The 10 Best Hikes Across New Zealand

Greetings fellow adventurers and photography enthusiasts! If you've ever wondered where I go to capture the best views in New Zealand, your answer lies in both the North and South Islands. In this ultimate guide, I've compiled my top 10 favorite day hikes that promise not only stunning landscapes but also a journey that's as diverse as New Zealand itself. So, lace up those boots, grab your camera, and let's embark on a photographic odyssey!

TOP 5 NEW ZEALAND HIKES IN THE NORTH ISLAND

1. The Dukes Nose Hike (Kairara Rock), Northland: A Tropical Paradise in New Zealand

Prepare to be transported to a far-off tropical paradise when you embark on The Dukes Nose Hike in Whangaroa, Northland. With incredible views above Whangaroa Harbour and beyond, this hike showcases the diversity of New Zealand – tropical blue waters, dense coastal forests, and dotted islands. Choose between the challenging walk-in option or catch a water taxi to Lane Cove Hut for a quicker start to the Dukes Nose path.

• Location: End of Campbell Road, Totara North, Northland

• Distance: Wairakau Stream Track - 5.6km, Dukes Nose Track - 500m

• Time: 5-6 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 409 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info Dukes Nose Track (Kairara Rock) Northland

2. The Pinnacles Coromandel Hike: A Slice of Hawaii in New Zealand

My personal favorite in the North Island, The Pinnacles Coromandel Hike, offers a unique summit view that transports you to the mountains of Hawaii. An historic packhorse route, the track leads to the summit with breathtaking views of the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. Opt for a day trip or stay overnight at the Pinnacles Hut for a sunrise experience.

• Location: Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel

• Distance: Kauaeranga Road end – Hydro Camp via Webb Creek Track – Pinnacles Hut - 6km, Pinnacles Summit - 1 km

• Time: 6-8 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 973 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) Coromandel

3. Mount Maunganui Summit Hike, Tauranga: A Bay of Plenty Gem

Right on my doorstep, the Mount Maunganui Summit Hike in Tauranga never disappoints. The extinct volcano, Mauao, offers panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. A short 40-minute hike to the summit reveals stunning vistas stretching from the Kaimai Ranges to the Coromandel. Sunrise at 'the Mount' is a must, painting the city in golden light.

• Location: Mount Maunganui Main Beach, North Island

• Distance: 3.8km

• Time: 1 hour 10 minutes return

• Elevation Gain: 257 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Mauao / Mount Maunganui Summit Bay of Plenty

4. Tama Lakes Hike, Tongariro: Alpine Serenity in Tongariro National Park

The Tama Lakes Hike in Tongariro National Park offers stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. Situated in craters formed around 10,000 years ago, the two lakes – Lower Tama Lake and Upper Tama Lake – provide a flat journey with a steep climb at the end for those seeking a rewarding challenge.

• Location: Tongariro National Park, Central Plateau

• Distance: Upper Tama Lake return - 17 km

• Time: 5-6 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 498 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Tama Lakes Track Ruapehu

5. Pouakai Tarns Hike, Taranaki: A Photographer's Dream with Taranaki Views

For one of the best views of Mount Taranaki, the Pouakai Tarns Hike is a must. Offering epic reflections and incredible photo opportunities, this hike leads to the picturesque Pouakai Tarns. Capture Mount Taranaki under the stars or experience the magic of sunrise by staying overnight at the Pouakai Hut.

• Location: End of Mangorei Road, New Plymouth, Taranaki

• Distance: 11km return

• Time: 4-5 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 806 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn Taranaki

TOP 5 BEST NEW ZEALAND HIKES IN THE SOUTH ISLAND

1. Mount Stokes, Marlborough: Marlborough Sounds Majesty

Embark on the Mount Stokes hike for a steady climb leading to the summit at 1206 meters, offering one of the best views over the Marlborough Sounds. The gravel road adventure to reach the track is an adventure in itself, but the payoff is worth every twist and turn.

• Location: Kenepuru Road (Queen Charlotte Drive turnoff at Linkwater), Marlborough

• Distance: 7km return

• Time: 4-5 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 655 meters

• Difficulty: Advanced

More info: Mount Stokes Track Marlborough

2. Lake Marian Track Fiordland: Hidden Gem in the Mountains

Tucked away high up in the mountains lies the incredibly stunning alpine Lake Marian. The track, while rugged, is a short hike with ice blue glacial waterfalls, mossy green rocks, and a hanging valley. Exercise caution during winter and spring due to avalanche risks.

• Location: Turn off Milford Road onto Hollyford Road, Lake Marian carpark

• Distance: 3.1km return

• Time: 3 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 300 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Lake Marian Track Fiordland

3. Key Summit Track Fiordland: Panoramic Bliss in Fiordland National Park

The Key Summit track is a must-do if you're visiting Milford Sound. It boasts stunning rainforests, alpine scenery, and panoramic mountain views. Whether you explore it at sunrise or during the day, the alpine tarn at the summit provides an opportunity for reflections on a windless day.

• Location: From the Divide carpark (off Milford Road), Routeburn track

• Distance: 6.8km return

• Time: 3 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 400 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Routeburn Track Great Walk from The Divide Fiordland

4. Sealy Tarns Track Mount Cook: Stairway to Alpine Lakes

Sealy Tarns, with its 2,200 stairs, offers a challenging climb leading to two small alpine lakes with majestic views of Mount Cook and Mount Sefton. If you love stairs, this New Zealand day hike is tailor-made for you. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot.

• Location: White Horse Hill Campground, Aoraki Mount Cook

• Distance: 5.1km return

• Time: 3-4 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 548 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Sealy Tarns Viewpoint Mount Cook

5. Roys Peak Track Wanaka: The Famous Ascent for Breathtaking Views

Closing our list is the iconic Roys Peak Track in Wanaka. Though famous, it's for an excellent reason. The 1500-meter steep climb over grassy terrain rewards you with some of the most impressive views in the South Island. Capture the landscape from 'Selfie Point' and experience the track's beauty in both summer and winter.

• Location: Roys Peak car park, Mount Aspiring Road, Wanaka

• Distance: 16km return

• Time: 5-6 hours return

• Elevation Gain: 1,305 meters

• Difficulty: Intermediate

More info: Roys Peak Wanaka

Whether you find yourself exploring the tropical North Island or the rugged South Island, these hikes offer an unforgettable fusion of nature's beauty and photographic opportunities. So, pack your camera, lace up those boots, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that make New Zealand a haven for hikers and photographers alike.