Walking & Cycling Trails
North Island
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk - Approx 10mins - Enjoy outstanding panoramic views and pay respect to a site steeped in Maori tradition on a short stroll to an iconic lighthouse - it's suitable for children.
Te Werahi Beach Walking Track - Approx 45min - From Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, this 2 km track follows the West Coast leading you down past steep cliffs to the long, sweeping Te Werahi Beach.
Tapotupotu Bay to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Walk - Approx 3hrs - Starting at Tapotupotu Bay, this 5 km track offers incredible views before descending into Sandy Bay and on to the Cape Reinga lighthouse. A great option for families camping at Tapotupotu.
Bay Of Islands
Twin Coast Cycle Trail - Opua to Kawakawa section approx 22km - Cycle along the beautiful Opua marina and onto a rail corridor to the vibrant rural town of Kawakawa.
Whangarei Heads
Mount Manaia Walking Track - Approx 2hrs - A steady climb through regenerating native bush to the summit of Mount Manaia rewards you with breath-taking views of the dramatic entrance to Whangārei-Terenga-Paraoa (Whangarei Harbour), one of the most dramatic harbour entrances in New Zealand.
Te Whara Walking Track - 5 to 6hrs (shorter sections can be walked) - The Te Whara track follows an ancient Māori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay. The track passes through some of the best coastal forest in the North Island before revealing a spectacular 360-degree panorama. It's one of our best day hikes.
Coromandel
Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) - Day or overnight - This popular walk leads to Pinnacles Hut, and on to the summit of the Pinnacles with spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Cathedral Cove Walk - 1.5hrs - Stunning views of the Coromandel coast guide you to the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove. This is one of our best short walks.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway - 45min or 4hrs return - The walkway follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi, giving access to impressive remains from the mining and railway eras, including two steel truss bridges and a 1 km rail tunnel.
Hauraki Rail Trail Cycleway - Section C from Paeroa to Waihi - This section of the Hauraki Rail Trail takes cyclists through the picturesque Karangahake Gorge including historic mining relics, spectacular views of bush clad mountains and through a 1km railway tunnel. It can be entered at Paeroa, Karangahake, Waikino and Waihi and is a Grade 1-2 (Easy) trail.
Waikato
Wairere Falls Walking Track - Approx 3 to 4hrs - Wairere Falls Track weaves its way through moss covered rocks and tree roots. Large round boulders form natural pools and cascading waterfalls.
Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls Walk - Approx 10 to 40mins - Walk to the top and then down to the base of these spectacular 55m falls.
Hakarimata Summit Walking Track - Approx 3hrs - Climb to the summit of Hakarimata (374 m) and enjoy good views for the summit tower out towards the coast, across the Waikato Basin and down to Ruapehu.
Waikato River Cycle Trail - Karapiro Section - We recommend starting from Little Waipa reserve where the Trail sits alongside Lake Karapiro and winds its way 6.2km to Arapuni Village. This extremely popular section of trail takes a route through a unique wetland over a 500m long continuous boardwalk. The destination for many is the Rhubarb Café in Arapuni Village.
Mt Maunganui
Mt Maunganui Summit Walk - Approx 40mins - You can see Mount Maunganui’s iconic mountain, Mauao, for miles around – and when you’re standing at its summit, the view is even more impressive.
Mt Maunganui Base Track Walk - Approx 45mins - The famous “base track” around Mauao in Mount Maunganui is one of New Zealand’s most popular scenic walks. The 3.4km route will take you full circle around this extinct volcano and can be walked in either direction to enjoy the crashing ocean waves and views across to Tauranga and Matakana Islands.
Waitomo
Marokopa Falls Walk - 20mins - The 35m high falls are often described as the most beautiful in the country. Here the Marokopa River cascades over the undercut greywacke basement rock.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk - 20 mins - Walk through an impressive limestone gorge that passes underneath a 17m high natural arch.
