New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise that offers a variety of stunning landscapes and difficult trails. From alpine meadows and glaciers to alpine meadows and fjords to beaches there’s a trail for all types of hikers. Here are a few of the top New Zealand hiking tours to add to your bucket list, whether it is on the North Island, or on South island’s west coast, where you’ll find some of New Zealand’s great walks.
Bob’s Cove Track
This stunning track is located in the breathtaking South Island of New Zealand and provides breathtaking panoramas across Lake Wakatipu. The hike takes you through dense forests along a waterfall and finally to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. This trail has been well marked making it an ideal hike for anyone with any level of knowledge.
Ben Lomond Track
It is the Ben Lomond Track is a well-known trail in Queenstown. It is regarded as one of the best South Island hiking trails. It’s a strenuous hike that has a steep ascent however, it’s worthwhile for the stunning panorama of surrounding mountains as well as the the lake. There’s also a lot of wildlife on the way which includes deer, tahr, as well as Kea.
Lake Alta Track
Lake Alta Track Lake Alta track is stunning and beautiful hike within Fiordland National Park. The trail is more difficult than other trails in the region, however the incredible panoramas of Lake Alta, as well as the mountains, and glaciers makes it well worth the effort. This is a fantastic trek for those seeking a bit of excitement.
Secret Moke Lake Viewpoint, Queenstown
This trail, which is hidden from the public eye, is among the most beautiful trails in Queenstown. The trail takes you through the forest and leads to an undiscovered viewpoint overlooking Moke Lake. It is marked, and easy to follow, which makes it an ideal trail for hikers of all levels of expertise and looking for a short hike.
Isthmus Peak
This strenuous hike is situated in the beautiful Catlins part of South Island and is known as one of the South Island hikes that you don’t want to miss. The trail takes you through the lush forest all the way to the top of Isthmus Peak. The views from there are stunning, with spectacular view of mountains and lakes and the ocean.
Earnslaw Burn Track
It is the Earnslaw Burn Track a stunning hike and considered one of the best South Island hikes. The trail winds through a forest that is dense along a waterfall and then to a viewpoint overlooking the lake. It is marked which makes it a perfect hike for anyone with any level of expertise.
Ben Lomond Summit, Queenstown
The Ben-Lomond Summit one of the most popular hiking trail within Queenstown, South Island. It’s an arduous trail with a steep ascent but worthwhile for the stunning view of mountains surrounding the the lake. There’s also a lot of wildlife along the trail which includes deer, tahr and Kea.
Routeburn Track, Fiordland NP along with Mt Aspiring National Park
The trailhead for the routeburn track is among the most well-known multi day hikes throughout New Zealand. The trail leads through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park and the National Park, offering breathtaking views of alpine meadows, glaciers as well as mountain ranges. This is a fantastic hike for those seeking a little challenge and a tough climb.
Kepler Track Kepler Track Epic 3-4 Days South Island Hike
Kepler Track Kepler Track is one of the most well-known multi-day hike on the South Island of New Zealand. The hike traverses the stunning Fiordland National Park, offering stunning views of glaciers, alpine meadows and mountain ranges. This is an excellent trek for those seeking a little adventure.
The Routeburn Track – Epic South Island Multi-Day Tramp
Queenstown Hill
It is a well-known trek that provides stunning views of the lake, town and the surrounding mountains. The 1.5-hour hike takes you to the summit of the hill. It has an increase of 500m.
Key Summit
An easy hike of 3 hours that will take you to the summit on the Key Summit in Fiordland National Park. From here, you’ll be able to admire the stunning views of the valleys and mountains that surround it.
Roy’s Peak
A five- to six-hour hike that leads you to the summit of Roy’s Peak close to Wanaka. The hike is awe-inspiring with breathtaking panoramic views over the scenery and is a favorite spot to watch sunrise and sunset.
Rob Roy Glacier Track
A three-hour hike that will take you to the bottom of Rob Roy Glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park. This hike is suitable for people of all levels, and provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Hooker Valley Track
A three-hour hike that will take one to Hooker Glacier in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This walk is suitable for all levels of fitness and offers breathtaking panoramas of the glacier, as well as the Hooker lake, and also the surrounding mountains.
Lake Marian Track, Fiordland National Park
A five-hour hike through Fiordland National Park that takes you to stunning Lake Marian. This hike is ideal for those who have a moderate level of hiking and gives stunning views over the nearby mountains as well as the lake within the lake itself.
Abel Tasman Coastal Track day hikes
It is the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is an all-day hike that follows the coast of Abel Tasman National Park. There are numerous day hikes that lead you to the most beautiful beach and beaches along the coastline.
