The 10 Most Incredible Day Hikes In New Zealand
New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful country with many amazing places to hike! Both the North and South Island have so much to offer trekking lovers. I’ve visited twice and hiked many of them, so decided to create this list of 10 incredible day hikes in New Zealand for you.
The landscape here offers an incredibly diverse of scenery making a variety of stunning hikes. Toy can hike snow-capped mountains, lush forests, live volcanos, coastal trails, amazing lakes, and more. There are hiking options for everyone.
And while New Zealand has an extensive network of trails known as the “Great Walks”, which are often multi-day hut-to-hut hikes, many of these also offer day hikes, so you can also experience the best in one day!
Note that all these hikes require reading about the inherent dangers of each in advance, checking the weather before you leave, and being prepared. Make sure to bring enough water, extra clothes in case the weather changes rapidly (which can happen), and snacks. Also, always let someone know of your plans in advance so they can raise the alarm if you do not return.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro definitely tops the list of my favorite day hikes in New Zealand. It is also often called “the world’s best day hike”, so I know I’m not alone. I’ve been here twice and hiked both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is done in one day, and the Tongariro Northern Circuit, which takes 2-4 days. They both share some of the same sections of trail, but I found that the crossing offers the most beauty in the shortest time. Plus, it’s a manageable challenge that will make you feel an incredible sense of accomplishment.
It’s a 12.3 mile (19.8 km) hike with 2,765’ (842.7 m) of elevation gain. You traverse through the Tongariro Volcano complex which has three volcanos: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. Making it even more spectacular, the volcano complex here is live!
The terrain here offers incredibly diverse landscape, including volcanic craters, old lava flows, turquoise lakes in a lunar-like terrain, dramatic vistas, alpine meadows, meandering streams, lush forest, and waterfalls.
After starting in the Mangetepopo Valley, you ascend up between the volcanos of Tongariro and Mount Nguanuhoe. This includes a steep climb known as the Devil’s Staircase and then continuing on up to the peak at Red Crater at 6,187’ (1,886 m). You will be able to look into the crater and smell its sulfurous smell.
After this, you start your trek downwards, first seeing the simmering green-hued Emerald Lakes which are remnants of ancient volcanic blasts, then spectacular views of Lake Rotoaira and possibly even Lake Taupo behind that.
From here, the trail zigzags downhill and crosses the Ketetahi Stream, eventually heading into a lush forest before exiting at the Ketetahi car park.
This trail really is incredible. To learn more, visit the doc.govt.nz website and see my post on Tongariro.
Roy’s Peak
Roy’s Peak is one of New Zealand’s most iconic day hikes with one of its most instagrammed photo spots at its saddle. You can get a photo that looks like you’re standing on a cliff with nothing but mountains and lakes surrounding you.
The trail is 10 miles (16 km), including return, with an elevation gain of 4,297’ (1,309 m). According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC), it’s a 5-6 hour hike, but it took me about 4. This even included my time to rest and admire the views at both the saddle and the peak.
The view truly is stunning, yet the hike itself just zig zags back and forth up Mount Roy, which is a little bit tedious. Because of this, I recommend hiking this trail with friends. As this is one of the top things to do in Wanaka, it’s east to find someone.
Roy’s Peak is about a 10-minute drive east of central Wānaka. It’s also about an hour northeast of Queenstown. To learn more, see my post on Roy’s Peak.
Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond Track is one of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand. It offers absolutely stunning views of Queesntown, The Remarkables (Kawarau), Cecil and Walter Peaks (Ka-kamu-a-Hakitekura) and Lake Wakatipu. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Mount Earnslaw (Pikirakatahi) and Mount Aspiring (Tititea).
The full length of Ben Lomond Track is about 9.3 miles (15 km) including return with 4,717′ (1,437 m) of elevation gain. This makes for a challenging day. In fact, AllTrails notes it as extremely challenging. This is especially true as you get closer to the summit where the trail becomes steeper and more exposed to the elements.
