Walking in New Zealand
Tramping – also known as hiking, walking or trekking – is a very popular outdoor recreation activity in New Zealand. With so many fantastic hiking tracks and 'Great Walks', stunning National Parks, a mild climate and sensational scenery, it’s really no surprise that New Zealand is a key destination for walkers from around the world!
Hiking in New Zealand
In New Zealand there are walking track and tramping options to suit almost anyone!
Many New Zealand visitors prefer to sign up on guided walks (with a trained guide, cooked meals and hut bookings covered); whilst others set out on Independent Walks.
Depending on your experience and fitness levels, you’ll find tramping and hiking tracks to suit all abilities – from short one or two-hour strolls to pleasant day walks and week-long alpine expeditions.
Walking in New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand is home to 14 stunning National Parks. These parks are very popular tramping locations, with some of the best New Zealand hiking tracks found within them.
All of New Zealand's 'Great Walks' are located within National Parks:
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More on New Zealand's Great Walks
Walking in NZ Forest Parks & Recreation Reserves
Of course, not all tramping, hiking and walking tracks are found within the National Parks. New Zealand has many other fabulous forest parks and recreation areas, containing some of the best short and day walks.
More on New Zealand's Forest Parks
New Zealand Tramping Basics
Excerpt courtesy of Matthew Walker - NZ Tramper
Most tramping in New Zealand is over 'Conservation Land'. This is public land administered by the Department of Conservation, and includes National Parks, Forest Parks and other reserves. Other Conservation Land may have no reserve status. Access to Conservation Land (with the exception of a few special wildlife sanctuaries) and walking tracks requires neither permission nor payment.
The Department of Conservation is responsible for maintaining huts, campsites, tracks, bridges and other facilities on the Conservation Land. All these facilities are available for public use, although use of some huts and campsites incurs moderate charges. Camping is allowed anywhere unless specifically restricted, for example, camping is only allowed at certain points on the Great Walks, and might not be allowed in city water catchment areas, or sensitive habitats.
New Zealand has an extensive and unparalleled public backcountry hut network. Huts are unlocked and open to all visitors. Payment for most huts is by a hut ticket honesty system. In general, you cannot book hut space.
The Great Walks are a series of popular and high quality tracks over public lands. Camping is restricted, with hut and campsite use paid for with special Great Walks passes. On the busier Great Walks, you book each night's accommodation in a hut or campsite. Other Great Walks simply require the purchase of a pass for a chosen number of nights accommodation, and you may stay at any hut or campsite as you choose.
Walking in
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Find New Zealand Accommodation
No matter what your budget, style or destination, you'll find the ideal New Zealand accommodation for your holiday.
Find New Zealand Activities
Skiing, bungy jumping, hiking, jet boating... New Zealand is the ultimate destination for fun and adventure!
Search through the range of current accommodation specials to grab yourself a bargain.
The New Zealand Backpackers category includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or "hotel". Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen, or offer linen hire.
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) provide "home-like" or "character" accommodation; think a garden cottage, converted villa or a 'homestay' arrangement. Bed & Breakfast accommodation will always include breakfast.
At the top end of the price scale, Exclusive accommodation includes intimate, luxurious and highly individual establishments offering the finest locations, food and wine, facilities, activities and service.
Stay with a New Zealand family, in their home, with Farmstay and Homestay accommodation. Homestays are commonly located in urban areas, whereas farmstays let you experience real Kiwi life on a New Zealand farm!
Freedom camping in New Zealand means pitching a tent or parking a motorhome on public land, without paying. Visitors need to be careful where this is done, as many regions will fine campers staying in undesignated areas.
NZ Holiday Homes are rentable time-share and 'summer house' type accommodation. Typically self contained and un-serviced, holiday homes vary hugely in size and are often located near beaches, lakes and mountains.
The New Zealand Holiday Parks category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries and a variety of additional features.
A New Zealand Hotel is 'a property with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.' All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and on-site management at all times.
