20 of the BEST Day Hikes in New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its spectacular scenery and epic hiking opportunities. From mountains to fjords to glaciers to beaches to extinct volcanoes, New Zealand really has a diverse range of landscapes. And the best way to experience them is by walking – or tramping, as the Kiwis say.

While long-distance trails like the Te Araroa or multi-day Great Walks are sure to be amazing, there are so many excellent day hikes in New Zealand. You don’t need to commit to several days or weeks of walking, you can pack your bag and head out for a few hours or one day. After living in New Zealand for a year and doing two massive road trips across both islands, I’ve done my fair share of hiking here! These are my top 20 day hikes you can’t miss in New Zealand.

South Island

I know I know, I’m biased because I lived on the South Island for 6 months. But I do think the South Island is better for hiking and outdoor activities than the North! These are the best day hikes around the South Island.

1) Mount Sunday

Location: Ashburton Lakes

Distance: 3.9km (2.43 mi)

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Elevation Gain: 94 meters (309 ft)

Mount Sunday is well-known to Lord of the Rings fans as Edoras, the capital of Rohan perched on a hill. But even if you aren’t a fan, this is a beautiful walk with superb views of the mountain peaks and braided rivers from the top. It’s about 26km on a gravel road to get here – 11km from the sealed road to Lake Clearwater, and 15km from Lake Clearwater to Mount Sunday. When I went it was fine in any vehicle as long as you drove to conditions. Ashburton Lakes is also a stunning area itself – spend a night here if you want a great camp spot!

2) Mount John Observatory Summit Circuit

Location: Tekapo

Distance: 10km (6.2 mi)

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Elevation Gain: 383 meters (1256 ft)

This hike gives some of the best views over the bright blue glacial waters of Lake Tekapo. While you can drive up the road and park at the observatory (access by road costs $8 NZD per vehicle), it’s an enjoyable walk up through the woods, down to the lake, and back along the lakeshore. The trail starts next to Tekapo Springs, where there’s parking.

3) Hooker Valley

Location: Mount Cook

Distance: 11km (7 mi)

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Elevation Gain: 220 meters (723 ft)

The Hooker Valley Track is one of the most popular day hikes in all of New Zealand – but with good reason! Starting from the White Horse car park at Mount Cook (which now has a parking charge), the trail crosses several swing bridges, following the river to eventually reach Hooker Lake and a jaw-dropping view of Mount Cook itself. Note that this trail has been temporarily closed (you can only go as far as the first bridge), but is due to reopen in late 2026.

4) Ben Ohau and the Greta Track

Location: Twizel

Distance: 19.4km (12 mi)

Time: 6 to 8 hours

Elevation Gain: 1086 meters (3563 ft)

This is one of the most underrated hikes in all of New Zealand – I can’t believe more people don’t know about this one! The walk starts outside Twizel, on the eastern shore of Lake Ohau. There are two starting points with small parking areas. The route is a loop and can be done either way, but I recommend going clockwise, to save a brutally steep ascent. The trail traverses up into the woods, through a gully and across fields before skirting the base of Ben Ohau. To reach the summit itself, look for a noticeable path leading off to the left and detour up to the top. The descent is very steep and exposed, but the views over Lake Ohau are amazing! Don’t miss this incredible hike near Twizel.

5) Roy’s Peak

Location: Wanaka

Distance: 17.4km (10.8 mi)

Time: 6 to 8 hours

Elevation Gain: 1259 meters (4132 ft)

Roy’s Peak might be the most summited mountain peak in New Zealand. Or, the Instagram viewpoint two-thirds up the track may be! Everyone and their mom wants to hike Roy’s Peak, and while the crowds can be annoying, the views are absolutely superb. My day hiking the mountain (finishing with a swim in Lake Wanaka and a huge ice cream) was one of my favorites of my entire year in New Zealand. Be sure to check the weather and aim for a day with a clear forecast. A lot of people do this for sunrise, so don’t be surprised if you show up at 3:30am and the car park is full!

