NEW ZEALAND’S MOST POPULAR WALKS
One of the highlights of a visit to New Zealand is the superb opportunities for hiking – or tramping, as the locals call it.  There are literally hundreds of walks, from a few hours to several days.  On most walks the tracks are well formed and clearly marked and hut facilities are of a high standard - with hot showers!  You can either join a guided walk or set out on your own.  Either way accommodation must be pre-booked. There are three Great Walks Tracks in Fiordland.  These tracks are well formed and clearly marked and hut facilities are of a high standard.  During the summer season (late October – late April) all DOC hut and campsite accommodation on these Great Walks tracks must be booked in advance.  Booking Office in the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau. Please contact us for further information and to discuss your particular requirements.
MILFORD TRACK
Starting the head of Lake Te Anau the Milford Track follows the Clinton River to its source, crosses Mackinnon Pass (1073m) and continue down the Arthur Valley to Milford Sound (53.5km).  The famous Sutherland Falls may be visited as a side trip.  Boat and bus transport is available at either end of the track.  The walk takes four days, with up to 40 people accommodated in each of the three DOC huts (no camping is permitted on this track.
ROUTEBURN TRACK
The Routeburn Track (33km) can be walked from the Divide on the Te Anau/Milford Highway of from the road end beyond Glenorchy.  The track winds through beech forest and traverses spectacular alpine landscapes.  The walk usually takes three days, with a choice of four DOC huts and two campsites.
KEPLER TRACK
This three or four day round trip track (60km) provides a good variety of scenery.  The track starts at the Te Anau Control Gates (a one-hour walk from the township) and climbs from the lakeshore to Luxmoore Hut (1085m).  On the second day the track crosses an exposed alpine ridge and descends through beech forest to Iris Burn Hut.  From here the track follows gently down the Iris Burn, an ancient glacial valley, to Moturau Hut on the shores of Lake Manapouri.  Walkers may finish at the Rainbow Reach swing-bridge, where roads access and a shuttle bus service operates, or may continue up the Waiau River to the Control Gates. Campsites are situated at Brod Bay and the Iris Burn Hut Area.
HOLLYFORD TRACK
Starting at the Hollyford Road end (18km from the Te Anau/Milford Sound Highway) the track follows the Hollyford River to the sea at Martins Bay (allow 4 days walking one way).  There is acess by plane to Martins Bay, or a jet boat can be arranged for travel on Lake Mckerrow.  The Hollyford is a low altitude track through lush rain forest and can be walked at any time of year.  There are six DOC huts and camping is permitted. McKerrow Island Hut is a standard hut, with all other huts on this track being serviced huts.
DUSKY TRACK
The Dusky Track may take between 4 and 10 days depending on the options chosen, the fitness of the party and the weather conditions at the time.  Trampers can access the track at either Lake Manapouri, Lake Hauroko or Dusky Sound by boat or float plane.  The track crosses two alpine passes and can flood after heavy rain. Trampers should be fit, experienced and well equipped.  Carrying a mountain radio or personal locator beacon is recommended.  There are eight standard huts and camping is permitted but not recommended.
GREENSTONE OF CAPLES
The Greenstone of Caples valleys can each be walked in three days, or they can be combined in a loop taking five or six days.  Either track may also be linked with the Routeburn track.  There are two serviced huts in each valley and camping is permitted.
TONGARIRO CROSSING
If your time is short, the Tongariro Crossing is easily New Zealand’s most spectacular one-day walk. Provided the weather is fine (it can get very cold up here!), this 17km hike takes you up between Mt. Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe in the volcanic heart of the North Island.  The mountain scenery is stunning; you pass several craters and glacial lakes, and views of the smoking Mt Ruapehu off in the distance.
TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT
If you have more time, this three-to four-day circuit (one of the Great Walks) takes in more craters, glacial lakes, hot springs and lava flows.  It starts and ends at Whakapapa village and you can stay in huts along the way.
HEAPHY TRACK
Another one of the Great Walks and a fine four-to six-day tramp from Collingwood to Karamea in the Kahurangi National Park.  This is real trampers’ track, not as visually spectacular as Milford or Abel Tasman, but immensely rewarding.  Passing through heavy bush and high saddles, walkers are rewarded at the end by a beautiful coastal stretch.
COPLAND TRACK AND MOUNT COOK
The Copland Track is a seriously scenic alpine traverse from Mt Cook to the West Coast, emerging just south of Fox Glacier.  It crosses a glacier at high altitude and requires mountaineering equipment, experience and preferably a guide – this is one for the thrillseekers!  For something a bit easier, there are several excellent day walks around Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK
Queen Charlotte Track is an easily accessible three-to four-day walk in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds area.  Here you can tramp through forest scenery, kayak around the beautiful waterways of the Sounds and even mountain-bike on part of the track.  Access is from Picton and there’s boat transport and good accommodation along the track itself.
GREAT BARRIER ISLAND
If you really want to get away from it all, fly or ferry out to Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, northeast of Auckland.  Tramping trails criss-cross the island through pristine native bush but the attraction here isolation – there’s no electricity, few cars and perfect silence.
ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Here you can walk in native forest or sea kayak the coast. Wander the golden sand beaches or paddle a canoe in an estuary.  Your nights will be spent in beachfront lodges where you can enjoy good food, wine and company.  2, 3 and 5 day guided walks are available and if you wish to walk and sea kayak you can join a 3 or 5 day sea kayaking and walking adventure.