Travel guide on walking in New Zealand for visitors. When to visit, what types of walks are there, the best short walks, what to bring and how to prepare for your trip.
For many people planning a trip to New Zealand, one of the activities they’re looking forward to most of all is getting out and walking in our amazing outdoor landscapes.
The great thing about New Zealand is that we have so many excellent walking tracks which are very accessible, well maintained, with excellent facilities and signage and best of all will take you into some amazing countryside in no time at all.
You don’t have to be super fit or even an experienced hiker, if you enjoy walking around your hometown (or the golf course!) there are literally hundreds of tracks all over the country you’ll love.
Who is this Guide for?
Walking is such a broad term and can cover anything from extreme mountaineering on glaciers and rocks, to short walks of 20 minutes on flat boardwalks. At MoaTrek we love showing visitors the very best short walks in the country on our New Zealand small group tours.
Travellers on our tours tend to be people over 50, who are fairly fit and active, but their dreams of playing in the NFL or NBA are probably now behind them! (For us Kiwis it’s the All Blacks).
This “Beginner’s Guide to Walking in New Zealand” is for travellers visiting New Zealand who would like to walk from 2 to 4 hours each day as part of a two-to-three-week holiday around New Zealand.
Here’s what we’ll cover, click on the links to jump straight to the section you’re interested in, or scroll down to read the whole article.
Contents
- Why walk in New Zealand?
- When is the best time for walking in New Zealand?
- What kind of walks can I do in New Zealand?
- What are the best short walks in New Zealand?
- How fit do I have to be to walk in New Zealand?
- What to bring for walking in New Zealand?
- Safety while walking in New Zealand
- Should I join a tour or travel independently?
Why walk in New Zealand?
Here are five reasons to include walking in New Zealand on your trip:
1. No experience or special equipment required
Most of us have been walking all our lives so we’re already pretty experienced. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes, a backpack and the right clothing and you’re set to go. Compare walking with other outdoor pursuits like cycling, fishing or golf and you realise it’s a great option to keep active and explore while travelling.
2. New Zealand has excellent walking infrastructure & facilities
The national parks in New Zealand have well maintained tracks, great signage, shelters and toilets, everything is right there to make your walks easy and safe.
3. Lots of different walks within easy reach
Where else in the world can you walk on beaches, through rainforest, up glacial valleys, through alpine flower fields and on volcanoes all in the same trip? This is all possible in a two or three-week trip in New Zealand. When you look back at your walking photos, you’ll hardly believe the variety of landscapes you’ve explored on foot – we still find ourselves saying, “Did we really do all of that?”
4. Walking is Great Exercise
We all know holidays can be a time when we are tempted to indulge in the finer things in life, like fantastic food and wine in a new country! So building short walks into your trip is a fun way to keep active while you’re travelling. Now we can’t guarantee you’ll be 100% calorie neutral on your holiday but we can guarantee that the food and wine you enjoy after your walk will taste wonderful!
5. Walking with others is fun
If you’re travelling with new or old friends, heading off on a walk means you’ll spend some excellent time together in a natural, unhurried environment away from lights and screens. Whether it’s your partner of fifty years, or new friends on your tour, time spent walking with others is always fun!
When is the best time for walking in New Zealand?
New Zealand has four distinct seasons, each of which offers something different for walking. The good news is that our climate is not as extreme as many parts of the world. The hottest temperatures in summer are still comfortable for walking, and even in winter most parts of the country don’t get snow, so walking is accessible all year round.
Here’s a quick guide to walking in New Zealand during the different seasons
- Spring (Sept–Nov): Trails come alive with blooming wildflowers and flowing waterfalls – perfect for scenic day hikes and photography walks.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Long, sunny days and dry tracks make this the ideal season for coastal walks, alpine hikes, and exploring national parks.
- Autumn / Fall (Mar–May): Cooler temps and golden foliage create peaceful, crowd-free conditions for walking – especially stunning in regions like Central Otago.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Snow-dusted trails and crisp air offer a dramatic backdrop for lower-altitude walks, with hot pools and fireplaces waiting at day’s end.
Read more about the weather and when to visit New Zealand here.
What kind of walking can I do in New Zealand?
