Top Day Hikes in New Zealand: 10 North and South Island Trails - Outward Bound

Top Day Hikes in New Zealand: 10 North and South Island Trails

New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking day hikes - places that offer an opportunity to get away from the noise, soak in nature’s beauty, and even challenge yourself. Whether you’re after a physical challenge, or just some space to think and reconnect, Aoteroa's beautiful landscape offers plenty of options.

At Outward Bound, we use the mountains, bush, and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds as our classroom. They've have helped people from all walks of life build resilience, confidence, clarity, and so much more. Nature has a way of teaching us more than we ever expect, and it all starts with stepping outside.

The benefits we reap are more than just physical. Studies show that just two hours a week in nature significantly boosts health, wellbeing, and cognitive performance. So, to help you get your weekly quota of nature, we’ve rounded up some of the best hikes across the North Island and South Island, with options for every fitness level.

Before you go, remember to check weather conditions and the DOC website for any warnings or closures. Difficulty levels in alpine environments may change based on the season, so please keep this in mind and don't overestimate your abilities.

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Top 10 Day Hikes in the North Island

1. Mercer Bay Loop

A relatively easy coastal loop with stunning views of the Tasman Sea and rugged cliffs.

  • Location: Auckland
  • Distance: 2.2km loop
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

2. Rangitoto Summit

Walk well-formed paths through lava fields and the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest to see panoramic views of Auckland.

  • Location: Auckland
  • Distance: 7km return
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

3. Ōmanawanui Track

A scenic hike through native bush and along rugged ridgelines, offering panoramic views of the Waitākere Ranges and Manukau Harbour.

  • Location: Auckland
  • Distance: 4.3km return
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

4. Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)

A steep climb through the Coromandel Range leading to incredible views of the surrounding forest and the iconic Pinnacles summit.

  • Location: Coromandel
  • Distance: 14km return
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

5. Mount Karioi Track

A challenging track offering panoramic views over the Tasman Sea and Raglan’s black sand beaches.

  • Location: Raglan
  • Distance: 8.2km return
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

6. Te Aroha Summit Track

A steep climb to the summit with 360-degree views over the Waikato region and Bay of Plenty.

  • Location: Waikato
  • Distance: 7.8km return
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

7. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

An iconic hike offering views of volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and rugged terrain. One of the best day hikes in New Zealand.

  • Location: Central North Island
  • Distance: 20.2km one way
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

8. Cooks Cove Walkway

A scenic coastal walk through farmland and native bush, finishing at the picturesque Cooks Cove.

  • Location: Gisborne
  • Distance: 5.8km return
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

9. Kapakapanui Track

A challenging hike through native forest to a ridge with incredible views of the Wellington region.

  • Location: Wellington
  • Distance: 12-13km loop
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

10. Mākara Walkway

A coastal track that weaves through Wellington’s eastern suburbs, offering views of the city, coastline, and nearby islands.

  • Location: Wellington
  • Distance: 7.4km loop
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The view from the Mercer Bay Loop

Mercer Bay Loop in Auckland

View of Auckland from Rangitoto Summit

Rangitoto Summit Track

View from Ōmanawanui Track

Ōmanawanui Track in West Auckland

Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)

Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)

The view from the Mount Te Aroha Summit

Mount Te Aroha Summit Track in Waikato

The view from Mount Karioi

Mount Karioi Summit Track in Raglan

The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Central North Island

The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Cooks Cove Walkway

Cooks Cove Walkway

Kapakapanui Track in Wellington

Kapakapanui Track in Wellington

Top 10 Day Hikes in the South Island

1. Mount Robert Circuit

A loop track with spectacular views of Lake Rotoiti and the surrounding mountains.

  • Location: Nelson
  • Distance: 9.5 km loop
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

2. Mount Stokes Track

A steep climb through lush forest leading to breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds.

  • Location: Marlborough
  • Distance: 7km return
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Note: After years of being closed to the public, Kenepuru Road to Mount Stokes is re-opening on 17th December 2024. Please check the DOC website ahead of time for any changes.

3. Alex Knob Track

A tough climb leading to panoramic views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding rainforests. 

  • Location: West Coast
  • Distance: 17.2km return
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

4. Hooker Valley Track

A relatively easy walk that leads to the stunning Hooker Lake with views of the mighty Mount Cook.

  • Location: Mount Cook National Park
  • Distance: 10 km return
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

5. Mount Alford Track

A challenging hike with rewarding views over the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.

  • Location: Canterbury
  • Distance: 10 km return
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

6. Roy’s Peak Track

A popular hike offering some of the best views in the country, with gorgeous views of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps.

  • Location: Wanaka
  • Distance: 16 km return
  • Duration: 5-7 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

7. Rocky Mountain Track

A scenic loop offering stunning views of Lake Wanaka, surrounding peaks, and alpine landscapes.

  • Location: Wanaka
  • Distance: 7km loop
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

8. Ben Lomond

A rewarding hike that offers sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, and the Remarkables Range.

  • Location: Queenstown
  • Distance: 11 km return
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

9. Lake Marian Track

A beautiful walk to a stunning alpine lake, surrounded by steep peaks and waterfalls.

  • Location: Fiordland
  • Distance: 6.2 km return
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

10. Routeburn Falls Hut

A shorter but stunning part of the famous Routeburn Track, leading to the beautiful Routeburn Falls.

  • Location: Glenorchy
  • Distance: 19.6km return
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Robert Circuit in Nelson

Mount Robert Circuit in Nelson

A person taking in the view from Mount Stokes

Mount Stokes in the Marlborough Sounds

Views of Franz Josef Glacier from Alex Knob Track

Views of Franz Josef Glacier from Alex Knob Track

Breathtaking views from the Hooker Valley Track

Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park

Roy's Peak in Wanaka

Roy's Peak in Wanaka

Rocky Mountain Track in Wanaka

Rocky Mountain Track in Wanaka

The view from the Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown

View from Ben Lomond in Queenstown

Lake Marian Track in Fiordland National Park

Lake Marian Track in Fiordland National Park

A running river on the Routeburn Track

Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Falls Hut

If you're yearning for full immersion in New Zealand's beautiful outdoors, an Outward Bound experience could be just what you're after. Nestled in Anakiwa, our courses use the stunning landscape of the Marlborough Sounds to challenge you physically and mentally, while offering the chance to reconnect with yourself and the world around you in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else. 

We offer courses ranging from 5-days to 21-days for people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. With nature as our classroom, we help you grow, build resilience, and return home feeling grounded and like a better version of yourself. If you’re looking for an outdoor experience that’s as transformative as it is beautiful, check out our courses.

Ready to head out on a hike? As always, be sure to wear appropriate hiking gear, ensure you have enough food and water, and let loved ones know your plans. And when it gets tough, remember, 'There is more in you'. Happy hiking!

Want to explore the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment? Discover an Outward Bound experience here.