The "Great Walks"
Index: Abel
Tasman Coast Track | Heaphy
Track | Kelper
Track | Lake
Waikaremoana Track | Milford
Track | Rakiura
Track | Routeburn
Track | Tongiriro
Northern Circuit
Abel Tasman Coast Track
This is the busiest of the Great Walks and follows the full length of
the Abel Tasman National Parks coastline. It is a 51km easy walk
taking 3 - 5 days, that takes you through golden sandy beaches and coastal
forests allowing most walkers plenty of time for swimming and
exploring. Due to the reasonably mild climate it is possible to walk
this track anytime through out the year. There are several access
points including Wainui, Totaranui and Marahau. There are carparks
located at each accesspoint and local accomodation is available as well as
bus services, taxis and boat services. There are four huts along the
track and 21 campsite aswell as a DOC serviced campground and visitors
centre. The Abel Tasman National Park is also ideal for snorkelling,
sailing and sea kayaking.
Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track winds through Kahurangi National Parks diverse scenery
of lush forests, palm beaches and expansive tussock grasslands . It is 81km
4-6 day walk on well developed tracks suitable for most people. There
are 7 huts with water, heating and toilets and 10 campsites spread along the
track that runs between the Brown and Aorere Rivers.
Kelper Track
This track is located in the South west of the South Island near Te Anau
and Manapouri. It is a moderate to high level walking track taking you
in a loop through alpine grasslands, forests and glacial valleys over 3-4
days and 67km. There are three huts and 2 campsites. The track is
accessible from the Lake Te Anau control gates or is a 45 minute walk from
the Fiordland National Park Visitors Centre.
Lake Waikaremoana Track
The Lake Waikaremoana Track can be done at anytime of the year and is
located in Te Urewera National Park through magnificent forested scenery and
along the lake shores allowing plenty of opportunity for swimming and
fishing. This 4-5 day walk is 46km long and offers 5 huts and 5
campsites.
Milford Track
The Milford Track is an alpine journey that takes you over suspension
bridges, by waterfalls and swimming holes and is one of New Zealands most
popular hikes, taking you from Te Anau Downs to Milford Sound. It is a
4 day 53km walk with 3 huts en route and during the booked walking season of
October - April you must follow the provided intinery to allow for the
numbers that pass through.
Rakiura Track
This track is located on Stewart Island and takes you on a loop that can
be comforatably tramped in 3 days. It takes you along open coast
through forest and inlets before returning you to Half Moon Bay. There
are two huts and three campsites along this track.
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is a stunning alpine walk that takes you through
Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. This track allows you to
do either part or all of the 33km stretch and offers views of Mt. Somnus, North Col and Mt. Nereus,
the Darren Mountains and the Hollyford Valley along the way with 4 huts and
2 campsites.
Tongariro Northern Circuit
This track winds its way over Mount Tongiriro and around Mount Ngauruhoe
passing through stunning volcanic land forms and glacial valleys. You
can do day and overnight trips or complete the curcuit staying at the 4 huts
over the 4-5 day journey. It is safest and most often walked during
the summer months when the track is free of snow.
To find out more information about New Zealands "Great Walks"
contact the local Tourism Information Centre or the Department of
Conservation. They will be able to help you with booking huts and need
to know information for the specific track you are interested in.
To view activities listed by regions please
click on the one of the regions below.
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