The best day hikes in New Zealand
New Zealand is probably one of my favourite places on this planet. I love how well organized it is there, how nice people are, the wine, and, obviously, the magnificent landscapes. One of the best ways to enjoy these landscapes is hiking. There are so many amazing tracks to choose from depending on where in New Zealand you are, your fitness level, time of the year, and duration of the hike. When you are a first-time visitor traveling from far away, and only have a week or two to visit, however, the choices are limited. You must pick very carefully what you will be visiting and prioritize so it all fits nicely in your schedule. After all, there are so many amazing hikes in New Zealand, you’d need years to cover all of them.
So how do you choose?
I’ve certainly found it a bit of a challenge because I always want to go everywhere. And because of that, we have more than once found ourselves in a hurry, and exhausted, unable to spare time for anything that we hadn’t planned for.
In this post I’ve listed my top five day hikes in New Zealand. There are many articles which will describe some, if not all of these hikes as the ultimate best must visit hikes in New Zealand. And there are good reasons for this. So not to reiterate what plenty of other websites agree on, I’ll focus on what’s good and what’s bad about each route. Hopefully, this will help you decide which are the best hikes for you.
The Pain Chart
In order to choose, there are many factors to consider and compare against. To illustrate this, I’ve created “The Pain Chart”.
What is that, you ask? It is a representation of the ratio between a hike’s general difficulty and its benefits. “Pain” describes how long a hike takes, how difficult it is, how rough is the terrain, and how much my feet hurt at the end of the hike. “Gain” relates to how good the views are along the way, points of interest, amenities, and overall satisfaction once you get to a bench at the end of the hike. The best value for effort hikes, so to speak, then end up in the lower right quadrant where the gain is high, and the pain is low. The top right quadrant contains the toughest but also really wonderful tracks.
So, here’s the list of the top 5 hikes in New Zealand in order of difficulty. Of course, this is all a product of our subjective opinion. Your experience could be different, but hopefully this will help you in your research.
#1 Cathedral Cove
The hike to Cathedral Cove is really more of a a relaxed walk. Depending on where you start the hike and whether you take diversions or not it can take about an hour or a bit more. We started our hike from the Hahei Beach car park which adds another 20-30 minutes to that hour. The path is marked from there, and there are plenty of signs along the way. If you take this route, it’s a short walk along the beach, followed by a somewhat steep climb through a forest. The path then joins the main track that starts from the top car park at Grange road. You can’t park there though – it is a pickup and drop off zone. The road from there on is generally flat, wide, and paved.
There are other ways to visit Cathedral Cove besides walking, such as water taxis and kayaks.
The best time to visit is at low tide, otherwise the cave could be flooded. Best time to take pictures is between high and low tide when there is little water in the cave.
There are no restaurants near the beach, so if you plan on spending a long time there, make sure you brought enough food and beverages with you.
Keep in mind that this is a very touristy spot, and the beach can get crowded.
If you need a place to stay in Hahei, I highly recommend Hahei bed and breakfast. It’s gorgeous, sparkling clean, and the hosts are wonderful.
The Pros:
- Very easy hike.
- Gorgeous beach.
The Cons:
Could get very crowded during the day.
#2 Ben Lomond
Ben Lomond is a great hike because it is relatively easy if you take the Gondola for the first steep part and the views are very rewarding. The trail starts off through a pine forest. Once out of the forest, you’ll have amazing views of the Wakatipu lake and the mountains surrounding Queenstown behind you. Once you get to the saddle, you will have this view on your left, and on your right a gorgeous scenery of mountains will open up. If you’re interested in learning more about the trail, here is a post about our experience with it.
The Pros:
- Can be an easy hike.
- Amazing views.
- Not too crowded.
The Cons:
Nothing really. I guess the only thing to consider is that the last part of the trail is very exposed, and can get quite cold and windy.
#3 Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the most famous hikes in New Zealand. It takes you through a volcanic landscape among craters and lakes painted by sulfur compounds. This is a wonderful trail, and I highly recommend it. The terrain is rather rough and difficult at times, but it is worth the effort. One part of the trail takes you between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, aka Mount Doom. There are many points of interest along the way, and if you’d like to know more, you can read about it here.
