16 Incredible New Zealand Hikes + Local Tips

When we started planning our trip to New Zealand, we were overwhelmed because we wanted to do and see all the things. But with just over a month in the country, we knew we’d have to pick and choose what was most important for us.

We were sure about two things:

1. We wanted to travel around New Zealand by campervan. Spoiler alert: This was one of the best decisions we could have made!

2. We wanted to do as much hiking as possible. 

We did a ton of research, packed all our trekking gear, and set off in search of some of the best hikes in New Zealand.

We logged a lot of miles (err… kilometers), had lots of laughs, took thousands of pictures, picnicked with some of the best views and sweat through our trekking clothes more than once. We even spent two nights sleeping in the New Zealand wilderness in huts you can only reach by hiking (more on that later!).

We were essentially living out our own Frodo Baggins fantasy, traipsing through lush forests, up desolate mountains, and to postcard-worthy glacial lakes. It was pure magic, and we couldn’t wait to share our experiences with you.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite New Zealand hikes, but that’s not all…

Since we were only in the country for 5 weeks, there are a lot of hikes we didn’t get to do (yet!). So to do this article justice, we called upon our friend, Alice, who grew up in New Zealand and shares our obsession with hiking. She has graciously offered to share her insider knowledge from years of hiking in her home country.

Note from our guest author: 

I feel extraordinarily lucky to have grown up in New Zealand, a country with such an abundance of natural beauty and biodiversity. As well as for having parents who introduced me to the great outdoors and all the best New Zealand hikes at such a young age. I have lots of fond memories of outdoor adventures throughout my childhood spent hiking, camping and generally enjoying nature. My mum was hiking while pregnant with me (what a badass!), and I’ve been hiking ever since! -Alice

Types of New Zealand Hikes

No matter what type of hike you’re looking for, we’ve got a variety to choose from:

• Length & Difficulty: from short and easy day hikes to grueling (but worthwhile) overnight adventures

• Location: you’ll find hikes on both the North Island as well as the South Island

• Popularity: we’ve got some of the most iconic hikes in New Zealand, like the NZ Great Walks, as well as some off-the-beaten-path gems

This article is not only packed with some of the most incredible New Zealand hikes, and you’ll also find lots of local tips and advice so you’re truly prepared for an epic Kiwi adventure you won’t soon forget. Hiking in New Zealand was one of the major highlights of our trip, and we think it will be one of your best memories, too.

Things to know about Hiking in New Zealand

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