura Track on Stewart Island is one of the most isolated Great Walks. The 32km trail takes visitors through native rainforest and sandy beaches, where they can spot rare and endangered birds such as the yellow-eyed penguin.
Other Popular Hikes:
While the Great Walks attract the most attention, New Zealand has an almost countless number of hiking trails to choose from in every region. From dark, dense forest with beautiful waterfalls to remote, snow-covered mountains, New Zealand's walking trails are diverse and full of surprises.
Roys Peak in Wanaka is a 16 km hike that offers stunning panoramic views and ranks as one of the country's best day hikes. In Nelson, the Queen Charlotte Track is another coastal path, stretching along the Marlborough Sounds and covering over 70 km.
For those visiting Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula Track is a three-day hike with incredible coastal views, lagoons, and wildlife. Other popular hikes include the Pouakai Circuit at Mount Taranaki and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Conclusion
It's easy to see why New Zealand's walking trails attract so many people from around the world every year. With amazing scenery, challenging terrain, and unmatched beauty, hiking in New Zealand is an experience you will never forget. Whether you're looking to take on one of the Great Walks or venture along one of the less traveled hiking trails, New Zealand has something to offer everyone.
How Many Great Walks in New Zealand?
Introduction
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes and breathtaking nature. It is home to many fantastic hikes, often referred to as Great Walks. There are ten great walks in total, each with its unique features and surroundings. In this article, we will compare these great walks, giving an overview of each one's key features and determining which walk is the best.The Ten Great Walks
The following table gives an overview of the ten great walks in New Zealand:| Great Walk | Location | Distance (km) | Duration (days) ||---|---|---|---|| Milford Track | Fiordland National Park | 53.5 | 4 || Routeburn Track | Fiordland & Mt Aspiring National Park | 32 | 2-4 || Kepler Track | Fiordland National Park | 60 | 4 || Abel Tasman Coast Track | Abel Tasman National Park | 60 | 3-5 || Heaphy Track | Kahurangi National Park | 82 | 4-6 || Tongariro Northern Circuit | Tongariro National Park | 43 | 3-4 || Whanganui Journey | Whanganui National Park | 145 | 3-5 || Lake Waikaremoana Track | Te Urewera National Park | 46 | 3-4 || Paparoa Track | Paparoa National Park | 55.1 | 2-3 || Rakiura Track | Stewart Island | 36 | 3 |Milford Track
The Milford Track is often referred to as the finest walk in the world. It is located in Fiordland National Park and follows the Clinton River Valley, crosses Mackinnon Pass, and finishes at Sandfly Point. It is a four-day trek that covers 53.5 km. The Milford Track is known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains. It is best suited for experienced hikers due to some challenging sections.Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is another breathtaking hike that takes you through the heart of Fiordland National Park and Mt Aspiring National Park. It is a 32 km trek that can take anywhere from two to four days to complete. The Routeburn Track is known for its stunning alpine vistas, pristine waterways, and lush green forests. It is best suited for intermediate hikers who are looking for a challenging trek.Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is located in Fiordland National Park and is a 60 km loop that takes around four days to complete. It is known for its stunning views of Lake Te Anau, majestic mountains, and dense forests. The Kepler Track is considered an intermediate hike, but it does have some challenging sections.Abel Tasman Coast Track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is located in Abel Tasman National Park and is a 60 km track that takes between three to five days to complete. It is known for its stunning beaches, unique rock formations, and turquoise waters. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is considered one of the easiest Great Walks, making it perfect for beginner hikers.Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track is located in Kahurangi National Park and is an 82 km trek that takes around four to six days to complete. It is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rainforests to rugged coastline. The Heaphy Track is an intermediate hike that offers some stunning views for those willing to make the journey.Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is located in Tongariro National Park and is a 43 km trek that takes around three to four days to complete. It is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and hot springs. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is considered a challenging trek due to some steep and strenuous sections.Whanganui Journey
The Whanganui Journey is located in Whanganui National Park and is a 145 km journey that takes around three to five days to complete. It is a unique journey that takes you down the Whanganui River via canoe or kayak. The Whanganui Journey is perfect for those looking for a different kind of adventure and is suitable for all levels of fitness.Lake Waikaremoana Track
The Lake Waikaremoana Track is located in Te Urewera National Park and is a 46 km trek that takes around three to four days to complete. It is known for its stunning views of Lake Waikaremoana, dense forest, and rugged terrain. The Lake Waikaremoana Track is considered a challenging trek due to its steep and uneven terrain.Paparoa Track
The Paparoa Track is located in Paparoa National Park and is a 55.1 km trek that takes around two to three days to complete. It is known for its rugged coastline, dense forest, and stunning limestone formations. The Paparoa Track is considered an intermediate hike but does have some challenging sections.Rakiura Track
The Rakiura Track is located on Stewart Island and is a 36 km trek that takes around three days to complete. It is known for its stunning coastal views, unique wildlife, and lush forest. The Rakiura Track is considered an intermediate hike due to its moderate terrain.Conclusion
In conclusion, each Great Walk in New Zealand offers a unique and breathtaking experience. From the rugged coastlines of the Paparoa Track to the crystal clear lakes of the Milford Track, there is something for everyone. Ultimately, choosing the best Great Walk comes down to personal preference and fitness level. Still, it is safe to say that any one of these Great Walks will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.How Many Great Walks Are There in New Zealand?