The New Zealand Motel category includes a wide range of accommodation - from budget to top end. New Zealand motels typically offer a 'unit' or room with a private bathroom and at least tea and coffee-making facilities.
The Self Contained Units category includes studio units and self contained holiday cottages. 'Self Contained' implies full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can comprise a studio or multi-bedroom layout.
Serviced Apartments range from exclusive luxury suites to affordable family-size accommodation. Serviced daily, apartment accommodation should include a full ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities.
Search through the range of current specials on activities to see more of New Zealand, for less!
Adventure is all about getting out into the wild, pushing your limits and going places you only ever dreamed of! New Zealand has plenty of adventure activities to choose from.
From dirt bikes to armoured tanks - New Zealand has some amazing adventure driving experiences to rev you up!
Take to the air! Whether in a balloon, plane, glider or with a parachute attached, New Zealand looks spectacular from the air. You’ll find plenty of airborne activities throughout the country.
Visit New Zealand's array of attractions. Museums and markets, cathedrals and chocolate factories; there's something for everyone.
Take a wild mountain biking tour, try heli-biking, rent a scooter, motorcycle or push bike and explore the cycling paradise of New Zealand!
Bubbling mud, soothing thermal pools, natural hot springs... New Zealand is a geo-thermal wonderland. You’ll find geothermal areas in both the North and South Islands.
New Zealand boasts some of the top golf courses in the world. Try your luck at one of the many courses sprinkled around the country, from the Far North, to the Deep South.
New Zealand's landscape is purpose built for walking. Get the most out of your visit by taking a guided walk - learn about the landscape, the flora & fauna and - best of all - never get lost!
Horse riding and horse trekking are a great, eco-friendly way to see New Zealand’s backcountry. Each region offers vastly different experiences.
Tried and true entertainment for all the family, mini-golf is a popular and fun way to pass the time in New Zealand.
For a unique Kiwi experience, explore and climb New Zealand’s spectacular and diverse mountain ranges with a guided mountaineering expedition.
A great activity for nearly any age, paintball is a popular pastime in New Zealand. Beware of the bruises!
New Zealand is known for its exceptional ski resorts and heli-skiing opportunities. Get amongst it with this list of unforgettable skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing adventures.
Adventure tours to scenic tours; garden tours to wine & food tours - join a tour to experience your favourite things with like-minded people.
Venture into New Zealand's beautiful landscape on a walk or hike. Home to many world-famous bush walks, New Zealand is a spectacular walking holiday destination.
Get out and on the water! With thousands of kilometres of coastlines, numerous lakes and winding rivers, you’ll never run out of activities, be it diving, jet boating or kayaking.
New Zealand is home to some world-class wines and top restaurants. Sample a selection of wines on a wine tour in some of New Zealand's best wine regions.
Indulge yourself! Sink into a steaming hot pool; enjoy a relaxing massage; or treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment.
Search through the range of current transport specials to grab yourself a bargain.
New Zealand is well serviced with a strong network of domestic flights to all the main centres.
Exploring New Zealand by bus is easy and affordable. Several companies offer commercial, as well as scenic transport for visitor, covering the length and width of the country.
Travel to your own agenda with a New Zealand rental car. The choice and variety are broad to fit your style & budget.
Take a cruise on a New Zealand ferry. Journey between NZ's islands, or cruise Gulf Harbour.
Travel in luxurious style with a New Zealand limousine rental!
Explore New Zealand's back roads and highways on a motor cycle.
Motorhomes, campervans, RVs... whatever you call them, they're an excellent and popular way of discovering NZ.
Make your way around NZ on a multi-day overland package tour!
Sit back, relax and enjoy a train ride through stunning New Zealand.
Whether to the airport, across town or to another city, shuttles are a convenient and affordable transport option.
Taxis are available in all major towns & cities in New Zealand.
Catch up on travel news related to New Zealand and find out about local happenings without having to leave your house!
A selection of travel writers offer insights into some of New Zealand’s most scenic and often, quirky attractions. These stories are sure to amuse and inform you.
