How to Choose the Perfect New Zealand Great Walk

Embarking on a journey through New Zealand's Great Walks is more than just a hike; it's an incredible experience to traverse the most spectacular landscapes in the world, unwind, and have fun. But with so many breathtaking options, how do you choose the one that's right for you?

Tongaririo Great Walk

🌄 What Are the Great Walks?

New Zealand's Great Walks are a collection of premier multi-day hiking tracks that traverse the country's most stunning and diverse landscapes. Managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), these 11 tracks are renowned for their well-maintained paths, comfortable huts, and unparalleled access to the country's natural beauty.

From coastal trails to alpine crossings, each Great Walk offers a unique experience, making them accessible to both seasoned hikers and enthusiastic beginners.

🗺️ How to Choose the Right Great Walk for You

Selecting the perfect Great Walk depends on several factors. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Assess Your Fitness Level

Each track varies in difficulty and duration. Consider your physical condition and choose a walk that matches your fitness level. It is important to know your limits as most of the Great Walks are in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Some walks offer a bit more flexibility and can be shortened or lengthened to suit your abilities. Whilst others will test your metal and require you to hike 20km or more per day.

• Beginner: Abel Tasman Coastal / Rakiura – Gentle gradients and well-formed paths make it ideal for first timers and families. The shortest of the Great Walks around 33km.

• Intermediate: Routeburn / Kepler / Milford / Tongariro Northern Circuit / Lake Waikaremoana – Offers a mix of challenging ascents and rewarding views.

• Moderate: Heaphy / Hump Ridge / Paparoa – Demands good fitness levels with alpine terrain and longer days.

  
  

  The Whanganui River Journey offers a unique twist—rather than hiking, you'll be paddling for 6–7 hours each day through lush gorges.

  
  

For more details, visit our guide on how fit you need to be.

2. Consider the Time of Year

Weather conditions can greatly affect your experience. Inclement weather can make the tracks more challenging and the hiking longer and slower. Some tracks are best enjoyed and attempted during the Great Walks season which runs from approx. end of Oct to end of April.

Each walk has specific Great Walk season dates and only very experienced, well-equipped hikers with trail finding abilities and appropriate gear (ice-axe, crampons) should attempt the tracks outside of this season.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): NZ Summer - ideal for most tracks due to warmer temperatures.

• Spring (Oct - Nov) : NZ Spring - less busy and cooler temperatures.

• Autumn (Mar-Apr): NZ Autumn - fewer crowds and stunning foliage.

• Winter (May-Nov): Only recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear. Hut facilities are greatly reduced and there are risks of avalanches in alpine areas.

The ontheslowdown crew like to hike the Great Walks end of Feb or early March. The weather tends to be more settled and the temperatures warmer in NZ. Since the huts don't have showers it's nice to be able to swim in the rivers, lakes, or waterfalls on track without taking a freezing ice plunge.

3. Determine Your Preferred Scenery

Each Great Walk showcases different landscapes in this beautiful country. Reflect on what scenery resonates with you and what vibe you're looking for.

• Coastal: Abel Tasman Coastal Track – Golden beaches and turquoise waters.

• Forest: Hump Ridge Track - Goblin Forest and epic ocean views

• Lakes: Lake Waikaremoana Track - Circumnavigate rainforest and a crystal-clear lake

• Alpine: Kepler/Routeburn/Milford Tracks – Panoramic Mountain vistas.

• Rainforest: Heaphy/ Paparoa Tracks – Lush forests and diverse flora.

• Volcanic: Tongariro Northern Circuit - Volcanoes and emerald lakes

• Wildlife: Rakiura - Remote island, native birds, and sea life

• River: Whanganui River Journey - Towering gorges, native forest, and rapids

Which is our favourite?...Maybe Routeburn or Kepler for their dramatic mountain vistas. But honestly, all of the Great Walks are outstanding in their own way and the crew have loved every single one. Explore our detailed descriptions of each track here.

4. Decide on Accommodation Style

Your comfort preferences will influence your choice. Huts are a good choice for beginner hikers and those who want to carry less by ditching the tent and sleeping pad. However, camping offers a bit more privacy on the track, costs less to book, and may be easier to secure bookings on the popular tracks.

If roughing it is not your style, fair play. The Hump Ridge is a bit different and has nicer lodges with the opportunity to have a private room rather than sleeping next to a stranger in a DOC hut. Some of the Guided Walks also offer separate lodges with more amenities. But both of these options cost significantly more than DOC huts and campsites.

• Huts: DOC provides basic huts with kitchens, pit or flushing toilets, running water, and mattresses in bunk rooms along all Great Walks.

• Camping: Designated campsites are available on some walks (but not all) for those who prefer tents. Cheaper than the huts, sites have running water with pit or flushing toilets.

• Lodges: Some tracks offer private lodges for added comfort and are usually offered as part of a Guided Walk option. These cost significantly more but offer some luxury on the trail and even a shower!

  
  

Some Great Walks will not have alternative accommodation due to their remote locations and hikers must either stay in the hut or a campsite (if allowed).

Learn more about booking huts/campsites on each track here.

5. Plan Your Logistics

Logistics is a big factor in selecting a Great Walk and depending on the location the Great Walk may cost more to complete. Consider the start and end points of the track, is it a loop track? or do they finish km's apart? Most of the Great Walks are in remote places and you will need to fly, drive, ferry, catch shuttles, or a combination of them all to get to and from the track.

• Loop Tracks: Kepler, Hump Ridge and Tongariro Northern Circuit start and end at the same point making logistics planning simple.

• One-Way Tracks: Routeburn, and Heaphy Tracks begin and finish miles apart requiring transport arrangements like shuttles, flights, or car relocation.

For assistance with logistics, visit our transport booking page and get some ideas about options and costs to help fit your budget.

6. Availability

The Great Walks are popular not only with locals but also overseas visitors. When the bookings open each year for the next Great Walk season, some walks can book out in minutes. Bookings will open in May each year for the following season. So, if you are reading this and have missed out your chosen Great Walk, don't worry. Sometimes hut/campsite bookings get cancelled so check the Department of Conservation website regularly and you might get lucky. Some Great Walks are less popular (but no less awesome) and it is possible to book these throughout the year.

• Popular Great Walks - Milford, Routeburn, Kepler, Able Tasman Coastal Track - be in it to win it! If you are super keen to hike these then you will need to be ready when the bookings go live in May.

• Less Popular Great Walks - Whanganui River, Tongariro, Rakiura, Lake Waikaremoana Tracks - often have more availability throughout the year (outside of holiday periods) and may have availability throughout the year.

If you want more info on booking the huts/campsites then check out this blog for more tips.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Great Walk should align with your fitness level and desired experience. Maybe we are biased, but we reckon they are all great and offer an awesome experience in NZ's backcountry.

If you are keen for some more insights, tips, and firsthand experiences to help you embark on a journey that's both enjoyable and memorable check out ontheslowdown.