Backpack New Zealand’s Best “Great Walks” and Tramping Trails

Aotearoa, “land of the long white cloud”, New Zealand:   vast alpine vistas of shimmering waterfalls, golden-green sheep-dotted hills overlooked by snowy crags, deep fiords carpeted with ancient podocarp and tree fern forests, sweeping white-sand beaches with turquoise water, exotic native birdlife…and friendly, down-to-earth, welcoming people.  New Zealand is a nirvana for trekkers who love a physical challenge while surrounded by staggering unspoiled scenery.  For backpackers the country offers nine “Great Walks” – premier walking tracks of two to seven days length that pass through the full range of the country’s diverse and spectacular scenery, have well-equipped staffed huts, well-formed trails and convenient transport services, and can generally be booked in advance – as well as hundreds of long and short walking trails throughout the country with basic ‘first-come-first-served’ huts and campgrounds conveniently scattered along their length.  Public bus and private transport services link the country’s towns and cities with parks, trailheads and major sights, accommodations come in a diverse range from inexpensive to luxurious but always with special “Kiwi hospitality”, and the food and wine scene is surprisingly excellent.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Global Adventures
• Seasons: Year-round, January, February, March, April, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous/Very Strenuous
• High Point: 7,000 ft

• Parking Permit Required:
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 16
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12