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New Zealand walking tracks

Short walks, day hikes and multi-day adventures.

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Nearby calculations stay in this page's memory. Your precise browser location is not stored or added to links. Leaving or reloading clears it. When opened, the map fetches OpenStreetMap tiles for the visible area. Distances are straight-line estimates to reference points, not driving distances, track lengths or verified entrances. Town references are approximate locality centres, not your position. Not a navigation tool. 1275 of 1589 trails have source-checked reference points.

57 trails25-48 shown

46 / 57 mapped
  • Rimu Walk in the Tongariro National Park: Forest path on Rimu Walk in Tongariro National Park.

    Rimu Walk in the Tongariro National Park. Photograph of the named location or its documented route feature. Capture date not supplied; not a live view of current conditions.

    Photo: Carrie Donaldson / Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    Central North Island

    Rimu Walk

    EasyShort walk
    Walking time
    15 mins return
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 15 mins return

    Track grade: Easiest

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Rotary Ride and Waikato River Track

    EasyShort walk
    Walking time
    1 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 1 hr

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Glimpse of the lake through the trees on the Rotopounamu Walk.

    Area context

    Glimpse of the lake from the track. Published in DOC's Rotopounamu Track guide. Photograph date not supplied; this is route-area context, not a verified trailhead or current-condition photograph.

    Photo: Carrie Donaldson / CC BY 4.0 / Details
    Surrounding area

    Central North Island

    Rotopounamu Track

    IntermediateDay walk
    Distance
    5 km loop
    Walking time
    2 hr loop
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 5 km loop

    Walking time: 2 hr loop

    Track grade: Easy to intermediate walking track

    Checked 2026-09-26. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Waihohonu Hut to Rangipo Hut

    Area context

    Waihohonu Hut to Rangipo Hut. Published in DOC's Round the Mountain Track guide. Photograph date not supplied; this is route-area context, not a verified trailhead or current-condition photograph.

    Photo: Sarah Wilcox / CC BY 2.0 / Details
    Surrounding area

    Central North Island

    Round the Mountain Track

    AdvancedMulti-day
    Distance
    66.2 km loop
    Walking time
    4 - 6 days
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 66.2 km loop

    Walking time: 4 - 6 days

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Silica Rapids Walk

    EasyDay walk
    Walking time
    See route options
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 6 km return from Whakapapa Village or 3 km return from Bruce Road car park return via same track

    Walking time: 2 hr 30 min return from Whakapapa Village or 1 hr 30 min return from Bruce Road car park

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Soda Springs seen from the base of the waterfall: Waterfall at Soda Springs.

    Soda Springs seen from the base of the waterfall. Photograph of the named location or its documented route feature. Capture date not supplied; not a live view of current conditions.

    Photo: Lars Refsdal Olsen / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    Central North Island

    Soda Springs Walk

    EasyShort walk
    Walking time
    2 hr return
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 2 hr return

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Southern Access Corridor

    ExpertDay walk
    Walking time
    10 - 12 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 10 - 12 hr

    Track grade: Expert

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Nearly a million people every year visit the lookout points to view the spectacular Huka Falls: Huka Falls at the endpoint of the named walk.

    Nearly a million people every year visit the lookout points to view the spectacular Huka Falls. Photograph of the named location or its documented route feature. Capture date not supplied; not a live view of current conditions.

    Photo: Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    Central North Island

    Spa Park to Huka Falls Walk

    EasyShort walk
    Distance
    3 km one way
    Walking time
    1 hr 30 min
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 3 km one way

    Walking time: 1 hr 30 min

    Track grade: Easiest

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • The clearing at the end of Tama Lakes Track

    Area context

    The clearing at the end of Tama Lakes Track. Published in DOC's Tama Lakes Track guide. Photograph date not supplied; this is route-area context, not a verified trailhead or current-condition photograph.

    Photo: Theo Chapman / CC BY 4.0 / Details
    Surrounding area

    Central North Island

    Tama Lakes Track

    IntermediateDay walk
    Distance
    17. 6 km return via same track
    Walking time
    5-6 hr (to Lower Tama Lake)
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 17. 6 km return via same track

    Walking time: 5-6 hr (to Lower Tama Lake)

    Track grade: Intermediate

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Taranaki Falls Walk

    EasyShort walk
    Distance
    6 km loop
    Walking time
    2 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 6 km loop

    Walking time: 2 hr

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Taurewa Track

    EasyDay walk
    Distance
    4.5 km loop
    Walking time
    2 - 3 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 4.5 km loop

    Walking time: 2 - 3 hr

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Tawhai Falls Track

    EasyShort walk
    Distance
    800 m return via same track
    Walking time
    15 min
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 800 m return via same track

    Walking time: 15 min

    Track grade: Easiest

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Te Ara Mangawhero

    EasyShort walk
    Distance
    12.95 km loop
    Walking time
    4 + hrs
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 12.95 km loop

    Walking time: 4 + hrs

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Te Hapua Bay on the western shores of Lake Taupo: Te Hapua Bay lakefront viewed from water, not the walking track.