New Zealand is a paradise for walkers and hikers, approximately 30% of the country is national parks or conservation land, meaning there’s no development in those areas and they’re protected nature reserves.
Within these areas there are so many walking tracks: multi day adventure routes; one day hikes and short nature walks. The tracks are well maintained and in very good condition, there’s lots of information about them online and on site and you’ll find excellent facilities such as parking and toilets where you need them.
Multi day walks in New Zealand
These walks require several days to complete and you have to carry all your gear, there are huts or camping facilities on the track and even hut wardens and national park staff in attendance during the summer on some tracks. Examples of well-known multi day walks in New Zealand are the Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Day Walks in New Zealand
Walking for a day in New Zealand can take you into some incredible country. There’s good road access to the edge of wilderness areas like the Southern Alps or Tongariro National Park and day walkers can enjoy a wilderness experience and still be back in the comfort of their accommodation that night.
Popular day walks in New Zealand include the Tongariro Crossing or the Hooker Valley in Mount Cook.
Read more about the best day walks in the North Island here.
And of course, find out about the best day walks in the South Island here.
Short Walks in New Zealand
Many visitors to New Zealand are surprised by how many wonderful short walks there are, all over the country. These walks are easy to get to, well signposted, have good access and facilities, and are very scenic spots. Some examples of popular short walks include Flagstaff Hill in the Bay of Islands and Cape Foulwind on the West Coast.
Read more about our favourite short walks in New Zealand here.
MoaTrek Travel Tip – Our favourite short walk in Mt Cook, Kea Point
Our idea of a great short walk is somewhere like Kea Point and the Hooker Valley in Mt Cook National Park. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed walk, offering breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peaks, along with surrounding glaciers and turquoise lakes – all easily enjoyed in just 2 – 3 hours. Best of all, you can head out and still be back in time for lunch! It’s a super easy walk and can be enjoyed all year round.
Scroll through some pictures below of travellers on our Kakapo 21 day tour enjoying the Kea Point Walk in Mt Cook, including one group who timed a spring snowfall perfectly for amazing views and photos.
What are the best Short Walks in New Zealand?
It’s no easy task choosing the best short walks in New Zealand, there are just so many good ones! But we’re going out on a limb and sharing our top ten favourite short walks in New Zealand.
- Taranaki Falls, Tongariro National Park
Grade – medium. Distance – 6 km (3.7 miles). Time – 2 hours return. - Abel Tasman National Park (From Awaroa Inlet to Tonga Quarry)
Grade – medium. Distance – 4 km (2.4 miles). Time – 2 hours (transport via water taxi). - Routeburn Track Day Walk, Queenstown
Grade – medium. Distance – 16 km return (10 miles). Time – 6 to 8 hours. - Tasman Glacier & Blue Lakes, Mt Cook
Grade – easy. Distance – 2.6 km return (1.6 miles). Time – 1 hour. - Flagstaff Hill, Bay of Islands
Grade – easy. Distance – 2.5 km (1.5 miles). Time – 1 hour return. - Kura Tawhiti, Castle Hill, Canterbury
Grade – easy. Distance – Up to 1.5 km (1 mile). Time – 20 min to 1 hour return. - Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier
Grade – easy. Distance – 2.6 km circuit (1.6 miles). Time – 1 hour 30 minutes. - Pororari River, Paparoa National Park
Grade – easy. Distance – 7 km return (4.3 miles). Time – 2 hours. - Mt Iron, Wanaka
Grade – medium. Distance – 4.5 km (2.7 miles). Time – 1.5 hours return. - Rangitoto Island Summit Walk, Auckland
Grade – medium. Distance – 7 km return (4.3 miles). Time – 1.5 – 2 hours return.
What will I see on these Short Walks?
Take a look through the below pictures taken whilst out walking on our New Zealand small group tours. The scenery and landscapes are amazing and it’s hard to believe that all these pictures were taken on walks between 2 and 4 hours but they were!
All of these pictures were taken by our Kiwi Guides or travellers on our tours.
These walks are spread all over the country, and represent the best of New Zealand’s short walks. If you’re not going to all of these places on your trip, here’s an excellent tool on the DOC website, where you can enter the region, place, desired length and difficulty to find just the right walk for you.
