7 Best New Zealand Hiking trails with Majestic landscapes

Rangitoto Island Loop

Rangitoto is one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks, known for its paintings and local landscapes. It’s the largest of the city’s 48 dormant volcanoes; this is Auckland’s largest volcanic cone was created just 600 years ago in a series of eruptions. It is an elegant island and beloved city icon, reachable via a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland. This is the Best hiking trail in Auckland, sitting right in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf. One can hike up the modest summit 250m for great views of the city before wandering along the coast. It’s also home to the world’s largest Pohutukawa forest and is a haven for endangered native birds. A type of crimson-flowered myrtle is also known as the New Zealand Christmas tree.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Crossing in Tongariro National Park is famous as New Zealand’s finest one-day walk and one of the best hiking destinations in the world. The place is situated amongst volcanic scenery made famous by The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Tongariro is just like a wonderland in heaven, with its peculiar moon-like red craters, steaming vents and springs, emerald-colored lakes, and vast ridges. The highly weather-dependent 20km hike takes between six and eight hours. Part of this trek is steep, and the weather can be very unpredictable in this region, especially in winter. If you want to experience this hike between May and October guided trip is required.

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

The Abel Tasman is considered New Zealand’s finest coastal walk, with its golden beaches, lush native forest, and azure-blue lagoons. The hiking trails are highly accessible, and many tour operators offer options, depending on the desired duration and ability. Visitors can opt for a multi-day, a full-day, or a half-day trip. Visitors even opt for a tour as short as 30 minutes by taking a water taxi between locations. Some visitors combine walking with guided kayaking or a cruise. If you opt to do the entire walk on foot, it takes an estimated five days and is 32 miles long. The track has little elevation, so it’s appropriate for families with young children and people with a limited fitness level.

Routeburn Track

Routeburn Track, located deep in the Southern Alps, links Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. The hiking trail is known for its natural scenery, featuring waterfalls, soaring mountain peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. The hike takes 2 to 4 days and can be walked in either direction. Also, there is one track that ends at the Routeburn Shelter. and the other is separated, close to Te Anau. The Trail is very steep and undulating, reaching 1,255 meters above sea level at its highest point. If visitors are not ready to go for a full hike, take a 3.4km short walk to the Routeburn Track on a one-day hike to Key Summit. The 3-hour trail affords panoramic views of Fiordland National Park’s mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. There is a high risk of avalanches between May to September, so it’s best to visit during New Zealand’s summer months between November through March.

Roy’s Peak

This is the most famous hike in New Zealand. The walk begins from the Roy’s Peak Track parking lot on Mount Aspiring Road. The track leads through 16 kilometers of untamed alpine meadows, ascending to 1578 meters high. From here, one can see surreal views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring. One of the best hiking trails in New Zealand is a 16.3 km out-and-back trail near Wanaka, Otago. It is a challenging route, taking an average of 7 h 25 min to complete. This is a very popular area for bird watching, hiking, and walking. The best times to visit this trail are January to October.

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Hooker Valley track