In 2018, we embarked on our greatest hiking challenge yet: the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand in 9 Weeks!
It was one of the greatest things we've ever done. If you want to see how it went or do one of the Great Walks, then check out our articles below!
1. The Routeburn (Fiordland)
A stunning 2-3 day walk that goes from Glenorchy to The Divide in Fiordland. Expect stunning ridge lines, waterfalls and glacier views along the way.
The age old question: which of the Routeburn, Milford or Kepler Track should you do? We love them all, but we’ll also tell you which of the three is the best.
The Routeburn Track was the first of the Great 9 Walks we were hiking in 9 weeks and it's a pretty special track to start with. Even in bad weather, it's a stunning track that weaves through electric blue rivers, mountains, glaciers and ridges, offering spectacular views when the clouds part.
Finally, after all the planning and waiting, the first of our 9 Great Walks was here, and we were beyond excited to be starting with the World famous Routeburn Track. It’s a hike we’ve both wanted to do for years and we couldn’t think of a better way to start our big challenge.
2. The Milford Track (Fiordland)
“The Finest Walk in the World” should be on everyone’s bucket list. This historic 4 day track links Te Anau with Milford Sound - an incredible natural wonder. This walk will blow you away.
Everything you need to know to hike the Milford Track: how to book the hike, difficulty, what to expect, what the huts are like and a comprehensive guide to the finest walk in the world.
The age old question: which of the Routeburn, Milford or Kepler Track should you do? We love them all, but we’ll also tell you which of the three is the best.
Of all the Great Walks in New Zealand, the Milford Track is the most popular and the most famous. However, just in case you didn't know about the aptly described "finest walk in the world", then check out our 53 photos for some inspiration!
The second of our 9 Great Walks was The Milford Track, something we'd been wanting to do for a decade now. Before starting the 9 Great Walks in 9 Weeks challenge, it was probably the hike we were looking forward to the most. It's an iconic track and we've heard about so many others doing it. However, we weren't quite so sure how much we were going to enjoy it when we saw the forecast...
3. The Kepler Track (Fiordland)
The Kepler Track is a hidden gem and possibly our favourite of all the Great Walks. This 4 day hike will take you across some of the most stunning ridges and views you’ll see anywhere in the world. This is another that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The Kepler Track truly is one of the Great Walks in New Zealand and is one of our favourites. The ridge lines and views all the way through are stunning! We’ll tell you all about the elevation, difficulty, how to book onto the trail, description of each hut and everything you need to know about this epic hike.
The age old question: which of the Routeburn, Milford or Kepler Track should you do? We love them all, but we’ll also tell you which of the three is the best.
We're only three trails into our 9 Great Walks in 9 Weeks and we're already wondering if the Kepler Track is going to be the best, it's that good. Situated in the stunning Fiordland National Park, the trail goes through forests into a ridgeline that gives million dollar views. But don't just take our word for it, see our photos below.
It's a controversial statement, but the Kepler Track is our favourite of the three Great Walks of New Zealand we've done so far (edging out the Routeburn and Milford). Want to know why we loved it so much? Well here's our account of the trail.
4. The Rakiura (Stewart Island)
Short, but sweet, The Rakiura is a 2 day hike around one of New Zealand’s wildest areas. As well as hiking through ancient woodland and beautiful beaches, you’ll have the best chance of seeing Stewart Island’s favourite native (and New Zealand icon): the kiwi.
If you are looking for one of the quietest Great Walks in pristine wilderness then Stewart Island's Rakiura Track should be high on your list. The trail at the very South of New Zealand is an easy track that can be walked by anyone of average fitness.
The fourth of our 9 Great Walks was the Rakiura Track, Stewart Island's Great Walk. If you're looking for a Great Walk that's really off the beaten track with the potential for seeing kiwi, then this is the trail for you.