6) Isthmus Peak

Location: Wanaka

Distance: 17.3km (10.78 mi)

Time: 6 to 8 hours

Elevation Gain: 1156 meters (3791 ft)

Ditch the Roy’s Peak crowds and head to Wanaka’s underrated hike, Isthmus Peak. This hike is a steep and steady slog uphill, before reaching the saddle and going on the undulating path to the summit. But the 360-degree views over Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka are what dreams are made of. And thankfully, it hasn’t been discovered by the Roy’s Peak Instagram crowds yet! Take extreme care when parking and crossing the road to start the hike, as it’s a busy highway with lots of fast-moving vehicles.

7) Queenstown Hill

Location: Queenstown

Distance: 6km (3.7 mi)

Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Elevation Gain: 427 meters (1400 ft)

There are so many awesome day hikes around Queenstown – this is one part of New Zealand where everyone goes to get outdoors. For a short hike with an epic finish, head up Queenstown Hill. You get an insane panorama of the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, Deer Park Heights, and Lake Wakatipu from the top! There are a few designated parking spaces at the trailhead on Belfast Terrace, otherwise the surrounding side streets are all free parking. You can also do this hike from the center of Queenstown, if you don’t have a car.

8) Sawpit Gully Trail

Location: Arrowtown (Queenstown)

Distance: 8.7km (5.3 mi)

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Elevation Gain: 393 meters (1289 ft)

If you want to ditch the crowds in Arrowtown and Queenstown, head out on the Sawpit Gully Trail. This loop can be done either way, but it’s recommended to go clockwise. Be sure to give yourself time at the top of German Hill to admire the views of Lake Hayes and the Cardrona mountain range! Part of this walk is in the open hills, while the last section follows the Arrow River back to Arrowtown. Park at the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement/Buckingham Street car park.

9) Brewster Hut

Location: Haast Pass

Distance: 5.8km (3.6 mi)

Time: 5.5 to 8 hours

Elevation Gain: 1017 meters (3336 ft)

This hike is a killer, you’ve been warned! In just over 2.5km, you gain nearly 1000 meters of elevation. After starting the hike with a river crossing, the ascent is steep and relentless, going up and down over tree roots, rocks, and parts where it’s more like a muddy scramble than a hike. The reward? Unbelievable views over Haast Pass from Brewster Hut, which has my vote for the most scenic toilet location in the world. While the distance is short, this is a tough one – give yourself plenty of time, as you’ll be going slow on the descent, too!

10) Roberts Point

Location: Franz Josef Glacier

Distance: 13km (8.1 mi)

Time: 4 to 6 hours

Elevation Gain: 620 meters (2033 ft)

There are a number of great hikes around Franz Josef Glacier – Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint, Lake Matheson, and Callery Gorge, to name a few. But for a close-up view of the glacier itself, set off for Roberts Point. This trail is challenging – there are lots of tree roots and rocks to navigate, plus a couple of long swinging bridges. But finishing off at the viewpoint, gazing onto the face of the glacier, is worth the trek. Aim to do this hike in the morning, as cloud cover in the afternoon decreases your chances of getting glacier views.

11) Avalanche Peak

Location: Arthur’s Pass

Distance: 10.5km (6.5 mi)

Time: 5.5 to 8 hours

Elevation Gain: 1104 meters (3621 ft)

Don’t be fooled by the short mileage to the summit on this hike – it’s one of the most challenging hikes I’ve ever done because of the steep incline! You gain 1100 meters of elevation over just 2.5km, so this one is a slog. The last section is through rocky scree and scrambling over boulders to reach the summit. But the views – wow. This is a prominent peak in Arthur’s Pass, so you’ll have a full panorama from the top. You can do this as an out-and-back, but I recommend doing a loop, starting up Avalanche Peak track and descending down Scotts Track. Bonus points if you can find my superb swim spot afterwards.

12) Mount Robert

Location: Nelson Lakes National Park

Distance: 10km (6.2 mi)

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Elevation Gain: 650 meters (2132 ft)

This was hands-down my favorite hike in Nelson Lakes. It’s a relatively straightforward loop, with great views down over Lake Rotoiti. I loved seeing some of the mountain huts on this route – you can easily turn this into an overnight adventure! There are two car parks at the start of the trail, the upper and the lower. I parked in the lower car park, as I didn’t want to have to walk up any more incline than necessary at the end of the hike!

