New Zealand great walks offer a real variety of well maintained tracks. Easy access, lack of crowds and unspoiled landscapes are also features of New Zealand walking tours. It is not easy to pick the best but here are some of our favourites, from one day walks to overnight hikes.

Arthur’s Pass National Park

You can go out and back in one day from Christchurch or travel through on your way to the West Coast. A great option is to combine a walk with the TranzAlpine train, which makes for a great day out. Lots of one-day walks and some challenging overnight routes.
Start from: Christchurch
Duration: 1-3 days
Grade: Various
Options: Guided/Independent

Highlight: A day out walking combined with the TranzAlpine

Abel Tasman National Park

The lush bush and golden sand beaches you see in tourist brochures are right here in the Abel Tasman. The best weather in the country and the scenery that you see in travel magazines. Combining a walk with sea kayaking is popular here.
Start from: Nelson/Motueka
Length: 37km Duration: 3 days
Grade:5/10
Options:Guided/Independent
Highlights:Walking barefoot on the golden sand

Mount Cook National Park

For non climbers there is a range of single day walks easily accessible from Mount Cook Village. Access to the village is by road and from here you just walk right out into the mountains, there are not many places in the world that offer such easy access to a high alpine environment. After the walk indulge yourself at the Hermitage Hotel.
Start from: Mount Cook Village
Duration: 1/2 to 1 day
Grade: Various
Options: Guided/Independent
Highlights: Close up views of glaciers, year round snow and the highest peaks in NZ

Milford Track

The world famous Milford Track, three nights and four days crossing the Southern Alps at the Mckinnon Pass and finishing at Milford Sound. This is the walk you have heard so much about and it is as good as everyone says it is! Start from: Te Anau/Queenstown
Length: 53km
Duration: 4 days
Grade: 6/10
Options: Guided/Independent
Highlights: Sutherland Falls (580 metres!), McKinnon Pass

Routeburn Track

We think this is the best high alpine track in New Zealand. Walk from Fiordland national park over the Harris Saddle into Mount Aspiring NP. Amazing views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers and valleys below. The perfect mix of forest and alpine walking.
Start from: Te Anau/Queenstown
Length: 39km
Duration: 3 days
Grade: 6/10
Options: Guided/Independent
Highlights: Views from the Hollyford Face, climbing Conical Hill