Introduction
New Zealand is blessed with some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, and there is no better way to enjoy them than by taking a walking tour. New Zealand has ten Great Walks which offer visitors an opportunity to explore the country's stunning scenery, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the ten Great Walks and what they have to offer.The Ten Great Walks
The ten Great Walks in New Zealand are:- Milford Track
- Routeburn Track
- Kepler Track
- Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Heaphy Track
- Tongariro Northern Circuit
- Whanganui Journey
- Lake Waikaremoana
- Paparoa Track
- Rakiura Track (Stewart Island)
Milford Track
Considered one of the most beautiful walks in the world, Milford Track is New Zealand's most popular Great Walk. This walk takes you through the heart of Fiordland National Park and offers unparalleled views of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and sprawling valleys. The 53.5km track starts at Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound and takes four days to complete. The best time to visit is between November and April.Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is another famous walk in New Zealand that spans over two national parks, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring. The 33km track is shorter than the Milford track but takes a similar amount of time to complete. The trail passes through alpine scenery, meandering rivers, and lush forests. The best time to hike Routeburn Track is from November to April.Kepler Track
The Kepler Track is one of the newer Great Walks in New Zealand and is located in the Fiordland National Park. The 60km track takes you through the most spectacular scenery of New Zealand's alpine terrain. It is an excellent choice for hikers who prefer stunning mountain views without too much altitude gain. The best time to visit is between late October and early May.Abel Tasman Coast Track
Abel Tasman Coast Track is located in Abel Tasman National Park on South Island. The highlight of this walk is its beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. The 60km track can be traversed over three to five days, and the best months to hike are from November to April.Heaphy Track
Located in Kahurangi National Park, The Heaphy Track is a diverse and scenic hike that covers 78.4 km. This walk offers a variety of landscapes, from rainforest to alpine terrain, river valleys to coastline. You can explore unique flora and fauna as well as historic gold mining sites. The best months to visit Heaphy Track are between May and September.Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is located in Tongariro National Park on North Island. This 43.1 km hike is famous for its magnificent volcanic landscapes, including Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu. The track is open throughout the year, but for the best experience, it is better to go between November and April.Whanganui Journey
Whanganui Journey is a canoe journey from Taumaranui to Pipiriki Vally. This 145km canoe journey takes around four to five days, depending on your speed and physical condition. In addition to excellent canoeing opportunities, the river features banana palms and ancient forests that are remarkable. The ideal time to go on the Whanganui Journey is from November to April.Lake Waikaremoana
Lake Waikaremoana is located in Te Urewera National Park on North Island. This 46km Great Walk takes you around one of the most extensive lakes in New Zealand, with stunning views of cliffs, waterfalls, and tranquil forests. The best time to visit Lake Waikaremoana is between November and April.Paparoa Track
The Paparoa Track is located on South Island. This 55km track takes four days to complete and takes hikers through magnificent limestone formations, beautiful forest canopies, and panoramic coastline views. The best time to go on this walk is during the summer months between October and April.Rakiura Track (Stewart Island)
Rakiura Track is located on Stewart Island - New Zealand's third largest island and is the smallest of the three Great Walks. The 32km track takes 2 to 3 days to complete, taking hikers through Rakiura National Park's amazing landscapes, dense forests, wetlands, and coastline. The best time to go on this hike is between December and April.Conclusion
New Zealand's ten Great Walks offer an unforgettable outdoor experience, allowing you to explore the best of what New Zealand has to offer. No matter which walk you choose, you'll be surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the world. Plan your adventures ahead, choose your favorite Great walks, pack your bags, and experience the natural beauty of New Zealand by foot.Discovering the Many Great Walks in New Zealand
If you're a fan of hiking, trekking, and exploring some of the most iconic natural wonders on the planet, then you should definitely make time to discover the many great walks in New Zealand. This breathtaking country has earned a reputation for its stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, and verdant forests. Whether you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or a beginner who wants to take in the sights and sounds of nature, there is something for everyone.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages nine official Great Walks that offer the best opportunities to explore the wilds of New Zealand. These trails are spread across the North and South Islands and range in length from 32 kilometers (20 miles) to 82 kilometers (51 miles). Each Great Walk has its unique features and natural wonders that will leave you awe-inspired.