5. The Abel Tasman Coast Track (South Island)
At times the Abel Tasman Coast Track was so enjoyable and relaxed that we forgot we were on a multi-day hike! The track weaves along the coast going from beaches to forest seemlessly for 4 days. With infrastructure such as pack transfers, water taxis and even wi-fi in the huts, this is a hike for those who don’t want to be completely detached from the outside world.
Everything you need to know about the Abel Tasman Coast Track - one of the best in New Zealand: how difficult it is, how to book, water taxis and pack transport, what the huts are like and why you should hike this incredible track.
The Abel Tasman Track is one of the most popular of the Great Walks and New Zealand and having hiked it, we can see why. Stunning beaches, beautiful forests and endless sunshine made this one of the best hikes we've ever done.If that hasn't persuaded you to go, then check out our photos from the hike below.
The Abel Tasman Track is pure bliss for someone wanting to do a multi-day hike that's not too steep, not too long, has paradise views all the way and a water taxi service to take all the hassle out of bags and transport. At points it didn't feel like a hike, but a holiday stroll from beach to beach.
6. The Heaphy Track (South Island)
The Heaphy Track is the perfect hike for anyone wanting a diverse trail where you’ll only see anyone else when you get to the hut for the night. Going from Golden Bay to the wild West Coast, the Heaphy is a beautiful 4 day hike that offers everything: mountains, beech forests, rivers, palm trees, wild coastlines and great opportunities to see wild animals.
The Heaphy Track is the one of the longest of the Great Walks of New Zealand, so a little planning can make a huge difference to how much you enjoy this track. Here's our guide to everything you need to know before hiking the Heaphy Track.
Want to hike a Great Walk that few people do? Then the Heaphy Track is calling. Four day, 80km and barely anyone else in sight.
The Heaphy Track is the longest of all the Great Walks in New Zealand, coming in at nearly 80km across four days. It's often overlooked for its more glamorous neighbour - Abel Tasman - but we loved the quietness and diversity of this Great Walk.
7. The Whanganui Journey (North Island)
The one Great Walk that doesn’t involve any walking! The Whanganui Journey is one for the adventure lover, paddling through the wild Whanganui River for 3-5 days with wild gorges and a few rapids for good measure. Trust us, this is an adventure you’ll never forget.
The Whanganui River Journey is a fun alternative "Great Walk" and can be done by anyone (even novices like us). As it's not as straight forward as the other Great Walks, it requires a little planning to ensure you've got everything covered.
Our 7th Great Walk didn't involve walking, but canoeing for 5 days on the beautiful Whanganui River on the North Island of New Zealand.
8. The Tongariro Northern Circuit (North Island)
Hikes don’t get more epic than the Tongariro Northern Circuit and the trail through this volcanic landscape is one of the greatest walks we’ve ever done. In this 2-3 day hike you’ll pass 3 volcanoes, the incredible Emerald Lakes and be in awe as you walk through landscapes that range from the surface of the moon to lush green forests and everything in-between. This is another for the bucket list.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit may be one of the best hikes we've ever done! Here's everything you need to know know for this hike including the difficulty, how to book, how you can hike the whole thing in 2 days and what to expect from this stunning hike.
We loved hiking the Tongariro Northern Circuit. But it's one of those hikes where only the photos do it justice. Here's our favourite 38 to show you just how great this hike is.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit has to be one of the best walks we’ve ever done. Hiking around this volcanic landscape was like walking through Mordor to Mount Doom.
9. Lake Waikaremoana (North Island)
If you want a quiet multi-day walk through a land that few people visit, then Lake Waikaremoana is for you. This 3-4 day trail takes you up a mountain, through dense forest and around the beautiful Lake Waikaremoana, a place that has a long and significant history with the Maori population.
Lake Waikaremoana is the quietest of all the Great Walks and is perfect for those who love a back country style walk. Here's everything you need to know before embarking on this Great Walk.
Our final Great Walk of New Zealand was Lake Waikaremoana, one of the quietest. It also had a few surprises in store for us.
Everything you need to know about the stunning Routeburn Track: what to expect, transport, distance, elevation, difficulty, information on the huts and how to make the most of this amazing hike.