Here’s a short video with the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s favourite short walks:
MoaTrek Travel Tip – See the best short walks on our tours
We’ve been showing visitors the best of New Zealand since 1971, and we’ve logged a few miles on walking tracks from North to South in that time.
Our Kakapo 21 day New Zealand tour includes a great cross section of walks, from the coastal walks of Northland and Abel Tasman, the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro to the valleys and mountains of the Southern Alps.
How fit do I have to be to enjoy short walks in New Zealand?
You don’t need to be an athlete, just reasonably active and keen to explore. The walks we love the most tend to be between two and four hours, the perfect amount of time to explore without rushing.
There are plenty of shorter options too, like Kea Point in Mt Cook, which is under two hours return, and longer walks like the fantastic trail from Awaroa Beach to Medlands Beach on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This is one of the longer walks our guests enjoy and usually takes around 4 – 5 hours of walking.
That’s the great thing about visiting New Zealand for a walking holiday, you have so much choice. Many of our guests tell us they love the 2 – 4 hour walks we include in our tours as they can see and do other things on the same day, while feeling like they’ve truly experienced our great outdoors.
To enjoy these short walks, you should be able to walk for at least 2 hours carrying a day pack, stopping for short breaks along the way but keeping up your momentum.
On our walks, we always take plenty of breaks, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up a quick pace or not stopping at all, but to enjoy yourself on these walks it’s best to be in good shape so you enjoy it.
Here’s a good test, if you can walk around your neighbourhood or local park back home for up to 2 hours then you’ll be fine. If you’re a golfer and can walk 9 holes, then no problem at all.
What do I need to bring to enjoy short walks in New Zealand?
Bring the right shoes for walking
The most important thing to pack for your New Zealand adventure? Your footwear! If you’re tackling big hikes like the Milford or Routeburn, go for sturdy hiking boots. But for most walks, a good pair of purpose-built hiking shoes will do the trick – they’re comfy, supportive, and you’ll probably wear them more than any other shoes on your trip. If you’re buying new ones, make sure to break them in with a few walks around the block before you travel – your feet will thank you!
A good breathable waterproof jacket
Even if you’re coming to New Zealand in the middle of our summer, you need to prepare for any kind of weather. A good jacket is essential for anyone visiting New Zealand, regardless of the time of year and whatever activities you’re planning.
Make sure it’s fully waterproof with Gore-Tex or similar. You also want to make sure it’s breathable, so you don’t overheat. Most modern jackets these days are both fully waterproof and breathable, so you don’t have to worry too much unless your jacket is older. In that case you should splash out on a new one for the trip. Just ask the staff in your local outdoor store what they recommend, make sure you tell them you’re going to New Zealand, they’ll all be super jealous!
Breathable, quick dry clothing you can layer up and down with
Bring breathable, quick dry gear and layer up – that’s the secret to enjoying walking in New Zealand’s ever-changing weather. You’ll warm up and cool down a lot while hiking, so start with a breathable base layer (we love merino wool), add a quick-dry mid layer, and top it off with a fully waterproof jacket that doubles as a windbreaker. If you feel the cold, pack an extra layer or two that roll up small. And don’t forget a sun hat, a warm hat, and gloves – better to have them ready than wish you did on the trail!
What kind of backpack is best for short walks?
This one’s important not just for your walks, but for your whole trip – so it’s worth taking the time to pick the right backpack. There’s plenty of choice out there, so here are the key things to keep in mind when choosing a daypack for your New Zealand walking adventure:
- Size – A 30–40 litre soft backpack is ideal for day walks. It’s also perfect as a carry-on and handy for travel days.
- Pockets – External pockets make life easier. Look for one on top for sunscreen or lip balm, a side drink holder, and a spot for travel documents.
- Fit for Purpose – Choose a sturdy, well-made hiking pack over a fashion backpack. It’ll perform better and be more comfortable on the trail.
- Straps & Support – Good packs have solid straps that keep things stable. If it flops around while you walk, it’s not the one!
- Material – Go for thick, durable fabric with some waterproofing – thin material won’t hold up to trail life.