If hiking to the peak is too much, you can stop at the saddle, but the view is not the same. You can also make this trek a little easier by taking the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where the gondola stops. This reduces the hike to 6.7 miles (10.7 km) and 3,133′ (955 m) elevation gain. Still challenging, but with its awesome views.
Due to the elevation in this hike, weather conditions can change rapidly. Make sure to read all trail hazards and the weather before you commit to this trek. To learn more, see my post on Ben Lomond Track.
Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill Walking Track offers similar views of The Remarkables and the Cecil and Walter Peaks as Ben Lomond, but at a lower elevation. It’s one of the best family-friendly day hikes in New Zealand.
This short but steep walk is a 3 mile (4.8 km) out and back trail with 1,309’ (399 m) of elevation gain. It heads up Queenstown Hill, which is known as Te Tapu-nui by the Maori, or “mountain of intense sacredness”.
The hike takes about 2-3 hours. It starts at a beautiful metal gate (above left) which commemorates the millennium. After this, you head up through dense forest to a sculpture called the Basket of Dreams (above center). You can stop here, or go all the way up for the best view. This is the perfect hike to bring snacks or a picnic and watch the sunset with family or freinds.
It’s easily accessable from the center of Queenstown. To learn more see my post on Queenstown Hill Walking Track.
Routeburn
Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”. This was one of my first multi-day hikes and I was so excited. Because of this, it will always be high in my list of favorite day hikes. I was also very impressed with the stunning beauty of this trail.
Its full length is 20 miles (32 km) of rugged wonderland taking 3-4 days. It also has options side trails like Comical Hill and Key Summit (below), so you can make it even longer.
If, however, you only have time for a day hike, I recommend starting on the Routeburn Shelter side and hiking to Harris Saddle. This was one of my favorite parts of the trail. According to AllTrails, this hike is 16.2 miles (26 km) with an elevation gain of 3,930’ (1,197 m) including return. They estimate 7-8 hours to complete it.
You’ll start by following the crystal clear, Routeburn River through a wooded area before crossing over Sugarloaf Stream and past Bridal Veil Waterfall. This sectIon of the trail is stunning, as you wander through solemn beech forest and see magnificent views of the Humboldt mountains.
After this, you climb up towards Harris Saddle at the peak of the trail. This is where you’ll find brilliant Harris Lake and the Harris Shelter. It’s the perfect place to stop and have your lunch or a snack before turning back.
And if you really want to see the rest of the track (which is also beautiful), hike the opposite side another day. This would be from the Divide Shelter to Harris Saddle and back.
To learn more about the Routeburn Track, visit doc.govt.nz and read my post on the full Routeburn Track.
Key Summit
Key Summit is a short, but steep hike that takes you to quickly to some dramatic views of the Humboldt and Darren mountain ranges of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. You really should not miss this hike if you’re visiting Te Anau and Milford Sound. It’s actually an optional hike on the Divide Shelter side of the Routeburn Track and one of my favorite day hikes in New Zealand.
The trail is 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round trip with 1,384’ (421 m) of elevation gain. The estimated hike time is 3 hours, but if you’re in good shape, you can do it in less. It took me 2 hours.
The trail starts in a fern-filled beech forest. A Forest so dense, some places look like they’re right out of a fairy tale with tree limbs covered in heavy moss.
Not long after the trail separates from the Routeburn Track, it becomes much steeper with a lot of switchbacks. As you head up, make sure to stop and look behind you as the view of the Hollyford Valley which was carved by ancient glaciers. It becomes more and more breathtaking with each switchback.
When you reach the summit, you’ll see the sign for the Alpine Summit Trail. This trail loops around the summit to a lookout over the dramatic peaks of Mount Christine and Mount Crosscut. It’s also supposed to be a lookout for Marian Lake, but I could not see the lake through the greenery.