    Area context

    Te Hapua Bay on the western shores of Lake Taupo. Local surroundings shown, not a verified view of the camping pitches or named trail section. Capture date not supplied; not a live view of current conditions.

    Photo: Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details
    Surrounding area

    Central North Island

    Te Hapua Bay Track

    AdvancedShort walk
    Distance
    2.5 km one way return via same track
    Walking time
    45 min one way
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 2.5 km one way return via same track

    Walking time: 45 min one way

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Thunderbolt Track

    ExpertShort walk
    Walking time
    1 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 1 hr

    Track grade: Expert

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Emerald Lakes below Red Crater, with snow-covered Ngauruhoe beyond the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

    Emerald Lakes, Red Crater and Ngauruhoe from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with snow on the volcanic slopes.

    Photo: Jeffrey Pang / CC BY 2.0 / Details

    Central North Island

    Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    ExpertDay walk
    Distance
    20.2 km one way
    Time
    Nov–Apr: 7–8 hr; May–Oct: 9 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 20.2 km one way

    Time: Nov–Apr: 7–8 hr; May–Oct: 9 hr

    Difficulty: Intermediate tramping track (Labour weekend–30 April); expert route (May–October); high fitness required

    Checked 2026-09-24. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Women by emerald lake on Tongariro Northern Circuit.

    Area context

    Journey through alpine meadow landscapes and emerald coloured lakes. Published in DOC's Tongariro Northern Circuit guide. Photograph date not supplied; this is route-area context, not a verified trailhead or current-condition photograph.

    Photo: Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details
    Surrounding area

    Central North Island

    Tongariro Northern Circuit

    Multi-day
    Distance
    35.5 km one way
    Walking time
    3-4 days
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 35.5 km one way

    Walking time: 3-4 days

    Track grade: Intermediate; Advanced; Expert

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Closer views of the river from angler access tracks.

    Area context

    Closer views of the river from angler access tracks. Published in DOC's Tongariro River Trail guide. Photograph date not supplied; this is route-area context, not a verified trailhead or current-condition photograph.

    Photo: Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details
    Surrounding area

    Central North Island

    Tongariro River Trail

    EasyDay walk
    Distance
    13.2 km loop
    Walking time
    2 - 3 hours
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 13.2 km loop

    Walking time: 2 - 3 hours

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • Riders crossing one of the streams on the Tree Trunk Gorge track: Cyclists crossing a stream on Tree Trunk Gorge Track.

    Riders crossing one of the streams on the Tree Trunk Gorge track. Photograph of the named location or its documented route feature. Capture date not supplied; not a live view of current conditions.

    Photo: Amelia Willis / Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    Central North Island

    Tree Trunk Gorge tracks

    AdvancedShort walk
    Walking time
    1 hr 30 min
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 1 hr 30 min

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Tupapakurua Falls Track

    AdvancedDay walk
    Distance
    11 km return return via same track
    Walking time
    4 to 5 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 11 km return return via same track

    Walking time: 4 to 5 hr

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Umukarikari Track (to Waipakihi Hut)

    AdvancedDay walk
    Distance
    14 km one way
    Walking time
    6 - 8 hr one way
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 14 km one way

    Walking time: 6 - 8 hr one way

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Urchin Campsite to Pillars of Hercules

    EasyShort walk
    Distance
    1.5 km one way
    Walking time
    30 min
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 1.5 km one way

    Walking time: 30 min

    Track grade: Easy

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • On the Urchin-Umukarikari track: Walker on the Urchin Umukarikari ridge.

    On the Urchin-Umukarikari track. Photograph of the named location or its documented route feature. Capture date not supplied; not a live view of current conditions.

    Photo: Kim Turia / Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    Central North Island

    Urchin to Umukarikari (U2U) track

    AdvancedDay walk
    Walking time
    8 hr 30 min - 10 hr
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Walking time: 8 hr 30 min - 10 hr

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources
  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.

    Illustrative

    General backpacking illustration; location unverified. This is not a photograph of the named route or evidence of its terrain, condition or difficulty.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details
    Illustrative photo

    Central North Island

    Urchin Track (to Waipakihi Valley)

    AdvancedDay walk
    Distance
    7 km one way
    Walking time
    3 - 4 hr one way
    Route details

    Department of Conservation

    Distance: 7 km one way

    Walking time: 3 - 4 hr one way

    Track grade: Advanced

    Checked 2026-10-08. Confirm current access with the track manager.

    Full route & sources

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About this trail directory

1589 route listings across 19 regions, including all 1571 unique entries in the DOC walking directory checked 2026-10-08. Some DOC listings group several walks. Regional comparisons, skills and booking guides are separate.

Walking times, distances and grades retain their source qualifications. Source checks are not live access reports; confirm the route, season and current conditions with its manager.