The Pros:
- Mount Doom.
- Plenty of beautiful spots along the track.
The Cons:
- Gets very crowded.
- Requires you to arrange transport to the beginning and from the end of the trail.
#4 The Pouakai Crossing
This is another famous trail. There is one particular spot that this hike is best known for – the Pouakai Tarns. The small lake where the gorgeous Mount Taranaki is reflected on the surface. On a clear day this is a breathtaking image. Not our luck, though as it was covered in clouds, but regardless, the views along the track are amazing. One thing I found most inconvenient, and why I gave it a pain score of 8, is that most of the track consists of a horrendous number of stairs. That can be very tough on the knees, I certainly was not prepared.
The Pros:
- Much, much beauty all along.
The Cons:
- Stairs.
- Transport must be arranged.
#5 Roy’s Peak
By far the most famous of them all is Roy’s Peak near Wanaka. The lookout over lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains where you can take a Leonardo DiCaprio on Titanic style photo attracts tourists from all over the world. While the view from the top is extremely rewarding, this also ranks highest on the pain chart. The reason being there is a constant incline to get there. And it is steep. Another reason for the score is that when I say this one is famous, I mean it. The track gets extremely busy. People start hiking very early. Like 3 am early. There are queues for pictures at the lookout as well. If you’d like to know more about the hike, you can do so here.
The Pros:
- Incredible views along the way.
- Wide and well-defined track.
The Cons:
- Tough ascent.
- Tough descent.
- Very busy track.
- Queues at the lookout.
- Parking gets full very quickly.
The takeaway
Whichever trail you take, you will not regret it. New Zealand is an exciting place and every piece of it is worthy of admiration. Even if you don’t manage to see everything you want to, you will certainly promise yourself to come back. I hope you manage to keep that promise. I know I will.
I love this guide. The only hike I did not manage when I visited is Ben Lomond and it looks amazing, so this is a great excuse to return! I absolutely loved the Tongariro Crossing and Cathedral Cove. I love how different they are – but still so amazing. The most difficult one I found was Roy’s Peak, I wish I had done some stretches after coming down, because the burn was real the next day! I don’t know if it was the same for you, but when we hiked it, lots of people just took pictures at the lookout and then did not climb to the top, which I really did not understand!
Thanks, Rachel! I already have a whole list of excuses to go back to New Zealand 🙂 We didn’t get to the top of Roy’s Peak either, and the reason was that our feet stopped working after several consecutive days of hiking, and we barely made it down in one piece, but initially we did intend to go all the way up. It seems that most people only care about getting the photo at the lookout, though, which I also find odd.
All of these hikes look beautiful! I’m dying to get to New Zealand some day, it looks like such a beautiful country!
Hi Sue, it really is beautiful! I hope you can visit soon 🙂
I have so many thoughts reading through this. 1- these hikes sound/look incredible. 2- your photography is amazing!!! 3- I love that you named it a pain chart!😂ha! It makes sense if your factor in the pain in your feet, lol!
Thanks, Megan! I am happy you enjoyed this post 🙂 and the hikes are really amazing!
One of my friends has been living in New Zealand and I’ve been jealous of all the beautiful places she gets to see.
Hi Brianna, I am now jealous, too 🙂
Some great ideas here for New Zealand hikes. The pain chart is very useful. Thanks for sharing, especially the pictures.
Thanks! I am happy you enjoyed my post 🙂
What beautiful walks here! And I love that you give pros and cons this is so so helpful! Especially to a nervous walker like me xx
Thanks, Charlotte! I am glad you found it helpful 🙂
I’ve only been to NZ once many years ago and due to an unavoidable situation, had to shorten the trip from three weeks to one week. Still managed to see Christchurch, Aoraki, and Akaroa. But I’m itching to go back and explore more of this beautiful country. Saving this list for my future visit.
Hi Ummi, I hope you can go back there soon. I didn’t want to leave 🙂
I absolutely love this! The photography is stunning, and I think the pain chart is hilarious. Can’t wait to go back to NZ someday!