Rotorua
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest - large network of walking and mountain biking tracks - The Redwoods are renowned among mountain bikers as a premier riding destination. The forest also makes for some great walking.
Blue Lake Walking Track - Approx 1.5hrs - Enjoy native bush and quiet beaches. The track provides good opportunities to look out over the Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and Green Lake (Rotokakahi).
Skyline Rotorua Mountain Biking - network of tracks - Home to New Zealand's first all season Gondola assisted bike lift park, accessing world-class downhill mountain biking. Skyline MTB Park gives riders easy access to a 12-kilometre trail network featuring trails with varying terrain for all ability levels.
Taupo
Taupo Great Lake Cycle Trail - Win ding around the north-western corner of New Zealand’s largest lake, this intermediate, all-seasons trail features lush forest and wetlands, waterfalls, beaches, a volcanic gorge and ever-changing views from elevated lookouts.
Craters Mountain Bike Park - Over 50kms of single track trails that range from Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 4-5 (technical) so there is something for every mountain bike enthusiast.
Huka Falls Walking Tracks - 10mins to 1.5hrs - Take a scenic walk along the banks of the Waikato River, or simply explore the many lookout points at Huka Falls, one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand - these short, easy walks are great for kids.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro Alpine Crossing - full day hike - Trek across volcanic alpine landscapes of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views. *Parking restrictions apply (this is a one way walk - using a tour operator is suggested)
Hawke’s Bay
Te Mata Peak - network of walking and mountain biking trails - The famous Peak stands at 399 metres above sea level with panoramic views take in all directions. The Park lies on the edge of dramatic uplifted limestone hill country, cut through by the Tukituki River.
Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails - network of cycle trails - You can tackle as much as you like of nearly 200 kilometers of scenic trails and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, winding rivers, orchards, vineyards and mountains. Plus plenty of cafes, country pubs and world-class wineries for refreshing stops on the way (you can walk the trails too).
Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Walking Track - Approx 5hrs return - Discover panoramic coastal views, towering stratified cliff faces and Australasia's largest mainland gannet colony on this enjoyable beach walk. *Note - this walk can only be attempted during low tide.
Wellington
Remutaka Cycle Trail - With mulitple half and full day options this cycle trail has a little bit of everything, whether you're after riverside views, rugged coastlines or some history.
Paekakariki Escarpment Walking Track – Approx 3 to 4hrs - Take in spectacular views of Kāpiti Island from high above the Kāpiti Coastline on one of the region’s finest walking experiences.
South Island
Nelson Tasman
Abel Tasman Coast Track - half, full and multi-day walk/kayak/cruise options available - One of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. Blessed with a mild climate, golden beaches and lush coastal native bush, the Abel Tasman Coast Track has it all.
Te Waikoropupū Springs Walk - Approx 45min loop - Experience New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the largest coldwater springs in the southern hemisphere, with some of the clearest water ever measured.
Wainui Falls Track - Approx 1hr 20min return - A short walk through lush native bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls, the largest and most accessible falls in Golden Bay/Mohua - there's a long swing bridge for children to enjoy as well. It's one of our best short walks.
Tasman’s Great Taste Cycle Trail - The mix of rural, urban, coastal and riverside scenery is a fabulous feast for the eyes. Forming a big loop around the Nelson–Tasman region, the trail can be enjoyed in full over several days or dipped into on short hops or day rides.
Dun Mountain Cycle Trail - One of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine mountain bike rides, all the more memorable for its relatively easy up, exhilarating down, amazing rocky tops, sweet-smelling beech forest, and meandering river trail.
Wairoa Gorge Mountain Bike Park - The Gorge is home to well over 70km of hand-built mountain bike trails that run through a lush native and beech forest environment from a maximum elevation of 1200m. Think epic back country riding, mixed with bike park convenience.
