New Zealand easily clinches a spot in my top three favorite destinations. I could chat all day about everything that makes New Zealand part of that list: the friendliest people, breathtaking landscapes, their quaint little cities, and more, but today, I'm here to share the ultimate #1 must-do in this fantastic country: hiking. Or as the Kiwis call it, 'tramping.' If you have New Zealand on your travel radar (and you really should), hiking is the absolute game-changer here, and it's going to be the highlight of your trip. The best part is that, whether you're a total rookie or a seasoned pro, there's a trail suited for every fitness level.
If I had to narrow it down to my top four picks, I'd go with the Hooker Valley Track, Milford Track, Roys Peak, and Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Let's dive into these gems a bit more, shall we?
# 4 Hooker Valley Track
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 10km
I’d go again in a heartbeat, solely for the mind-blowing Mount Cook views that you get in the last 20 minutes of the drive there. It's as if you’re entering into a real-life screensaver image.
The track itself is hands down, the easiest one of all four. It's mostly flat, made up of gravel paths with sections of sturdy wooden boardwalks, so you can leave your hardcore hiking gear at home. Along the way, you get to amble through a serene valley with epic views, bounce over a few swing bridges, and finally arrive at a lake where icebergs have floated in from the Hooker Glacier.
If you're on the hunt for a low-effort adventure that throws in some of the world’s most stunning views, this hike has your name all over it
Tips: Get there as early as possible in the morning to avoid the crowds. Due to its popularity and accessibility for all levels, things started to get pretty packed as we left around 11 am.
#3 Milford Track
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Multi-day
Distance: 53.5km
The Milford Track is one of the Great Walks in New Zealand. Snagging passes for these walks is like trying to score front row tickets to a Taylor Swift concert - they go live online on a specific date before the season kicks off and within minutes, they're gone. For this year's ticket release dates, check out the DOC.
The Milford Track is a fantastic multi-day journey, stretching out over three nights and four days. Every hiker is required to bunk in a designated hut at the end of each day. This arrangement makes the experience even more special because, for three evenings straight, you get to share meals and play games with your newfound trail buddies.
The hike itself is a real gift – days of unspoiled beauty and the chance to unplug and immerse yourself in nature. Day 3, which locals often say is the toughest, was the highlight of the hike. When you make it to the top at MacKinnon Pass, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views of Clinton Valley. After that, it's smooth sailing (kinda) – all downhill and flat. When you finally hit that 53.5 km marker , you might be exhausted, but trust me, you just completed a one-of-a-kind, rewarding experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
#2 Roys Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Distance: 16km
Holy moly, this one really threw me for a loop. We had been cruising through some relatively breezy hikes with nice, straight paths (Hooker Valley Track for example), so when we tackled this bad boy, we thought it'd be a walk in the park. How wrong we were. Instead of an easy stroll, you'll be marching uphill for more than three hours. But as Miley Cyrus once sang, 'keep on moving, keep climbing,' because the view from the top will make the climb worthwhile.
Views, views, and more views – did I mention the views? It's time to take out your camera because when you conquer that peak (and chug some water), you'll be itching to snap the incredible mountain range spread out before you. Just a fair warning: no picture can adequately capture the full magic of this place.
Of course, a difficult ride up will entail a difficult ride down. You’re better off taking a light jog - it's easier. Keep in mind that long after you’ve left New Zealand, it won’t be the challenge or sweat you’ll remember, but the pure beauty of it all.
Tip: If you're planning your trip around October or November, the track shuts down for six weeks during lambing season (only in New Zealand). So, check prior to visiting.
#1 Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6 - 9 hours
Distance: 19.4km
This hike, whoa, it's an absolute stunner. Honestly, I'm pretty sure it'll stay with me as long as I'm around. This trail takes you through the live volcano landscape of Mount Tongariro. The real highlight comes when you conquer the Devil's Staircase (don't be fooled by the name; it's not as difficult as it sounds - just use caution) and reach the lookout for the Emerald Lakes, colossal craters filled with stunning neon-green water. It's like stepping onto another planet. Keep on walking till you get to the Blue Lakes. This is the perfect place to enjoy your packed lunch and truly soak in the incredible scenery around you.
The beauty doesn't stop there. As you make your way down, you’ll zigzag down a hillside covered in lush tussock grass, and then you'll finish by walking through a dense forest. This hike just keeps on giving, and you won't want it to end.
These are just four of many of the incredible hikes that New Zealand has to offer. This country has completely ignited my passion for the outdoors and inspired me to plan more hiking adventures. If you're craving a unique and exciting experience, I wholeheartedly suggest considering a trip to Aotearoa.