The Milford Track is the most well-known and popular of all Great Walks. This spectacular passage takes you through the Fiordland National Park and rewards you with breathtaking views of waterfalls, glaciers, and serene lakes. The Routeburn Track is another remarkable trail that connects Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Along this track, you'll venture through alpine meadows, cross swing bridges, and get a glimpse of some of the most beautiful peaks in New Zealand.
If you want to explore some of the world-class coastline views in New Zealand, consider taking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This trail takes you through turquoise waters and pristine beaches, and through native forests filled with a variety of birdlife. The Heaphy Track will also lead you to fascinating coastal views, and this picturesque trail is diverse in terms of flora and fauna.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is located in the Tongariro National Park and is one of the most challenging Great Walks. This hike takes you through a stark volcanic landscape, including snowcapped mountains, steaming vents, and colorful lakes. On the Whanganui Journey, you'll paddle through rapids and peaceful waters as you explore the Whanganui River. You'll pass through towering forest valleys and witness Maori historic sites along the way.
The Rakiura Track is located in Stewart Island, New Zealand's third-largest island, and is an experience of a lifetime. This hike will take you through a natural paradise filled with native wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds. You'll also have the chance to witness the glowworms, which add a magical touch to this already fantastic trail.
The Kepler Track is another popular Great Walk, and it offers a variety of landscapes that you won't find anywhere else in the world. From beech forests to alpine vistas, to majestic waterfalls and tranquil lakes, you'll be constantly amazed at the sights along this track.
If you're not up for the challenge or time commitment required for a Great Walk, there are plenty of other stunning hikes you can undertake in New Zealand. The Queen Charlotte Track, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Cape Brett Track, and Mount Taranaki Summit Track are just a few of the many other excellent hiking options available here.
As you plan your trip to New Zealand, make sure to give yourself enough time to explore the numerous inspiring hiking trails this country has to offer. And while the Great Walks may be among the most famous, don't forget that there are countless off-the-beaten-path hikes that offer equally rewarding experiences. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore the wonders of the outdoors in New Zealand!
Thank you for taking the time to read about the many great walks in New Zealand. We hope that this article has inspired you to plan your next adventure in this stunning country. No matter which trail you choose, we're confident that you'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
How Many Great Walks In New Zealand
What are Great Walks in New Zealand?
Great Walks are New Zealand's premier hiking tracks that provide spectacular views of natural landscapes, forests, and mountains. These hikes take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, including national parks, glaciers, and beaches, making them an amazing adventure for nature lovers.
How many Great Walks are there in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a total of ten Great Walks that are managed by the Department of Conservation and are operated year-round.
Which are the ten Great Walks of New Zealand?
The following are the ten Great Walks in New Zealand:
- Milford Track - South Island
- Routeburn Track - South Island
- Kepler Track - South Island
- Abel Tasman Coast Track - South Island
- Heaphy Track - South Island
- Tongariro Northern Circuit - North Island
- Whanganui Journey - North Island
- Lake Waikaremoana - North Island
- Rakiura Track - Stewart Island
- Paparoa Track - South Island
What are the features of the Great Walks?
The Great Walks offer different features such as stunning peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and vast valleys. The trails are well-maintained and marked, and the DOC provides comfortable huts with bunk beds and cooking facilities to make your trekking experience more enjoyable.
Can I trek all the Great Walks in one visit?
It is possible to trek all the Great Walks in one visit, although it will take a significant amount of time and effort. Visitors can choose to go on one of the Great Walks or combine two or more walks to create an itinerary that suits their preferences.