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Discover 500+ Amazing Walks in New Zealand

Your ultimate walking and hiking guide!

Tired of crowded tourist spots? Had enough of hurried guided walks?

Stunning Waterfalls, remote beaches, epic mountains, cities, countryside, all pure walking pleasure - my Freewalks walking guide is your chance to escape, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

Auckland Walks

Walks in New Zealand - Rotorua walks

Rotorua Walks

Walks in New Zealand - Wellington alks & Hiking

Wellington Walks

Walks in New Zealand - Christchurch Walks & Hiking

Christchurch Walks

Queenstown Walks

Walks in New Zealand - Wanaka Walks

Wanaka Walks

Planning your walk or hike in New Zealand is easy!

These 3 helpful articles are the perfect place to start…

Choosing the Right Walking or Hiking Trail in New Zealand A Practical Guide

Choosing the Right Walking or Hiking Trail in New Zealand: A Practical Guide

My practical guide will show you how to choose walks based on your fitness, interests, and time, with tips on weather and scenery.
More details →
Big walk to the top of Mt Hobson on Great Barrier Island in great weather

Hiking in New Zealand: Weather Tips You Need to Know

Explore New Zealand hiking with our guide on weather considerations. Learn seasonal tips, local phenomena, and safety for a great outdoor experience.
More details →
My trusty Merrell walking shoes

Safety and Gear Essentials for Walking & Hiking in New Zealand

My guide to essential hiking gear and safety tips for New Zealand's terrain. Learn about proper footwear, clothing layers, and emergency essentials for a safe ...
More details →

All my walks are completely free!

Here is a selection of my most favourite walks in the North Island…

St Paul’s Rock Track

3.6 km return • 1 hour 20 mins • Medium • Whangaroa

Mt Eden Volcano Walk

2 km • 1 Hour • Easy • Central Auckland

Mt Maunganui Summit Walk

3.80 km • 1 Hour 20 mins • Hard • Bay of Plenty

Here is a selection of my most favourite walks in the South Island…

Hooker Valley Track

10 km return • 3 hours • Easy • Mt Cook

Lake Matheson Lake

4 km • 1 Hour 30 Minutes • Easy • Fox Glacier

Bannockburn Sluicings Reserve

4 km • 2 Hours • Easy • Cromwell

Would you like advice and feedback on your walks in New Zealand?

My friendly Facebook Group has more than 1,100 members from New Zealand and all around the world, and they would love to answer your questions!

Joining is easy and free. Just click on the button below.

Map of New Zealand

Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll receive my 39-page Auckland walking guide FREE. You’ll also receive tips and advice to help you plan the walk in New Zealand.

No spam. No fluff. Just 100% walking advice, once a week.

Here are our latest walks just added by me and the team

Every time a new walk is added it will appear here first. If you subscribe to my email you’ll also get notified there as well. Don’t worry we don’t add that many, it takes time to walk the walk and then write it all up. 

The Path of The Gods – Bologne to Florence

My fantastic 7 day walk from Bologne to Florence with a couple of friends. We didn’t carry our gear, too old for that!
Walk details

Lighthouse and Maitre Island

Short easy walk with stunning clear water and TONS of very friendly fish at the Natural Pools in Isle of Pines
Walk details
My trusty Merrell walking shoes

Safety and Gear Essentials for Walking & Hiking in New Zealand

My guide to essential hiking gear and safety tips for New Zealand's terrain. Learn about proper footwear, clothing layers, and emergency essentials for a safe ...
Walk details
Big walk to the top of Mt Hobson on Great Barrier Island in great weather

Hiking in New Zealand: Weather Tips You Need to Know

Explore New Zealand hiking with our guide on weather considerations. Learn seasonal tips, local phenomena, and safety for a great outdoor experience.
Walk details
Choosing the Right Walking or Hiking Trail in New Zealand A Practical Guide

Choosing the Right Walking or Hiking Trail in New Zealand: A Practical Guide

My practical guide will show you how to choose walks based on your fitness, interests, and time, with tips on weather and scenery.
Walk details

The Natural Pool, Isle of Pines

Short easy walk with stunning clear water and TONS of very friendly fish at the Natural Pools in Isle of Pines
Walk details

Want to know more about walking and hiking in New Zealand?

Here are some common questions from other walkers…

Q1. What are the best hikes in New Zealand?

Q2. What is the best time of year to hike in New Zealand?

  • Answer: The best time for hiking or walking in most parts of New Zealand is during the spring and summer months (October to April) when the weather is warmer and the days are longer.

Q3. Are there any required permits or fees for hiking?

  • Answer: Some of the popular Great Walks require booking in advance and have associated fees. 99.9% of the walks on my website are totally FREE to walk.

Q4. What wildlife and plants might I see?

  • Answer: Depending on the region, you will usually see native birds like the fantail or tui, and unique flora such as the silver fern or kauri trees. Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife.

Q5. Can I do these hikes with children or pets?

  • Answer: Many walks are suitable for children, but pets are often not allowed so as to protect local wildlife, especially in national parks and on conservation lands.

Q6. Can I fly a drone on a walk in New Zealand?

Using a drone on walking tracks in New Zealand is generally restricted, especially in national parks and conservation areas managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Permissions Required: You must obtain a special permit from the DOC to fly a drone on most walking tracks, particularly those that pass through national parks or conservation land. DOC considers the impact on wildlife, the environment, and the experience of other visitors before granting permission.

  2. Respecting Wildlife and Environment: The use of drones can disturb wildlife and disrupt the natural environment, which is why restrictions are often strict in sensitive areas.

  3. Privacy of Others: Flying a drone on busy tracks can also infringe on the privacy and enjoyment of other track users. DOC’s policies aim to maintain the natural peace and enjoyment of outdoor spaces for all visitors.

  4. Safety Considerations: The safety of all visitors is a priority on walking tracks. Drones can pose risks if not operated carefully, especially in areas that are often crowded or have challenging terrain.