New Zealand's summer runs from December to February, with temperatures typically ranging between 20–30°C (68–86°F). This is the most popular time of year to complete the Great Walks, thanks to the longer daylight hours and generally warmer conditions.

​

Some Great Walks can be enjoyed year-round, including the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Lake Waikaremoana Track, Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track, and Rakiura Track, but winter hiking in New Zealand requires additional skills, equipment, and experience. Most first-time visitors should plan their trip during the official Great Walk season. If you are looking for a quieter experience, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colours, the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn can be excellent times to hike. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures and more changeable weather.  The best time to hike can vary between tracks, so check our individual Great Walk guides for track-specific advice.

​

The remaining Great Walks are best completed during the Great Walk season. While dates vary depending on the track, the season generally runs from late October to early May. Outside of this period, the Kepler Track, Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit, and Whanganui River Journey should only be attempted by fit, very experienced, and well-equipped hikers or canoeists. Alpine sections can present serious hazards including snow, ice, and avalanches, while hut facilities and services are reduced outside the Great Walk season. The Hump Ridge Track is closed outside of its operating season.

​

If you're planning to hike during the Great Walk season, check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website each April for the upcoming season dates and booking release information. Popular Great Walks can book out quickly, so it pays to be organised and ready to secure your preferred dates on opening day.

​

If the Milford Track is on your bucket list, it's worth planning well in advance. This New Zealand's most famous Great Walk and the most popular dates can sell out within minutes of bookings opening. If you're hoping to secure a place, make sure you know when bookings are released and have a strategy in place before opening day. Check out our complete guide to booking New Zealand Great Walks for step-by-step instructions, important dates, and practical tips to give yourself the best chance of securing a spot

​

We usually choose to hike during the Great Walk season in the hope of warmer and drier weather and have found February and March can offer some of the best conditions. But this is New Zealand, and there are never any guarantees! We've encountered snow on the Milford Track in February. New Zealand's weather is famously unpredictable, and it's not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. No matter when you hike, pack appropriate gear for a range of conditions, check the weather forecast before setting out, and visit the local DOC visitor centre for the latest track updates and safety information.