Hiking in New Zealand: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean, largely consisting of two main islands, the South Island and the North Island, and around 600 other small islands.

The nine Great Walks are the most popular hikes in the country, five of them are in the South Island, a sixth is in Stewart Island and three are in the North Island. They are a series of premier tracks located amid the finest scenery, showcasing the glacial valleys, alpine terrain, coastlines, volcanic landscapes and native rainforests that make New Zealand such a unique destination. The most popular Great Walk is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, bordering the Abel Tasman National Park.

The country also has a rich and diverse culture, a fascinating blend of the proud native Maori culture and European cultura. Kiwis have made a big effort to preserve and respect the Maori heritage and traditions. If gastronomy and wine are high on your agenda, New Zealand won’t disappoint you, you could visit some of the many great vineyards in the country and taste delicious wines and cuisine during your visit.

Sublime landscapes

Stunning mountain ranges and glaciers, lush forests, beautiful lakes, wonderful beaches, fjords, amazing volcanoes and geysers make New Zealand an incredibly scenic destination. Come discover a land of spectacular landscapes and magnificent wilderness!

Diversity of hiking options

New Zealand is a paradise for hikers! With thousands of kilometers of beautiful tracks, there are options for all levels of fitness and experience, from short easy walks to more challenging multi-day options. The 9 iconic Great Walks feature some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery.

It's the adventure capital!

The country promotes itself as the adventure tourism capital of the world and it is certainly the place to go if you are looking for an action-packed trip. Plenty of adrenaline-charged activities await you here, from bungy jumping, scuba diving, sea kayaking and rafting to mountain biking, canyoning, paraglading, surfing, and so much more!

The weather is often variable and the climate is mild in the north and cool in the south, and also windy and rainy, especially in the southern and western regions. In winter it rarely gets very cold, except in the far south, and in summer it rarely gets hot. If you want to come in winter, you can choose the North Island, where the weather is milder.

Official languages: English, Maori

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

There are five five international airports in New Zealand: Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), Queenstown (ZQN) and Dunedin (DUD). The most common arrival airports are Auckland and Christchurch. If you want to start your trip in the North Island, then you should arrive in Auckland. If you want to start in the South Island, then you are best to arrive in Christchurch.

Although New Zealand is a year-round destination, the best time for a hiking trip would be the austral summer, from December to March, since it is pleasantly warm on the North Island and cool on the South Island.