Thanks, Lily 🙂
Wow this looking incredible, what an amazing guide! NZ has been on the list for such a long time, this will defiantly come in handy for when we get to plan out visit.
Thanks, Katie!
Wow… These views are breathtaking. My mom has been talking about wanting to move to NZ lately, but this definitely makes me wanna go with her, lol!
My mom’s thinking the same and I don’t blame her. The only problem with New Zealand is that it is soooo far!
I might get into hiking after seeing these beautiful places . Nature is so amazing and I need to see some of it .
I highly recommend all of these hikes. Even though some of them are strenuous, they are all very much worth the effort 🙂
Beautiful views! I’d love to do these hikes. Very comprehensive resource, thanks for putting this together!
Thanks, Jamie!
NZ is the gift that keeps on giving. Wow. I have longed to visit NZ forever! I will definitely allow time in the itinerary for a couple of these hikes, especially Tongarario. Also, epic photos.
X
Thanks, Amy! My advice is to spend as much time as you can in New Zealand, there is just too much to see and do, and it is all worth it 🙂
These look amazing! Such stunning views and photos!
Thanks, Denise!
Lovely Post! The photos are amazing! Lots of useful information! I hope I get to New Zealand someday, it looks like such an amazing country! Saving this list for my future list. Greetings from Croatia
Thanks, Bozena! It is really one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. By the way, I love Croatia, I have great memories from there. Greetings from Bulgaria 🙂
New Zealand is definitely on my list of places to go and this list of hikes makes it all the more so. It looks beautiful.
Hi Jessica, it really is even more beautiful than it looks in the photos. You will have to see it with your own eyes 🙂
These hikes look stunning. Thank you for the pain chart. It makes it easy to assess which hikes to attempt first. I would love to visit someday!
Thanks, Adriana! I hope you can visit soon 🙂
Okay.. your pain chart may just be my favorite feature I’ve seen on any hiking related post ever. Very important information that people seem to just skim over, like hello I want to know exactly how much I will be hurting after haha. Jokes aside, great post would love to visit NZ. Also I didn’t know they are known for wine until this article. All the more reason to visit.
Thanks, Jaqueline! I am a huge fan of New Zealand white wines especially from the South Island regions. If you could, try the Sleeping Giant, I think it is a good representative that is imported worldwide. Next time I visit I will spend more time touring the wineries, I think 🙂
Wow these hikes look so stunning. Great guide!
Thanks, Kara 🙂
Hi there – I thought the “pain chart” was hilarious. It was the first thing that caught my attention! I would LOVE to visit New Zealand someday. It looks absolutely amazing. Great share. Saving and pinning for our future trip!
Thanks, Ashlee! I hope you can visit New Zealand soon, it is such an amazing land 🙂
I love your pain chart! Super helpful to figure out which hikes to invest time and energy in 🙂
Thanks, Tiffany! I am glad you found it useful 🙂
Uuuum yup I gotta go hiking in New Zealand. All of them sound & look incredible. And the pain chart – that was brilliant!
Thanks, Tina 🙂
I am not sure if and when I will make it to New Zealand, but ALL of these hikes look absolutely gorgeous and I would not hesitate to do them all. The views are incredible. Love your photos!!
Thanks, Ildiko 🙂
New Zeland is so far from where I am so when I make it there, I’ll reference this article to make it worth it!
Hi Jamie, I hope you can make it there soon. And trust me, you will not want to leave 🙂
I love the idea of adding pros and cons to each so everyone knows what to expect before they embark on their journey!! Thanks soo much for sharing! These all look like amazing hikes to take and escape city life for a while!
Hi Kelsey,
Thank you! The pros and cons were what I needed before I went there myself, so I am happy that you find these useful 🙂
I love hiking so much, and New Zealand looks like a beautiful place to explore! Definitely saving this list for when I get the chance to visit. Roy’s Peak looks especially stunning!