Tasman Lake View Point Trail
It’s a 1.5-hour hike that leads you to the summit of Tasman Lake Viewpoint in Mount Cook National Park. From there, you’ll be able to admire breathtaking panoramas of surrounding mountains and the Tasman Lake in its own.
Sealy Tarns Track
A four-hour hike will take visitors to Sealy Tarns in Mount Cook National Park. This hike is ideal for those who have a moderate level of hiking and gives panoramic views of Mount Cook’s surrounding mountains and the tarns itself.
Kea Point Track
A two-hour hike leads up to Kea Point in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. From this point, you’ll admire the stunning views over the nearby mountains and also The Tasman Glacier.
15 of the Best Hikes in South Island New Zealand
This list contains some of the most popular hiking trails that you can do in South Island New Zealand, including Roy’s Peak, Rob Roy Glacier Track, Hooker Valley Track, Lake Marian Track, Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Tasman Lake Viewpoint Trail, Sealy Tarns Track, Kea Point Track, Queenstown Hill, Key Summit, The Blue Pools Track, Mueller Hut Track Milford Track, Fox Glacier Track, Fox Glacier Lake Matheson Loop Track, and Franz Joseph Glacier day hikes and day hikes. Roberts Point and Alex Knob tracks.
Te Araroa Trail – Most Epic Tramp in New Zealand’s South Island
The Most Epic Tramp in New Zealand’s South Island: This trail is a 3000-kilometer trek that covers all of the South Island of New Zealand. This hike, which lasts for months, is suitable for hikers with experience and offers stunning views of the surroundings landscape.
The Blue Pools track
The hike is a 1.5-hour hike that leads visitors to Blue Pools in Mount Aspiring National Park. This hike is easy enough for all levels of fitness and offers breathtaking views of the crystal clear blue pools along with the mountains surrounding them.
Mueller Hut Track
The hike of four hours is in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National park and provides stunning panoramic views over mountains in the Southern Alps. The hike begins at White Horse Hill Campground and is completed with Mueller Hut, passing through lush alpine meadows and native forests. This trail is suitable for hikers with experience and gives the chance to see the breathtaking alpine scenery in the New Zealand South Island.
Milford Track
This world-class 4-day hike is situated within Fiordland National Park and takes trekkers through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape. The hike begins with Glade Wharf and ends at Sandfly Point, passing through old forests, swift rivers, and massive mountains. This trek isn’t for the faint-hearted and requires a decent level of fitness. However, the rewards are worth the effort.
Fox Glacier – Lake Matheson Loop Track
The five-hour hike is situated inside the Westland Tai Poutini National Park and is known for its spectacular view on reflections of the Southern Alps in Lake Matheson. The hike begins in the Fox Glacier car park and is a loop around the lake, with stunning views of the glacier and its surrounding scenery. It is appropriate for hikers of all levels and is an absolute must for people who visit on the West Coast of the South Island.
Franz Joseph Glacier day hikes day hikes Roberts Point and Alex Knob tracks
Two day hikes situated within the Franz Joseph Glacier area and give different views on the glacier. Roberts Point Track: Roberts Point Track will take hikers up to the top of the glacier to get an expansive view of the surrounding scenery and Alex Knob Track offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Alex Knob Track offers a perspective at the glacier from the top. Both hikes last about three hours and are appropriate for hikers with experience.
New Zealand Hiking Resources
There are a variety of sources available to those who are planning an excursion within New Zealand. There is a Department of Conservation website offers extensive information about hiking trails as well as campsites. Local outdoor equipment shops will provide information on gear and other items. Guides to hiking and maps can be bought or rented, providing more information and assistance during the hiking.
The Devil’s Punchball Walking Track
The hike of two hours is situated within the Arthur’s Pass National Park and provides spectacular panoramic views over the surroundings. The hike begins from the Devils Punchbowl car park and climbs up to the highest point of the waterfall to take in stunning panoramas of the valley beneath. It is safe for hikers of all levels and is a popular place to picnic and take in the view.
Avalanche Peak
The strenuous seven-hour hike is located within the Arthur’s Pass National Park and provides spectacular panoramas of the landscape. The hike starts from the Arthur’s Pass Village and takes those who hike to the top of Avalanche Peak for panoramic views of the Southern Alps. This hike is recommended only for experienced hikers and requires a good amount of endurance. Although it is a challenge it is worth the effort, with breathtaking panoramas of the scenery and The Southern Alps.
Conclusion
In the end the New Zealand’s South Island is a hiker’s paradise, with a wide range of trails that are suitable for everyone’s level of experience. From simple day hikes to long-distance tramps, there’s plenty to do for everyone in New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for hiking the Te Araroa Trail or the Milford Track as well as the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track, there is a hiking trail that is suitable for all throughout New Zealand. Bring your gear and slip on your hiking boots and prepare for an unforgettable trip through New Zealand’s stunning wilderness.