To learn more about this delightful trail, visit doc.govt.nz and read my post on Key Summit Track.
Abel Tasman
Hiking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track in Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand is unique hiking experience and another one of my favorite days hikes due to its unique hiking terrain. Instead of up and down mountains, this hike alternates in and out of lush, fern-filled forests, onto beaches of golden sand, and through estuaries that change with the tide.
This is yet another one of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”. The entire length is 37 miles (60 km), one way track, taking 3-5 days. But, you can also be creative with this one and just hike a portion of this track as a day hike. This is what I did.
I took a sea shuttle from Marahau to Bark Bay (after staying overnight in Nelson). From there, I hiked south, back to Marahau. At the end of my hike, I caught the late afternoon bus back to Nelson.
This trail is 14.3 miles (23 km) with 2,424’ (738 m) of elevation gain. Estimated hike time is 5-7 hours. The tide will make a difference in how long your trek is.
There are however many creative options along this trail with water taxi and sea shuttle availability at various points of the track.
To learn more about this trail, visit doc.govt.nz and see my post on Abel Tasman Track.
Kepler Brod Bay to Luxmore Hut
Kepler Track is another one of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks” that also has an incredible day hike in the Southern Alps of Te Anau, which is considered one of the most beautiful sections of track and offers spectacular views.
The entire Kepler Track loop is a 37 mile (60 km) trek in the rainforest, usually taking 3-4 days. Its traditional starting point is near the Kepler Track car park in Te Anau, but you can skip the first 3.7 miles (6 km) of mostly flat hiking by taking a water taxi to the beach at Brod Bay.
From the beach you hike up through dense, fern-filled forest to some impressive limestone bluffs before reaching a golden, grassy summit. At the summit, you walk along a ridge with incredible views.
You’ll see the South Fiord of Te Anau Lake, Lake Manapouri, and the Murchison Mountains on your way to Luxmore Hut before hiking back down. This day hike is 4.9 miles (8 km) with 2,808’ (855 m) of elevation gain.
This hike also has a bonus and there are also caves to explore by Luxmore hut. Make sure to bring a flashlight and a friend if you plan to do this though!
It was cold and rainy the summer day that I did this, so I stopped in Luxmore Hut to warm up and eat lunch. It’s fine to use the hut, but remember that you need to bring everything with you. There are no pots, pans, dishes, or utensils for you to use, only a gas stove to heat whatever you bring. Also note that you cannot wear your hiking shoes inside the hut here (or any DOC hut).
To learn more about this hike visit doc.govt.nz and see my post on Kepler Track Day Hike.
Cape Brett
Cape Brett is not a hike you see mentioned often in New Zealand, but I’m so glad I did this hike. It will forever remain one of my favorites. It’s very remote, on the northeast coast of the North Island. At its peak, you can experience amazing views of the rugged Northland Pennisula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean.
Although the official start of this trail is at Oke Bay in Rawhiti, you can chose to just hike the most stunning parts of this trail by starting at Deep Water Cove. This is a little more than the half way point of the hike.
The full trial is a little over 10 miles (16.3 km) and takes 8 hours one way. If you start at Deep Water Cove, however, it’s only about 4 miles (6 km) out, about 2-3 hours, and 4 miles back. Very feasible as a day trip.
It’s pretty steep, but when you finally crest the peak of the Peninsula, you’re rewarded with gorgeous views. Plus, when I did this, I was the only person here! You’ll see Cape Brett lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper’s hut (orange roof below), along with beautiful cliff formations in the Pacific.
As this hike is remote, the challenge to do this as a day trip is that you either need a boat, or you need to hire a water taxi for arrival to and from Deep Water Cove (above left in photo).
To learn more about this hike, see details at doc.govt.nz and read my post at Cape Brett Walkway. Especially if you would prefer to stay at the cute lighthouse keeper’s hut here.