St Arnaud Range Walking Track – Approx 5hrs return - Climb onto the St Arnaud Range for spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Lake Rotoiti (West Bay) walks - Approx 1hr to 1.5hrs - Explore West Bay on Lake Rotoiti on these short walks. A great way to explore this scenic lake with its mountainous backdrop.
Marlborough
Snout Walking Track - Approx 3hrs return - Close to Picton, the track ascends to the Queen Charlotte View Lookout, highlighting some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, revealing the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve walking tracks - 5min to 4hr options - Peter Jackson chose Pelorus Bridge as a filming location for scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
West Coast
Cape Foulwind Walkway - Approx 1hr 15min one way - A seal colony, a lighthouse and panoramic views of mountains and coastline feature on this spectacular coastal walkway. It's also one of our best short walks.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk - Approx 20min - Explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on this short, paved walk.
Pororari River walking tracks - 1.5 to 6hr options - Follow a spectacular limestone gorge on a short walk, or make a loop for a longer walk.
Point Elizabeth Walkway - Approx 1hr 45min - Enjoy walking through varied and interesting forest to a panoramic, cliff top viewing platform.
West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail - The Mahinapua Magic section is a great day ride option, taking you from Hokitika to the exhilirating West Coast Treetop Walkway via Lake Mahinapua (then returning to Hokitika the same way).
Hokitika Gorge Walk - Approx 15min - Enjoy excellent views of the blue-green waters of the Hokitika River as it makes its way through the rock sided Hokitika Gorge.
Franz Joseph Glacier Walk - Approx 1.5hrs - Follow a rocky riverbed path, past a waterfall to Franz Josef Glacier viewing area.
Fox Glacier Walk - Approx 1hr - Get spectacular views of Fox Glacier/Te Moeke o Tuawe on one of our best short walks.
Lake Matheson/Te Ara Kairaumati Walk - Approx 1.5hrs - One of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand. On a clear day it reflects Mount Cook.
Arthur’s Pass
Devils Punchbowl Walking Track - Approx 1hr return - Feel the full force and sound of fresh mountain water falling 131 m down one of New Zealand’s most stunning waterfalls. It's one of our best short walks.
Arthur’s Pass Walking Track - Approx 2hrs 40min - Experience the best of Arthur’s Pass's diverse alpine vegetation, waterfalls, wetlands, rich history and stunning mountain views on this walk.
Aoraki Mt Cook & Tekapo
Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks - Approx 1hr - View New Zealand's longest glacier, the mighty Haupapa/Tasman Glacier on one of our best short walks.
Aoraki/Mount Cook village short walks - Various lengths under 4 hours - Several walks around the village provide views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding native alpine bush.
Red Tarns Walking Track - Approx 2hrs return - Walk to tarns with red pond weed and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Kea Point Walking Track - Approx 2hr return from village or 1hr return from campground - This walk gently winds its way through subalpine grasslands and scrub to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall
Hooker Valley Walking Track - Approx 3hrs return - Enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana on one of our best day hikes - wind up the Hooker Valley past alpine streams and glaciers in the shadow of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail - Multiple day ride options available - New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook – is just one unforgettable sight on this epic journey from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.
Lake Tekapo walking tracks – These tracks can be reached on foot from Lake Tekapo township. Hiking up Mount John is a must do with 360-degree views of the lake and the Mackenzie Basin, accompanied by a charming café and the Observatory. Cowans Hill is another walk with spectacular views.
Wanaka
Blue Pools Walking Track - Approx 1hr return - Nestled among mature beech and podocarp forest, these pools of deep, clear water flowing into the Makarora River offer a moment of tranquillity. This is one of our best short walks.
Haast Pass/Tioripatea Highway short walks - 5min to 2hr options - A number of short walks begin at the highway's edge between Makarora to Haast. Favourites include walks to the Blue Pools, Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls and Roaring Billy.
Roys Peak Walking Track - Approx 5 to 6hrs - Take in breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit. This is a popular track and one of our best day hikes.
