9 Trails to Experience New Zealand’s Breathtaking Scenery Up Close

Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand offers the best way to immerse yourself in nature. Known as 'tramping' (Kiwi for 'hiking'), this popular pastime attracts both locals and tourists, featuring hundreds of outstanding trails across the country. From the famous Great Walks to overnight treks and shorter strolls, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.

Multi-day hikes provide an excellent opportunity to uncover remote lakes and waterfalls or to stay in a charming hut atop a mountain peak. If you prefer a lighter experience, consider a day hike—explore a shorter segment of one of the Great Walks or select from numerous short trails offering stunning views.

Here are some of our top picks for hikes in New Zealand, showcasing the country’s coasts, volcanoes, mountains, and national parks. Some trails are easy, others will get your adrenaline pumping, but all of them embody the magic of Kiwi adventure. Just remember, if you plan on taking a Great Walk or an overnight hike, it's essential to reserve huts or campsites in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC).

1. Rangitoto Island Summit Track

Top Choice from Auckland 7km (4.3 miles), 2 hours, easy

The youngest yet largest volcanic cone in Auckland, formed just 600 years ago through dramatic eruptions, stands as a graceful island and a cherished icon of the city, easily accessible via a quick ferry ride from downtown.

Ascend the gentle summit (250m/820ft) for stunning panoramic views of the city, then stroll along the coastline where resilient plants strive to reclaim the lava fields. Rangitoto boasts the largest pōhutukawa forest in the country—a striking crimson-flowered myrtle often referred to as the New Zealand Christmas tree.

2. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Best One-Day Hike 20km (12.4 miles), 6-8 hours, easy/moderate/difficult

Nestled within the volcanic landscapes made famous by the Lord of the Rings trilogy, this trail in Tongariro National Park is frequently regarded as New Zealand's premier one-day hike and ranks among the best globally. Its unique moonscape features steaming vents, vivid lakes, and expansive ridges, creating an unforgettable experience.

This 20km (12.4-mile) trek, heavily influenced by the weather, typically takes between six and eight hours to complete. Certain sections are steep, and conditions at altitude can be highly unpredictable, particularly in winter. For those looking to hike from May to November (potentially through snow), joining a guided trip is advisable. If you prefer to tackle the track independently, make sure to arrange your shuttle and bookings through DOC's reservation system. Additionally, the summit of Mt Ngāuruhoe (commonly known as Mt Doom) has spiritual significance to the local Māori iwi (tribe), who respectfully request that visitors refrain from climbing it.

3. Abel Tasman Coast Track

Ideal for beach lovers 60km (37.3 miles), 3-5 days, intermediate

As one of New Zealand's most renowned Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Coast Track traces the stunning coastline of Abel Tasman National Park. The trail meanders through vibrant forests and stretches of golden sand. Many sections attract day hikers, and it's common for visitors to reach various parts of the track by water taxi or kayak, given the park's minimal road access.

If your time in Abel Tasman National Park is limited to just a day, consider hiking the 11km (6.8-mile) stretch from Medlands Beach to Anchorage. Make sure to set aside time to unwind at the beautiful Anchorage and take a side trip to the serene Cleopatra’s Pool.

4. Angelus Hut via Pinchgut Track and Robert Ridge

Top choice for overnight hiking 24.4km (15.2 miles), 2 days, advanced

This pathway in Nelson Lakes National Park leads to one of the most enchanting overnight locations in the country. Nestled in the mountains beside an alpine lake, the Angelus Hut provides a fairytale-like experience.

Follow the aptly named Pinchgut Track to Mt Robert, enjoying views of the stunning Lake Rotoiti along the way. Continue along Robert Ridge toward Lake Angelus—the trail may be steep, but it offers breathtaking mountain vistas deep within the park. Spend the night immersed in this breathtaking scenery, then take the gentler Paddy’s Track back down the next day.

5. Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk

Top short hike featuring mountain views 4.4km (2.7 miles), 1.5 hours, easy

The trail to Lake Matheson demonstrates that you don't need to exert yourself greatly to enjoy breathtaking scenery. This easy path meanders through an ancient forest, culminating in stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains in the lake's dark waters.

The initial segment of the walk (2.4km/1.5 miles round trip) is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, taking you through native bush before revealing the magnificent mountain vista. The complete loop continues around the lake, offering two additional scenic viewpoints.

6. Sealy Tarns Track

Top one-day mountain ascent 7.1km (4.4 miles) round trip, 3-4 hours, easy

Home to over three-quarters of New Zealand’s tallest peaks, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park’s steep landscape is typically better suited for climbers rather than casual hikers. Nonetheless, there are several trails that provide stunning views of this impressive scenery, all beginning from the excellent National Park Visitor Centre.

Our top recommendation is the Sealy Tarns Track. Though it entails a two-hour ascent, the constant vistas of the Hooker Valley and nearby peaks will surely keep you captivated. If you seek a more extended hike, you can continue on to Mueller Hut, one of the most beautiful overnight spots in New Zealand.

7. Charming Creek North Walkway

Ideal for history, forests, and waterfalls 5.5km (3.4 miles), 2 hours one-way, easy

Renowned as one of the top day hikes on the West Coast, the Charming Creek North Walkway is an all-weather trail that traces an old coal railway line through the Ngākawau River gorge. Along the way, you'll encounter rusty artifacts, tunnels, a suspension bridge, intriguing geological features, and the impressive Mangatini Falls. This path also makes for an excellent mountain biking experience and is perfect for active families, as the diverse scenery keeps kids engaged. Be sure to arrange transport back to avoid retracing your steps.

8. Gertrude Saddle

Best for mountain vistas 7km (4.3 miles), 4-6 hours, expert

Located about 25 minutes from Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, the trek to Gertrude Saddle offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Fiordland National Park in a single day. This challenging hike is best suited for experienced climbers, leading you up through the mountains to breathtaking views of the valley, overlooking part of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

The trail traverses a river and passes by Black Lake—an ideal location for a lunch break and a swim, if you're willing to brave the chilly waters. Keep in mind that this route includes climbs and should be avoided in rainy or snowy conditions.

9. Routeburn Track

Best of the Great Walks 33km (20.5 miles), 2-4 days, intermediate

Considered by many to be the most stunning of New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track winds through alpine rivers and alongside shimmering lakes, revealing breathtaking vistas of mountains and valleys. This path leads you through a breathtaking alpine realm filled with tarns and sphagnum bogs, best hiked during the warmer months. If you're planning to go between May and October, ensure you possess alpine navigation and river crossing skills.

This walk ranks among the country’s most sought-after trails and requires reservations up to eight months in advance. If you're short on time, you can sample a portion of the 3.4km (2.1-mile) Routeburn Track on a one-day hike to Key Summit. This three-hour trek provides sweeping views of Fiordland National Park's mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, along with informative displays detailing the formation of this magnificent landscape.