The Great Walks showcase the diverse and breathtaking natural wonders of Aotearoa New Zealand. Taking between three and six days to complete, they’ll take you through native forests, past pristine lakes and rivers, over majestic mountains and into lush valleys. The Great Walks are spread throughout the country. The most northern walk is the Lake Waikaremoana Track on the east coast of the North Island, Tongariro Northern Circuit is in the central North Island, and the Whanganui Journey is on the Whanganui River on the west of the North Island. The South Island has the largest number of Great Walks including the Abel Tasman Coast Track and the Heaphy Track in the Nelson / Tasman region, the Kepler, Milford, Routeburn in Fiordland, the Paparoa Track on the West Coast of the South Island, and Rakiura Track on Rakiura/ Stewart Island.
$3.60 Whanganui Journey - In 2017 Whanganui River gained legal status as a living entity. Although Whanganui Journey is included in the 10 Great Walks, it involves paddling rather than walking. Along the way you can take a break from the river on a short hiking trail that leads to the Bridge to Nowhere.
$4.30 Paparoa Track - Bring your bike or let your feet take you along the spectacular surroundings of this journey through Paparoa Range. You’ll pass through rainforest, hike over alpine peaks and encounter Pororari River in a limestone gorge. You also might catch a glimpse of historical gold mining activity.
$4.90 Rakiura Track - Located on Rakiura/ Stewart Island, Rakiura Track is the southernmost of the Great Walks. As part of its abundant population of native birds, Rakiura offers one of the best opportunities to spot a kiwi, as the local tokoeka species often forages in the daytime.
$5.60 Heaphy Track - Located in Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island, Heaphy Track offers a varied experience with rainforest, grasslands, mountains and beaches all on display. Since it’s not a loop track, walkers have the option of making their way east to west, or west to east.
$7.20 Kepler Track - Unlike tracks that originated out of necessity, this track was custom built for people to enjoy the best features of Fiordland National Park. Fiordland is made up of fourteen fiords attributed by Māori to giant stonemason Tute Rakiwhanoa. Walk through beech forest and mountain ranges, see waterfalls and dramatic limestone formations, and listen to the abundant birdlife.