Other handy gear to bring on your New Zealand walking holiday
As well as the essentials mentioned above, there are a few other accessories and items of gear that you should bring along as well. Many of these things can be picked up once you’re here in New Zealand if you don’t have them.
- A water bottle. Reduce waste and bring your own reusable water bottle. We like the metal types that keep water cooler for longer.
- Spare bootlaces
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent, sunscreen and hand sanitizer
- Walking poles, the collapsable type you can fit into your suitcase.
- Swimsuit and quick dry towel
MoaTrek Travel Tip for Walking – Try Merino wool
We recommend Merino wool garments. They are so toasty and warm when it’s cold but breathe and are cool when it’s hot. You may have some Merino already but if there’s one souvenir from New Zealand anyone will love, it’s a Kiwi Merino garment. Get one or two for yourself too.
Safety while walking in New Zealand
Here are our top tips for keeping safe while walking in New Zealand on your trip.
- Check the weather (and check it again!) – Our weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains or near the coast. Always check the forecast before you head out and be ready to adjust your plans if needed.
- Know your route – Stick to well-marked tracks and make sure you know where you’re going. Grab a map, download an offline trail app, or join a guided walk. It’s easy to underestimate timing or distance, especially if you’re stopping for photos.
- Wear the right gear – Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, layers for warmth, and a waterproof jacket are essential. Bring a small daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a warm layer – even on shorter walks.
- Tell someone your plans – Even if you’re only going for a couple of hours, let someone know where you’re walking and when you plan to be back. If you’re travelling solo, check in with your accommodation or a local info centre.
- Carry a way to call for help – Make sure you’re carrying a mobile phone with service connected or are with a guide who’s got emergency communications covered. Better to have it and not need it!
Guided tours take care of your safety
The great thing about joining a guided tour is that safety concerns are taken care of. Your guide knows the local weather, the tracks, and the gear you’ll need – and they’re trained in safety and emergency procedures too.
So you can relax, enjoy the walk, and focus on the stunning scenery, knowing someone’s got your back every step of the way.
Should I join a Walking Tour or Travel Self-Guided?
This is a question you will probably think about quite early on in your travel planning as it will affect many of your decisions and bookings. There are pros and cons of each and it really comes down to you. Here’s a quick summary:
Reasons to join a guided walking tour
- No stress about transport or directions – We sort it all out, even on walks that start and finish in different spots.
- Walk with like-minded people – Perfect if you and your partner walk at different paces, or if you’re keen to meet new travel buddies.
- Options for non-walkers too – Many tours cater to both walkers and non-walkers, so no one misses out.
- You’ve got backup – If anything goes wrong, your guide and our team are here to help.
- Local know-how – Get the inside scoop from friendly local guides who know the area like the back of their hand.
- Solo traveller? No worries! – You’ll have instant mates and the added safety of being with a group.
Reasons to travel independently
- Set your own pace – No timetables, no waiting – linger where you like and move on when you’re ready.
- No group dynamics to manage – It’s just you (and your travel buddy).
- Walk how you like – Whether you’re up for a long hike or a short stroll, it’s all up to you.
- Go off the beaten track – Explore hidden gems that tour groups might miss – perfect for a bit of solo adventure.
- Love your freedom? – If you like calling the shots, self-guided travel gives you full control.
- Follow the travel buzz – Spot something cool online? You’re free to check it out on a whim, no group schedule holding you back.
Whether you travel by yourself or in a group is really a question of personal preference.
Many of our travellers tell us they wouldn’t have walked as much if they hadn’t been in a group and they loved having the support of the guide and other people to walk with.
If you are thinking about travelling in a group read our guide to finding the right tour here.
Walking in New Zealand with MoaTrek
With so much great walking in New Zealand, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and how to fit all the walks into your itinerary.
If you are planning to visit, on a MoaTrek New Zealand small group tour you’ll enjoy the best day walks, experiences and hospitality that New Zealand has to offer without having to worry about any of the hassle of organising everything.
We’ve been showing visitors around New Zealand since 1971 and over the years have walked a mile or two on the best day walks all over the country.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this “Beginners Guide to Walking in New Zealand” and we know you’ll love all the great walks once you’re here.
Find out more about our tours here and please get in touch with one of the friendly MoaTrek team if you have any questions about your New Zealand trip.
