I chose to study abroad in New Zealand because it looked beautiful on Pinterest, I’d never been there, and it wasn’t Barcelona where all my friends go. Other than those three facts, and that it was the set of The Lord Of The Rings, I knew nothing about the country. I had no idea that there were great walks to tramp, mountains to hike, and hot pools to swim in. However, I wish I had known.
A lot of walks are seasonal and if you only find out about them too late, and don’t plan accordingly, you will find yourself missing out on some amazing tramps. It is possible to do some of the tramps out of season, but the huts won’t have running water, so trying to carry water for three days would be brutal. Also, the weather won’t be ideal and you might find yourself needing equipment half way through that you didn’t bring. Here is a list of the nine great walks, the suggested amount of time, and the season.
1. Lake Waikaremoana
Where: East Coast of the North Island
How Long: 46 km – 3 night/ 4 day trip
Open: Year round
2. Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Great Walk with the most foot traffic. Read about Danielle’s trek here.
Where: Central North Island
How Long: 43.1 km – 3 or 4 days (however, if you want to just see the emerald lakes this can be a 6 hour day tramp)
Open: Seasonal (October – April)
3. Whanganui Journey
Some of this great walk is done by kayak.
Where: North Island (Manawatu/ Whanganui)
How Long: 3 or 5 days
Open: Seasonal (October – April)
4. Abel Tasman Coast Track
Be prepared to see lots of Seals!
Where: South Island (Nelson/ Tasman)
How long: 60 km – 3 to 5 days
Open: Year round
5. Heaphy Track
Where: South Island (Nelson/ Abel Tasman)
How long: 78.4 km – 2 to 3 days
Open: Year Round
6. Routeburn Track
Where: South Island (Otago)
How long: 32 km – 2 to 4 days
Open: Seasonal (October – April)
7. Kepler Track
Where: South Island (Fiordland)
How long: 60 km – 3 to 4 days
Open: Seasonal (October – April)
8. Milford Track
Book early! This is a NZ must see, and of the most popular tramps.
Where: South Island (Fiordland)
How long: 53.5 km – 4 days
Open: Seasonal (October – April)
9. Rakiura Track
The only place in NZ where you might see a wild Kiwi that coupled with the great white sharks you might see on the ferry ride makes this tramp well worth the trip!
Where: Stewart Island (Southland)
How long: 32 km – 3 days
Open: Year round
Kirsty Cowie is a TEAN Alum and student at The Pennsylvania State University. She studied abroad with TEAN in Wellington, New Zealand.