13) Bark Bay to Anchorage Bay

Location: Abel Tasman National Park

Distance: 12.2km (7.6 mi)

Time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Elevation Gain: 379 meters (1243 ft)

This is the only walk in this post that I didn’t personally do myself. I hiked from Anchorage Bay back to Marahau, but based on other traveler’s recommendations and everything I’ve read, the best single-day section of the famed Abel Tasman Coastal Track is from Bark Bay to Anchorage Bay. Golden sandy beaches, bright turquoise water, and lush forest await. There are separate tracks for high tide and low tide – the mileage listed here is based on the high tide track (the low tide is shorter). To do this walk as a day hike, take a water taxi from Marahau to Bark Bay, hike to Anchorage Bay, and then take a water taxi from Anchorage Bay back to Marahau.

North Island

The North Island has crazy awesome landscapes, and plenty of amazing day hikes to do. There is still spectacular scenery here, it just has different vibes than the South Island. Don’t miss these incredible walks around the North Island!

14) Pouakai Tarns

Location: Egmont National Park (Mount Taranaki)

Distance: 13.7 km (8.5 mi)

Time: 4 to 6 hours

Elevation Gain: 782 meters (2565 ft)

If you’re lucky, this hike has one of the best, most iconic views in all of New Zealand: the reflection of the conical peak of Mount Taranaki, shimmering in the water at Pouakai Tarns. Most of the walk is a steady incline up through the forest – once you pop out above the tree level is where it gets exciting! After reaching the ridge, you’ll be able to see the track down to the tarn, which looks tiny in comparison with the huge mountain. I wept, it was so beautiful here. If you want to get the perfect reflection shot, aim for a morning with no wind – Pouakai Hut is now reopened after renovation and can sleep 34 campers overnight. It’s then just a short 30- to 40-minute walk to the tarn.

15) Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Location: Tongariro National Park

Distance: 22.3km (13.8 mi)

Time: 6.5 to 9 hours

Elevation Gain: 877 meters (2876 ft)

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the poster child of New Zealand day hikes – this is the busy one, that everyone wants to do! It was one of the best experiences I had, but it is also very popular, with lots of people on the trail, and it is hard. It’s a full day of walking, with lots of undulation and a particularly nasty scree slope heading down to the Emerald Lakes. That being said, it’s an ultimate bucket-list hike. You’ll need to book a shuttle to access the trailhead, due to parking restrictions at either end of the linear route; book a (free) timeslot on the DOC website before you go. Check the weather forecast in advance and give yourself several days in Tongariro in case of bad weather.

16) Tama Lakes

Location: Tongariro National Park

Distance: 18.7 km (11.6 mi)

Time: 5 to 6 hours

Elevation Gain: 579 meters (1901 ft)

Tama Lakes is actually the reason I returned to Tongariro National Park on my second big New Zealand road trip! This is a hike that’s often recommended as a backup if the weather is too bad for Tongariro Alpine Crossing. But it’s certainly worthy in its own right. You can see amazing views of Mount Ruapehu (and apparently Mount Ngauruhoe, but I didn’t see it due to clouds), as you gaze down first on Lower Tama Lake, and then Upper Tama Lake. The trail between the two lake viewpoints is a very slippery scree slope – I strongly recommend hiking poles for this walk!

17) Bell Rock

Location: Napier

Distance: 7.9km (4.9 mi)

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Elevation Gain: 356 meters (1168 ft)

This walk was the main reason I detoured to Napier – jury’s still out on whether it was worth the long driving days, but only because I was hiking in the cloud! The trail brings you to Bell Rock, a huge rock formation on the cliffside, with views over the forest and hills beyond. There is approximately 12km of unsealed road to reach the starting point for this hike. Parking is limited to a few spots in a layby. It was extremely windy when I was out on the rock, so be cautious as you’re climbing around!