Hi Brittany,
New Zealand is definitely the place to go hiking. If you’re interested, I wrote about our experience with Roy’s Peak and you can find the post here. If you want to do a multi day hike, Milford Sound is amazing 🙂
I’ve done the Tongariro Crossing and it was incredible. I’ll look forward to doing some more of these hikes when I return to NZ. They all look spectacular. The no pain, no gain chart is clever.
Thanks, Karen! I hope you enjoy those hikes as much as I did 🙂
Your photos are spectacular. Although I don’t hike, this is a terrific guide for those that do. I especially like the pain chart.
Hi Sandra,
Thank you very much! I am happy you liked it 🙂
I usually like the more challenging hikes but Cathedral Cove still looks like a place I need to check out. The colors on those pictures are gorgeous. All of these hikes are something I’d like to do, I really need to get back to New Zealand
Thanks, Emma! I know how you feel, I would go back tomorrow if I could.
Mount Ngauruhoe looks so gorgeous but with a nickname like “mt doom”, I think I will pass!!
Don’t let the name hold you back 🙂 it’s an amazing hike!
Exploring New Zealand for a few weeks is one of my dreams 🙂 All those hikes look incredible, I can’t wait to travel there! The chart is such a great idea, I love it!
Hi,
I am glad you enjoyed it! Trust me, a few weeks is not enough time, there is way too much to see and do in New Zealand. I hope you get to go there soon 🙂
I have to say that the Ben Lomond trail is absolutely stunning and in fact reminds me of a similar looking hike that i’ve been on in Madeira. It looks so peaceful and the view is so majestic as well. It has been a dream of mine to go to New Zealand for quite some time but I have never had the chance to go as of yet! Stunning photos x
Hi Ana,
Thanks a lot! Ben Lomond was my favourite because of the stunning views and the fact that it is not a very touristy trail. Also it is just above Queenstown which is an amazing place. I hope you get the chance to visit soon!
I haven’t been to New Zealand yet but your photos are amazing and you really made me want to go. I’m a walking lover so your information is very useful. Thanks for sharing
Hi Miriam,
Thanks! New Zealand definitely deserves a place on any travel bucket list in my opinion. I hope you could visit soon 🙂
Lol I love your pain vs gains chart!
We did a few of these and I have to admit, I had no idea before we hiked it that Roy’s Peak was so much more famous than the others! I was super surprised to see sooooo many hikers taking photos there – it was amaaaazing location for the views and the happy sheep though.
I have one more for you to try next time – Have you heard of the tramp up to Mueller Hut near Mount Cook? I think I liked that one even more than Roys Peak (but it was also a bit higher on the pain/gain chart too…)
Thanks, Josy! I knew Roy’s Peak was famous, but I did not expect that many people either. I would love to head up Mueller Hut, I have a list of hiking recommendations from locals and I am adding this one as well. I was intending to do another one in that area – Hooker Valley, but sadly we did not have time.
Wooow, this is such a wonderful guide – everything said shortly but with the most important information!
If I needed to choose, I would take the Ben Lomond hike, cause it’s not so hard to hike and also not too crowded!
♥ Photos are just more than amazing!
Thanks, Sandra! Ben Lomond would be my choice as well, it was so rewarding for so little effort (since I took the gondola to spare myself the hard part of the trail) 🙂
All these hikes look incredible – no wonder it’s hard to pick the best New Zealand hikes! The first one you shared, Cathedral Cove, would top my list of trails to check out first. Thanks for sharing, and I love your photos!
Thanks, Catherine! Cathedral Cove was magical during sunrise, the photos don’t do it justice 🙂
Amazing post!! I was in New Zealand in Jan 2020 and wasn’t able to hike the Tongariro Crossing because of the weather. Can’t wait to visit again one day and tick off some of these amazing hikes! Great post and photos!
Thanks, Char! We got lucky with the weather even though the previous evening it was looking bad. in an alpine environment you never know 🙂
Every landscape in New Zealand looks out of this world beautiful! The view of Red Crater and Mt Ngauruhoe is simply breathtaking! I feel like choosing a few would not be enough for me in this case lol I need to take all the trails!
Hi Anna, I know that feeling. That is the reason we had hikes every day for a week and it was exhausting!