New Zealand Great Walks

Map of the Great Walks of New Zealand

One of many beaches on the Abel Tasman Coast Track

An alpine section of the Kepler Track

The New Zealand Great Walks are a set of popular tramping tracks. They are New Zealand's premier tracks, through areas of some of the best scenery in the country. The tracks are maintained to a high standard, making it easier for visitors to explore some of the most scenic parts of New Zealand's backcountry.

The backcountry huts are conveniently located, comfortable, well-equipped, and high capacity. Both the huts and tracks on the Great Walks are of a higher standard than other tramping tracks in the country. These tracks are very popular with overseas visitors, partly due to their heavy promotion by the Department of Conservation and tourism operators. Many of the Great Walks have booking systems to manage visitor pressure. Guided walks are available through private operators along many of the walks.

There is no charge nor any permit required for access to the Great Walks. Charges and restrictions apply, rather, to overnight accommodation, whether in huts or tents.

List of routes

• Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
• Tongariro Northern Circuit
• Abel Tasman Coast Track
• Heaphy Track
• Routeburn Track
• Milford Track
• Kepler Track
• Rakiura Track
• Whanganui Journey

The Whanganui Journey in Whanganui National Park is not a walk at all, but rather a kayak voyage along New Zealand's longest navigable river. It is however managed under the Great Walks system.

See also

• Tramping in New Zealand
• New Zealand tramping tracks
• List of rail trails#New Zealand
• New Zealand Cycle Trail - originally conceived as single route, this is now to become a 'Great Rides' system

External links

• Department of Conservation Official site
• New Zealand Tramper