Top Day Hikes in New Zealand: 10 North and South Island Trails
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking day hikes. We’ve rounded up some of the best hikes across the North Island and South Island, with options for every fitness level.
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking day hikes - places that offer an opportunity to get away from the noise, soak in nature’s beauty, and even challenge yourself. Whether you’re after a physical challenge, or just some space to think and reconnect, Aoteroa's beautiful landscape offers plenty of options.
At Outward Bound, we use the mountains, bush, and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds as our classroom. They've have helped people from all walks of life build resilience, confidence, clarity, and so much more. Nature has a way of teaching us more than we ever expect, and it all starts with stepping outside.
The benefits we reap are more than just physical. Studies show that just two hours a week in nature significantly boosts health, wellbeing, and cognitive performance. So, to help you get your weekly quota of nature, we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes across the North Island and South Island, with options for every fitness level.
Before you go, remember to check weather conditions and the DOC website for any warnings or closures. Difficulty levels in alpine environments may change based on the season, so please keep this in mind and don't overestimate your abilities.
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Top 10 Day Hikes in the North Island
1. Mercer Bay Loop
A relatively easy coastal loop with stunning views of the Tasman Sea and rugged cliffs.
Location: Auckland
Distance: 2.2km loop
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
2. Rangitoto Summit
Walk well-formed paths through lava fields and the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest to see panoramic views of Auckland.
Location: Auckland
Distance: 7km return
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
3. Ōmanawanui Track
A scenic hike through native bush and along rugged ridgelines, offering panoramic views of the Waitākere Ranges and Manukau Harbour.
Location: Auckland
Distance: 4.3km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
4. Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)
A steep climb through the Coromandel Range leading to incredible views of the surrounding forest and the iconic Pinnacles summit.
Location: Coromandel
Distance: 14km return
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
5. Mount Karioi Track
A challenging track offering panoramic views over the Tasman Sea and Raglan’s black sand beaches.
Location: Raglan
Distance: 8.2km return
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
6. Te Aroha Summit Track
A steep climb to the summit with 360-degree views over the Waikato region and Bay of Plenty.
Location: Waikato
Distance: 7.8km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
An iconic hike offering views of volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and rugged terrain. One of the best day hikes in New Zealand.
Location: Central North Island
Distance: 20.2km one way
Duration: 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
8. Cooks Cove Walkway
A scenic coastal walk through farmland and native bush, finishing at the picturesque Cooks Cove.
Location: Gisborne
Distance: 5.8km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
9. Kapakapanui Track
A challenging hike through native forest to a ridge with incredible views of the Wellington region.
Location: Wellington
Distance: 12-13km loop
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
10. Mākara Walkway
A coastal track that weaves through Wellington’s eastern suburbs, offering views of the city, coastline, and nearby islands.
Location: Wellington
Distance: 7.4km loop
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Mercer Bay Loop in Auckland
Rangitoto Summit Track
Ōmanawanui Track in West Auckland
Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)
Mount Te Aroha Summit Track in Waikato
Mount Karioi Summit Track in Raglan
The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Cooks Cove Walkway
Kapakapanui Track in Wellington
Top 10 Day Hikes in the South Island
1. Mount Robert Circuit
A loop track with spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti and the surrounding mountains.
Location: Nelson
Distance: 9.5 km loop
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
2. Mount Stokes Track
A steep climb through lush forest leading to breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Location: Marlborough
Distance: 7km return
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Note: After years of being closed to the public, Kenepuru Road to Mount Stokes is re-opening on 17th December 2024. Please check the DOC website ahead of time for any changes.
3. Alex Knob Track
A tough climb leading to panoramic views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding rainforests.
Location: West Coast
Distance: 17.2km return
Duration: 8-9 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
4. Hooker Valley Track
A relatively easy walk that leads to the stunning Hooker Lake with views of the mighty Mount Cook.
Location: Mount Cook National Park
Distance: 10 km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
5. Mount Alford Track
A challenging hike with rewarding views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.
Location: Canterbury
Distance: 10 km return
Duration: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
6. Roy’s Peak Track
A popular hike offering some of the best views in the country, with gorgeous views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.
Location: Wanaka
Distance: 16 km return
Duration: 5-7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
7. Rocky Mountain Track
A scenic loop offering stunning views of Lake Wanaka, surrounding peaks, and alpine landscapes.
Location: Wanaka
Distance: 7km loop
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
8. Ben Lomond
A rewarding hike that offers sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, and the Remarkables Range.
Location: Queenstown
Distance: 11 km return
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
9. Lake Marian Track
A beautiful walk to a stunning alpine lake, surrounded by steep peaks and waterfalls.
Location: Fiordland
Distance: 6.2 km return
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
10. Routeburn Falls Hut
A shorter but stunning part of the famous Routeburn Track, leading to the beautiful Routeburn Falls.
Location: Glenorchy
Distance: 19.6km return
Duration: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Robert Circuit in Nelson
Mount Stokes in the Marlborough Sounds
Views of Franz Josef Glacier from Alex Knob Track
Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park
Roy's Peak in Wanaka
Rocky Mountain Track in Wanaka
View from Ben Lomond in Queenstown
Lake Marian Track in Fiordland National Park
Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut
If you're yearning for full immersion in New Zealand's beautiful outdoors, an Outward Bound experience could be just what you're after. Nestled in Anakiwa, our courses use the stunning landscape of the Marlborough Sounds to challenge you physically and mentally, while offering the chance to reconnect with yourself and the world around you in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else.
We offer courses ranging from 5-days to 21-days for people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. With nature as our classroom, we help you grow, build resilience, and return home feeling grounded and like a better version of yourself. If you’re looking for an outdoor experience that’s as transformative as it is beautiful, check out our courses.
Ready to head out on a hike? As always, be sure to wear appropriate hiking gear, ensure you have enough food and water, and let loved ones know your plans. And when it gets tough, remember, 'There is more in you'. Happy hiking!