New Zealand's Great Walks are world-famous multi-day tramping tracks that showcase the country's most spectacular landscapes. Managed by DOC, each Great Walk offers a network of huts and campsites. This guide covers the most popular Great Walks, booking information, costs, and camping options.
The Ten Great Walks
New Zealand currently has ten Great Walks — five in the North Island and five in the South Island. They range from coastal strolls to alpine traverses.
North Island Great Walks
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Distance: 43 km | Duration: 3–4 days | Difficulty: Advanced
Circuits the active volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (the most popular day walk in NZ). Highlights include volcanic craters, emerald-coloured lakes, and lava flows. The track crosses high alpine terrain — weather can change rapidly. Huts and campsites available.
Campsites: Oturere Campsite, Ketetahi Campsite — $15/adult per night
Whanganui Journey
Distance: 87–145 km by canoe/kayak | Duration: 3–5 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
A unique Great Walk — you travel by canoe or kayak down the Whanganui River. Campsites and huts line the riverbank. Permits and vessel registration required. A peaceful journey through deep river gorges and native bush.
Lake Waikaremoana Track
Distance: 46 km | Duration: 3–4 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
Follows the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera. Ancient forest, stunning lake views, and the dramatic Panekiri Bluff. Several huts and campsites along the track.
South Island Great Walks
Milford Track
Distance: 53.5 km | Duration: 4 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
Often called 'the finest walk in the world', the Milford Track traverses glacial valleys, rainforest, and alpine passes. Ends at Milford Sound. Huts only (no campsites on the track) — bookable through DOC. Extremely popular.
Cost: ~$65/adult per night (hut) | Season: October–April
Routeburn Track
Distance: 32 km | Duration: 2–3 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
Connects Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park. Alpine meadows, waterfalls, and mountain views. The Routeburn is one of the most accessible Great Walks with well-maintained huts and three campsites.
Campsites: Routeburn Flats, Routeburn Falls, Lake Mackenzie — $15/adult per night
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Distance: 60 km | Duration: 3–5 days | Difficulty: Easy
New Zealand's sunniest Great Walk follows golden sand beaches and coastal forests. Tidal crossings, kayak options, and water taxi access make it flexible. Several campsites right on the beach.
Campsites: Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa, Totaranui, Whariwharangi — all on the beach
Kepler Track
Distance: 60 km | Duration: 3–4 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
A loop track near Te Anau, offering alpine ridges, beech forests, and views of Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri. Well-designed track with comfortable huts. Great alternative if you can't get Milford or Routeburn bookings.
Paparoa Track
Distance: 55 km | Duration: 2–3 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
New Zealand's newest Great Walk, on the West Coast. Unique limestone landscapes, pancake rocks, and coastal forest. Can be walked or mountain biked (one of the two dual Great Walks, alongside the Heaphy).
Heaphy Track
Distance: 78 km | Duration: 4–6 days | Difficulty: Intermediate
In Kahurangi National Park, the Heaphy traverses from beech forest to the wild West Coast beaches. Open to mountain bikers in winter. Long and remote — requires good fitness.
Booking System
All Great Walks require advance booking for huts and campsites, even in the off-season. Here's how it works:
- Open date: Bookings typically open in June for the following summer season (October–April). Check the DOC website for exact dates.
- How to book: Online at the DOC Great Walks booking portal. You can also book by phone.
- Demand: Milford and Routeburn book out within hours on opening day. Abel Tasman fills within weeks. Have alternatives ready.
- Cancellations: Spaces often open up closer to the date as people cancel. Check the booking portal regularly.
- Off-season: Some Great Walks (Abel Tasman, Heaphy, Paparoa) can be walked in winter, though hut services may be reduced.
Costs
- Great Walk huts: $32–$65 per adult per night (2025/26 season)
- Great Walk campsites: $15 per adult per night
- Whanganui Journey: $42–$65 per night per person (huts), plus kayak hire (~$50–$100/day)
Backcountry Hut Passes are NOT valid on Great Walks. You must purchase Great Walk-specific tickets.
Tips for Great Walks
- Tracks are well-marked but still require proper tramping gear and navigation skills
- Weather on alpine sections can change dramatically — check forecasts and carry emergency gear
- Book accommodation and transport well in advance for summer
- Consider using a water taxi on the Abel Tasman Track (you can skip sections)
- The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a day walk but the Northern Circuit includes it — you don't need to book the Crossing separately