Great Walks of New Zealand
Other Multi-Day Hikes
Ok, so you missed out on a Great Walk booking. Or you're a bloody legend and have completed all the Great Walks and are looking for your next challenge? There are heaps of great multi-day hikes in NZ and below are just a few for some inspiration including short overnighters and longer multi day hikes. There are suggestions for everyone including novice hikers, families with little hikers, or anyone looking for a challenge.
Overnighters
Are you are beginner hiker and looking for an overnight hike before jumping into a multi-day hike? Keen for shorter hike? Or need an epic hike for some solid training? Check out some overnighters below or if you're feeling energetic some can be completed as 'out and back' hikes.
Sunrise Hut
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 days / 6.4km one way
Ruahine Forest, North Island
Sunrise Hut is situated in the Ruahine Ranges with the trail taking hikers up a well-maintained track and steady incline through forest to 1,280m. The views of the Hawkes Bay stretch out across in the distance and snow can form on the tops in winter. Great beginner's overnighter or family friendly hike. A great training hike that can also be completed in one day.
Mueller Hut
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 2 days / 5.2km one way
Aoraki National Park , South Island
The hike to Mueller Hut is located in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in the Southern Alps range. The hike will take you through rugged landscape and vertical cliffs, providing incredible 360 views over Hooker Valley and Aoraki/Mt Cook, NZ's highest peak. The hike should be attempted between Dec-Apr and is an alpine track. If snow is present, hikers will need mountaineering experience, including using an ice axe, crampons and avalanche rescue equipment. The hike is not for the faint of heart, taking hikers up 2000+ steps to Sealy Tarns, the midway point. The climb requires some scrambling up boulders and the track can be undefined in places.
Cape Brett
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 2 days / 16.3km one way
Bay of Islands, North Island
The Cape Brett Track is situated in the beautiful Bay of Islands in Northland. The track takes hikers through rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and provides amazing views of the coast. The old lighthouse keepers hut has been converted into a DOC hut containing 23 bunks. Extra track fees are payable to walk this trail on top of hut fees.
Copland Track to Welcome Flat Hut
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 2 days / 18km one way
West Coast, South Island
The Copland Track is situated on the West Coast of the South Island, 26km south of Fox Glacier. The route follows the Copland Valley and is a mix of rocky riverbeds and bush track as hikers travel along swing bridges and glacial blue rivers. Welcome Flat Hut is situated 18km inland and contains 31 bunks and a campsite nearby. The hut has natural hot water springs located close by to soak in after a long day's hike. Caution is needed during periods of heavy rain with water cascading into the valley and the track can be closed if the weather deteriorates.
The Pinnacles
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 days / 6km one way
Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
The Pinnacles Hut track is a steady climb following an historic packhorse route used by kauri bushmen in the1920s. The track climbs steadily with plentiful steps up to the lookout at 759m. Spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula with a popular 80 bunk hut at the top. Another great beginner's overnighter or family friendly hike.
Lake Rotoiti Circuit
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 1 or 2 days / 23 -31km loop
Nelson Lakes, South Island
The Lake Rotoiti Circuit links 3 tracks to loop around Lake Rotoiti (The Lakehead Track, The Lakeside Track and The Brunner Peninsula Nature Walk). The hike is a scenic lake track passing native trees, vocal birds, and offers a side trip to Whiskey Falls. The Lake Rotoiti Circuit can be completed in one day taking approx 7-10 hrs, or alternatively hikers can stay a night at either Lakehead Hut or Coldwater Hut. These huts are also serviced by water taxi giving plenty of options to shorten the hike and make it more achievable for novice hikers or families.
Multi Day Hikes
There are plenty of longer multi day hikes in New Zealand to get stuck into and the list is really endless. Here are a few below for inspiration.
Aotea Track
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 2-3days / 25-31km loop
Great Barrier Island, North Island
Located on Great Barrier Island situated 100km northeast of Auckland, in the Hauraki Gulf. Flights take 30min each way or travel 4hrs 30mins by ferry. The track is a combination of boardwalks, steep climbs, stairways and bridges giving magnificent views over the gulf and striking sunsets. Hikers will stay at two huts, Mt Heale Hut and Kaiaraara Hut, with the option to walk the track in reverse and soak in some natural hot springs to finish of an epic hike.
Hollyford Track
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 4-8 days / 56km one way
Fiordland National Park, South Island
The Hollyford track can be walked at any time of year and takes hikers a little off the beaten path starting in the Darren mountains ending at the sea at Martins Bay. The track follows the glacially carved Hollyford Valley, past two lakes with an opportunity to see fur seals and penguins at certain times of the year. The track can be muddy and unformed with orange markers guiding the way. Unbridged stream/river crossings are necessary which may be impassable during periods of heavy rain, so this hike suits experienced hikers. The track starts just 2hrs out of Te Anau on the Lower Hollyford Road.
Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 2-3days / 24km loop
Tararua Forest Park, North Island
There are many classic tramps located in the Tararua Forest Park with this track taking hikers along alpine ridges to the top of Mount Holdsworth for 360 degree views of the greater Wellington area. The hike starts at Holdsworth lodge and takes approx 12hrs all up with overnight stays at Powell Hut and Jumbo Hut. The track can be walked in either direction and it is possible to shorten this hike to stay overnight at either hut and return.
Queen Charlotte Track
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 3-5 days / 73.5km one way
Marlborough Sounds, South Island
The Queen Charlotte Track provides magnificent views of the Marlborough Sounds taking hikers along sweeping trails, in and out of beautiful bays, and through coastal forests. The track is a dual hiking and mountain biking track and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunshine. There are 6 DOC campsites available along the track and plenty of other private accommodation options. It is possible to get bags transported ahead to booked accommodation and make the hike/bike easier for those who need it.
Pouakai Circuit
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 2-3days / 25km loop
Egmont National Park, North Island
This premier hike provides spectacular views of Mt Taranaki and takes hikers through incredible volcanic landscapes, past red oxidized streams, waterfalls, and provides expansive views of the Tasman Sea and
Central Plateau. This hike can be walked in either direction from North Egmont staying at Holly Hut and Pouakai Hut on the way.
Old Ghost Road
Difficulty: Advanced
Length: 4-5 days / 85km one way
West Coast, South Island
The Old Ghost Road is considered a Great Ride and is a dual mountain biking and hiking trail. The Old Ghost Road guides hikers through secluded valleys, over alpine ridges, and along river gorges. Hikers will navigate 21 bridges and may need to cross unbridged waterways, so caution is required during periods of heavy rain. There are bookable sites available with huts/sleepouts/and tent sites managed by the Mōkihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust. DOC also has 2 huts on the track that are available on a first come first serve basis.