18) The Pinnacles

Location: Coromandel Peninsula

Distance: 16.5km (10.2 mi)

Time: 5 to 7 hours

Elevation Gain: 842 meters (2762 ft)

I didn’t get to do all the walks I wanted to do in the Coromandel on my first road trip, so I was thrilled to return on my second and tick this one off. Most of this trail is a steady climb up through the forest to Pinnacles Hut – the largest DOC hut in the country, sleeping 80! – where the fun (read: misery) begins. It’s endless stairs up before you reach several ladders and scramble sections, where metal steps are placed on the rocks. The platform at the summit is small! But the views over the forest and out to sea are well worth it. The trailhead is at the end of Kauaeranga Valley road, which is unsealed for the 8km past the DOC info center.

19) Duke’s Nose via Wairaku Stream

Location: Northland

Distance: 12.8km (7.9 mi)

Time: 4 to 5 hours

Elevation Gain: 531 meters (1743 ft)

Without a doubt, this was my favorite day hike in Northland. Start from Totara North, where there is some roadside parking (free) or a large car park on private land ($5 for parking). It’s a short drive on an unsealed road to get there. The trail heads to Wairaku Stream, where it then meanders through to the harbor and heads up onto the rocks. The view from here, looking down on Whangaroa Harbor, is one of my favorites in all of New Zealand. You’ll need to navigate two sets of metal steps in the rock, but trust me – getting to the top is worth it!

Stewart Island

I spent three days on Stewart Island and loved it – I got so lucky with the weather! To round out this post, I’ve included one of the best New Zealand day hikes that you can find on Rakiura.

20) Horseshoe Point

Location: Oban (Halfmoon Bay)

Distance: 8.5km (5.3 mi)

Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

Elevation Gain: 218 meters (715 ft)

If you only do one hike on Stewart Island, it should be this one. It’s easy to get to, as the trail starts right from Halfmoon Bay close to the ferry terminal. AllTrails recommends clockwise, but I recommend counter-clockwise to see the best views first. You’ll go past a number of beautiful beaches like Butterfield Beach, Bragg Bay, and Dead Man’s Bay on the undulating coastal trail, before reaching Horseshoe Point. On one side, you can see Horseshoe Bay in the distance, on the other, you can see the sea and some other small islands. The return is back via Horseshoe Bay Road.

Planning Your Trip to New Zealand

If you’re planning on doing lots of hikes, you’ll definitely want to have your own vehicle to travel around New Zealand. A lot of these walks start from remote trailheads with no access to public transport – having your own set of wheels is essential! I recommend flying into one of the major airports in New Zealand – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown – and renting a vehicle. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

One of the best apps for hiking in New Zealand is AllTrails. I paid for a subscription before my second big road trip so I could download maps offline – it was 100% worth the money! Some routes are well-signposted, but others aren’t. You should always have some form of navigation when out hiking. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Be sure you’re prepared with the proper gear for these hikes. Sturdy hiking boots (with ankle support) are recommended, and I always recommend hiking poles when doing walk with major elevation changes. Waterproof layers, a hat (and gloves, in colder weather), and sunscreen are essential – the weather can change quickly! Some of these hikes are fine in good weather, but would be very dangerous in bad weather and poor visibility. Know your limits, and have a backup plan. Bring lots of water and plenty of food with you for the day. I also recommend having a power bank and a waterproof phone case.

Wondering where to stay? That depends on where exactly you’re traveling! I have a guide with all the best free and budget campsites for non-self-contained if you’re planning on camping. But there are hostels, motels, and hotels most everywhere if you’re not wanting to camp. I typically have a recommended accommodation section for each post I write about a hike or an area.

New Zealand is a top destination for hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of fun day hikes with epic views to keep you busy! These are just some of the amazing walks all over this beautiful country, with varied landscapes and terrain. I hope this post helps planning your hikes in New Zealand!

What’s your favorite day hike in New Zealand? Share in the comments!

You might also like my posts:

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Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life (2025 Guide)

The Best Day Hikes Around Queenstown, New Zealand

The Best Walks in Twizel, New Zealand

All of my New Zealand posts!

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