Mount Iron Walking Track - Approx 1.5hrs - This very popular loop walk offers excellent 360-degree views – it's close to Wanaka and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Lakeside Mountain Bike Trail - multiple length options - Flat and easy to begin with, the trail gradually becomes more challenging, climbing to high lookouts.
Sticky Forest Mountain Biking Trails - network of trails - This smorgasbord of undulating pine forest mountain biking trails is within freewheeling distance of Wanaka.
Deans Bank Mountain Biking Trail - Approx 1 to 2hrs - This fast and flowing single-track mountain biking circuit has million-dollar views of the mighty Clutha/Mata-Au River and Wanaka Basin.
Queenstown
Queenstown Trail - mulitple length options - On the shores of Lake Wakatipu starts a great journey, over 130kms of off-road trails taking you from Queenstown to Gibbston via historic Arrowtown. Walk or ride the trail and choose the length that best suits you.
Queenstown Hill Time Walk – Approx 3hrs - For a moderate challenge, starting directly from downtown, visitors can test their legs on the Queenstown Hill Loop Track up to the ‘Basket of Dreams’, a favourite lookout spot.
Ben Lomond Walking Track - full day hike - The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain. On clear days trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views.
Jack's Point Walking Track - Approx 4hrs - A walk with superb lake and mountain views over undulating open grassland and scattered scrub, ending at Jack's Point.
Skyline Queenstown Mountain Biking - network of trails - With over 30 world class downhill MTB trails totalling over 30 kms of riding and 450 metres of vertical descent, the Queenstown Bike Park is easily one of the best places to ride a mountain bike.
Central Otago
Roxburgh Gorge Cycle Trail - ride part of this full day trail - One of New Zealand’s most visually spectacular and intriguing day rides, this trail follows the Clutha Mata-au River past eroded bluffs and old gold workings.
Clutha Gold Cycle Trail - ride part of this multi-day trail - Winding along the Clutha Mata-au River between Roxburgh and Lawrence, this easy trail is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the stunning rural and riverside scenes of Central Otago’s Teviot Valley.
Dunedin & Surrounds
Tunnel Beach Walking Track - Approx 1hr - This short walk goes through an excavated tunnel kids will love, to a secluded beach and a spectacular, rocky coastline.
Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track Walk - multiple length options - An attractive, forest-lined river walk of three sections that has several natural features.
Moeraki Boulders Walk - Approx 10min - Take a walk to the Moeraki Boulders - geological marvels, exposed by erosion of sedimentary rocks laid down from 65 to 13 million years ago.
Fiordland
Mirror Lakes Walk - Approx 10min - Stroll among small lakes with lovely reflections of the Earl Mountains on this easy, short walk off Milford Road.
Lake Gunn Nature Walk - Approx 45min - Experience wild Fiordland on one of our best short walks - wander through red beech forest, enjoying glimpses of the birdlife of the Eglinton valley, Lake Gunn and the surrounding mountains.
Routeburn Track: Key Summit Track - half-day - Enjoy panoramic views over mountains and alpine lakes on this half-day walk off Milford Road on the Routeburn Track (one of 10 New Zealand Great Walks).
The Chasm Walk - Approx 20min - Dramatic views of powerful waterfalls and water-sculpted shapes in the rocks will keep you interested on this short, easy walk.
Te Anau Visitor Centre to Kepler Track Carpark Walk - Approx 50min - This is an easy walking track along the lake edge, past the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to the start of the Kepler Track, with picnic, swimming and photo spots.
Southland
Waituna Lagoon Walking tracks - 10min to 2hr options - You can stroll the boardwalk, walk the loop track through wetland tarns or walk along the spectacular white quartz beach to the outlet of Waituna Lagoon.
McLean Falls Walk - Approx 40min - Walk to the spectacular 22m McLean Falls though a variety of forest and shrub types.
*Note – some of the cycle/walking trails included may be part of a multi/full day excursion, however, smaller parts of the tracks can be completed depending on the time you have available.