New Zealand GREAT WALKS Guide
PLAN A GREAT WALK
Planning a Great Walk in New Zealand is one of the most exciting parts of any hiking adventure. Whether you're preparing to tackle the Tongariro Northern Circuit, Routeburn Track, Kepler Track, Milford Track, or one of New Zealand's other iconic multi-day hikes, good planning can make the difference between a memorable experience and a stressful one.
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At On the Slowdown, we've created this Great Walk planning hub to help you organise every aspect of your journey. From choosing the right track and understanding hut booking systems to packing lists, transport options, accommodation, weather considerations, and trail tips, you'll find practical information to help you confidently prepare for your adventure.
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New Zealand's Great Walks attract thousands of hikers each year, and many require advance bookings and careful preparation. Whether you're a first-time tramper or an experienced hiker looking for your next challenge, our guides are designed to make planning easier and help you get the most from your time on the trail.
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Use the resources below to explore individual Great Walk guides, compare tracks, plan your itinerary, and book the services you need before setting off. Your next hiking adventure starts here.
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Choose a Great Walk
Choosing the right Great Walk is the most important part of planning your adventure. Every New Zealand Great Walk offers something different – from alpine ridgelines and mountain views on the Routeburn Track to coastal scenery in Abel Tasman and volcanic landscapes on the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
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The best Great Walk isn't necessarily the most famous one – it's the one that matches your fitness, experience, budget, available time, and the type of scenery you want to experience. Before worrying about bookings, transport, gear, or accommodation, take some time to find the walk that's right for you. Use the links to compare tracks, understand the difficulty levels, and discover what makes each Great Walk unique.
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Once you've chosen your walk, we'll help you with everything else needed to plan an unforgettable hiking adventure.
Looking for a specific track? Visit our individual Great Walk guides for booking information, hut details, transport options, and planning tips.
02
Book a Great Walk
Once you've chosen your Great Walk, it's time to secure your booking. Many of New Zealand's most popular Great Walks have limited hut and campsite spaces, and peak-season dates can sell out quickly.
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Before making your reservation, it's worth understanding how the booking system works, when bookings open, what permits or fees apply, and which accommodation options are available along the track. A little preparation can save a lot of stress and help you secure the dates you want.
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Whether you're planning months in advance or looking for last-minute availability, the resources below will help you navigate the booking process and get your Great Walk adventure locked in.
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Book Accomodation
New Zealand's Great Walks are often located in some of the country's most remote and spectacular regions. While that's part of their appeal, it also means accommodation near track starts and finishes can be limited, particularly during the busy hiking season.
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Booking accommodation before and after your walk can make your adventure far more enjoyable. Whether you need a place to stay the night before an early departure, accommodation after finishing the track, or somewhere to relax during a longer road trip, it's worth planning ahead.
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Many Great Walk hikers are surprised by the distances involved and the lack of nearby accommodation options. Securing your accommodation early can help you avoid unnecessary travel, reduce stress on the day of your walk, and give you more time to enjoy the experience.
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​Use the guides below to find accommodation options near your chosen Great Walk and build a smoother, more enjoyable hiking itinerary.
04
Book Transport
With your Great Walk booked and accommodation sorted, it's time to plan how you'll get to and from the track.
Unlike many day walks, New Zealand's Great Walks often start and finish in different locations or are situated in remote areas with limited transport options. Depending on the track, you may need to arrange a shuttle, water taxi, bus, vehicle relocation service, or parking before you set off.
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Transport can be one of the most confusing parts of planning a Great Walk, particularly for first-time visitors or hikers travelling independently. Booking transport early helps ensure you arrive at the track on time and have a hassle-free way to return after your adventure.
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Use the guides below to understand the transport options available for your chosen Great Walk and avoid any last-minute surprises.
05
Train
A little preparation before your Great Walk can make a huge difference on the trail. While some Great Walks are suitable for beginners, most involve several days of walking, carrying a pack, climbing hills, and spending long hours on your feet.
Training doesn't mean you need to become an athlete. Building your fitness, strength, and endurance in the weeks leading up to your walk can help you enjoy the experience more, recover faster each day, and reduce the risk of injury.
The best training plan depends on the track you've chosen, your current fitness level, and the weight you'll be carrying. Whether you're tackling your first multi-day hike or preparing for a more challenging adventure, the resources below will help you arrive at the trail feeling confident and ready.
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Remember, the goal isn't just to finish your Great Walk—it's to enjoy every step of it.
06
Buy or Hire Gear
Having the right gear can make your Great Walk safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. The good news is that you don't need the most expensive equipment or a garage full of hiking gear to have a great experience on the trail. Whether you're purchasing equipment for future adventures or hiring gear for a one-off trip, it's important to understand what you'll need and what you can leave behind. The right clothing, footwear, backpack, sleeping gear, and safety equipment can help you stay comfortable in New Zealand's often unpredictable conditions.
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If you're new to multi-day hiking, don't feel pressured to buy everything at once. Many items can be hired, borrowed, or substituted while you work out what suits your hiking style.
Use the guides below to understand what gear you'll need, what is worth investing in, and where you may be able to save money by hiring equipment instead.
Need help choosing the right gear? Browse our hiking gear guides for in-depth advice on Great Walk packing lists, hiking boots, backpacks, clothing systems, and essential equipment for New Zealand's Great Walks.
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Plan Food and Drinks
When planning a Great Walk, it's easy to focus on huts, transport, and gear while overlooking one of the most important parts of the adventure—food and drink.
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The right food can help keep your energy levels up, aid recovery after a long day on the trail, and give you something to look forward to at the end of each stage. At the same time, you'll want to balance nutrition with pack weight, as every extra kilogram has to be carried for the duration of your walk. It's also important to understand your water options before setting off. While many Great Walks have water available at huts, treatment requirements and availability can vary depending on the track and conditions.
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Many hikers also like to pack a few treats to enjoy at the end of the day. Whether it's a hot chocolate, a favourite snack, or a well-earned beer or wine at the hut, it's worth considering what comforts are worth carrying and how much extra weight you're prepared to take.
Use the guides below to plan your meals, calculate how much food to take, and ensure you have enough water for a safe and enjoyable Great Walk experience.
07
Check Weather and Track Conditions
Before setting off on your Great Walk, take some time to check the latest weather forecast and track conditions. New Zealand's weather can change quickly, particularly in alpine and remote areas, and conditions on the trail can be very different from those in nearby towns.
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Heavy rain, strong winds, snow, flooding, slips, and track maintenance can all affect your hiking experience. Even during the Great Walk season, it's important to be prepared for changing conditions and adjust your plans if necessary.
Checking forecasts and track updates in the days leading up to your walk can help you pack appropriately, travel safely, and avoid unexpected surprises on the trail. A few minutes of preparation before you leave can make a big difference once you're out in the backcountry.
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Use the resources below to find weather forecasts, track alerts, seasonal advice, and other information to help you start your Great Walk with confidence.
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Start Your Adventure
You've chosen your walk, secured your bookings, organised your gear, and checked the forecast. All that's left to do now is lace up your boots and enjoy one of New Zealand's incredible Great Walks.