Rangitoto Island
If you’re looking for an adventure up in Auckland, book the sunset kayak ride to and hike of Rangitoto Island. I loved this tour and would do it again in a heartbeat! It definitely ranks as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand as it’s so fun and unique.
Rangitoto is the youngest and largest of Auckland’s volcanic cones, erupting from the sea about 600 years ago. This dormant (but not extinct) volcano is now covered with lush, dense greenery and offers great views of Auckland at sunset.
The trip starts at Saint Heliers Beach east of downtown Auckland. The team provides everything you need to kayak across the bay to Rangitoto Island, an uninhabited volcanic island, eat a delicious BBQ dinner (cooked by your guides), hike to its peak, watch the sunset behind Auckland’s skyline, and kayak back in the dark with the skyline of Auckland lit up at night before you. The entire trip starts in the afternoon and takes 6-7 hours.
The length kayak ride depends on how strong the wind is and its direction, but takes about an hour each way. You don’t need to have any kayaking experience, but you do need to be able to paddle for about 90 minutes. You also need to be able to hike the trail.
The hike from the wharf to the peak of Rangitoto and back is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with 797’ (243 m) of elevation gain. It takes about 2 hours round trip, so it’s a pretty good workout, but not difficult. Our well-earned kiwi-style BBQ was grilled steak and some awesome side dishes.
This trip is offered year round, but is very popular, so make sure to book it early! To learn more, see my post on Sunset Kayak Tour To Rangitoto.
Lake Marian Track
Although I did not hike Lake Marian Track (which is why it’s not counted in my top 10…it’s 11). It’s renowned as being one of the best day hikes in New Zealand and is on my short list to hike next time. I actually drove here to hike it when I was staying In Te Anau, but it was pouring buckets when I arrived. It rained hard for two solid hours with no sign of letting up while I sat in my car in the parking lot. In the end I gave up and drove back to Te Anau without hiking.
I did do the first part of this hike a few days prior when I was visiting Milford Sound, but did not have enough time with all the other things I had planned that day (Milford Sound). It heads to a stunning waterfall that’s not too far from the parking lot.
The steep hike to beautiful alpine Marian Lake is about 2 miles (3 km) each way with 1,312’ (400 m) of elevation gain. To learn more about this hike, visit doc.govt.nz.
Milford Track
I’m also not counting Milford Track in my top 10 favorite day hikes (this is actually 12), as believe it or not, I have not hiked this either, even though it’s one of the top rated 10 “Great Walks” in New Zealand! Also called “the finest walk in the world”. Because of this, I think I have to include it on my list of best day hikes in New Zealand.
This hike is a one way hike that’s 33.9 miles (54.5 km) with 6,430’ (1,959 m) of elevation gain. It starts with a water taxi ride at Te Anau Downs and ends at Sandfly Point in Milford Sound. Of course, you can do this in either direction though.
The reason I’ve never done this hike is that huts books almost immediately when opened for the season. But, there’s also a day hike on this trail that I need to add to my list.
You can do a day walk from either side. If starting from Te Anau Downs, the water taxi will take you to Glade Wharf, the start of the trail. From here, you’ll trek through beech forest and along the Clinton River to Clinton Hut, where you can have lunch and walk back for the water taxi back.
Or, if you want a really easy hike, start on the Milford Sound side. You will take a boat to Sandfly Point and walk to Giant Gate Falls, one of the highlights of the Milford Track. From there, you return back to the boat. Estimated hike time is 3 hours.
These may not be the most beautiful or challenging sections of Milford Track (also why I have not done this), but at least get a small taste of this trail. To learn more about it, visit doc.govt.nz.
What Are Some Of Your Favorite Day Hikes In New Zealand?
Do you have any favorite day hikes in New Zealand that are not on this list? I’d love to hear about yours! Please drop a note below.
For more information about New Zealand and all my favorite places here, see my New Zealand Travel Guide.
Safe Travels!
Julie
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