New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful and incredible multi-day hikes and adventures. Allowing you to explore the vast landscape the country has to offer, there is most definitely something for everyone.
Starting at Ship Cove, the Queen Charlotte Track is a beautiful hike that can take anywhere between three and five days. Finishing at Anakiwa, the trail follows historic routes, with Ship Cove serving as Captain James Cook’s base in the 1700s.
Pack your Alt vapes, because you are going to want to take your time on this trail. You can experience mountains, rivers, and forests, and camp under the stars or stay in one of the many huts along the route.
Milford Track
Widely known as the “finest walk in the world”, if there was one trail to visit, it would be the Milford Track. Spanning 33 miles through the Fiordland National Park, the trail can take four days and three nights to complete.
It is important to be aware that the trail can be tricky to navigate due to rain and cold weather. It rains for over 200 days of the year, with the higher points of the trail experiencing freezing weather and snow almost year-round.
Gillespie Track
The Gillespie Track is one of the most spectacular but challenging hikes you can take. Spanning 35.5 miles, the trail can be found in Mount Aspiring National Park, and features rugged alpine peaks, waterfalls, and the rivers of the Young, Siberia, and Wilkins Valleys.
This is most definitely a route for the more experienced hiker, as the alpine conditions can be difficult to navigate, especially during the WInter when you have to deal with snow and avalanche terrain.
Hollyford Track
Another beautiful trail to explore in the Fiordland National Park is the Hollyford Track. Starting in the Darran Mountains, you then trek almost 35 miles to the Tasman Sea at Martin’s Bay.
The track is moderately difficult, as it can be challenging for beginners and a bit easier for experienced hikers. It is mostly flat, but there is some difficult terrain along the route. One of the best ways to experience the path is with a guided tour, which takes four days and includes accommodation at luxury lodges along the route, perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking.
Pouakai Circuit
One of the shorter routes you can enjoy is the Pouakai Circuit, a loop in the Egmont National Park. Experienced hikers can complete it in two days, but for the full experience of everything the park has to offer, taking it slow on the 25km loop is recommended.
There are two very comfortable huts along the way, with the more than enough space for a large group. Considering the popularity of this route, hut bookings are an absolute must, as sleeping overnight is required.
Tips to Remember
Now that you know a few of the best multi-day adventures, here are a few of the most important tips to remember before heading out.
Treat All Water
One mistake many visitors make is not treating the fresh water they find on the trail. While it is crystal clear and looks fresh, much of the water in New Zealand still carries bacteria and bugs that will quickly ruin your outing.
Instead, be sure to boil all the water you collect before you drink it, or use water-cleaning tablets and straws.
Watch the Weather
New Zealand’s weather can be incredibly unpredictable, and sunshine can turn to heavy, cold rain in a matter of hours, even minutes. Because of this, it is important to pack for potential weather, not just the weather you are experiencing.
The Hut System
New Zealand has something called the “hut system.” In simple terms, you will find huts along hiking routes, which can be used for sleeping or escaping the weather. However, they are incredibly popular and you will need to book them far in advance if you are planning on using them.
Offline Assistance
While New Zealand isn’t the biggest country in the world, there are vast swathes of landscape, and not all of it is covered by phone signal. Because of this, it is important to print maps, as well as have a satellite phone or communication device in the event of an emergency. It is also important to inform friends or officials of your hike, and to check in regularly to ensure there is at least one person who knows where you are at all times.
Overpack
Finally, while there is no need to pack everything you own, it is important to pack more than you think, especially clothes. Rain is common, and you may find yourself needing to cross rivers and streams. The last thing you want is to have to spend multiple hours or days in wet socks, boots, pants, etc. Therefore, pack extra to ensure you stay warm and dry.
In conclusion, these are only a few of the best multi-day hikes for you to experience in New Zealand. They will give you the best views of the beautiful landscapes, and allow you to explore the rivers and forests of the area, and so much more.
Photo by Ahmad Habash on Unsplash
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