Top 10 Scenic Walking Areas in New Zealand, New Zealand

January 27, 2022 Carley Gatson

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

New Plymouth New Zealand +64 6-759 6060 http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-plymouth-coastal-walkway
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,675 reviews

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Utterly spectacular 11km long walkway along the seafront in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Walk, ride skate or scoot from Bell Block in the north to Port Taranaki to the south taking in the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, three swimming beaches, a golf club, rolling farm land, rivers and various accessways to residential and shopping areas.

Reviewed By 562grahamb - Napier, New Zealand

The New Plymouth Costal Walkway is a pedestrian and cycleway goes for miles and miles...8 miles to be exact. It’s easy to walk manageable pieces, there are numerous parking lots and public washrooms along the way. There are lots of delights along the way, including surfers, friendly Kiwis walking their dogs, a golf course, the famous Len Lee’s “Wind Wand” sculpture and the spectacularly shaped Te Rewa Rewa Bridge crossing Waiwhakaiho River at the northern end. We had several wonderful excursions during our stay. New Plymouth is to be commended for making exercising, the easy choice.

2. The Old Ghost Road

Lyell Upper Buller Gorge, Westport 7825 New Zealand +64 3-280 8920 [email protected] http://www.oldghostroad.org.nz/adventures/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 297 reviews

The Old Ghost Road

Experience an unforgettable adventure on The Old Ghost Road via our range of exciting new packages. Choose from one of our options and then sit back and let us help connect you with the magic of The Old Ghost Road.

Reviewed By 66kiwitraveller - Dunedin, New Zealand

4 of us walked TOGR over 4 nights, 5 days. It was awesome. We walked south to north, and the first two days it rained, so on Day 3 when we awoke to beautiful blue skies we walked back 2.5klms without our packs first thing in the morning from Ghost Lake hut, so that we could see the views from Heavens Door and the Tombstone. So glad we did, the views were absolutely worth it. The terrain and scenery on this track is ever changing, and always spectacular. Great huts, well equipped and plenty of hand sanitiser available. Thanks to the people who built this track and to those who maintain it. Loved it!

3. Rapurapu Kauri Track

SH29 Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/bay-of-plenty/places/kaimai-mamaku-conservation-park/things-to-do/tracks/rapurapu-kauri-track/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Rapurapu Kauri Track

4. Mojo Journeys

New Zealand +64 27 274 7888 http://www.mojojourneys.co.nz
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Mojo Journeys

5. Banks Peninsula

575 Summit Road, Christchurch 8081 New Zealand +64 3-304 7641 http://www.akaroa.com
Excellent
76%
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4.5 based on 1,169 reviews

Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, New Zealand is a must see for its stunning views, beautiful bays and quirky campgrounds. Little River is the gateway to the peninsula. The township has a hotel/pub, 2 cafes, a petrol station, art gallery, craft store and small museum. There are B&Bs, plus the Little River Campground in Okuti Valley Road. They have affordable campervan parks with power, cabins and tentsites set beside a river. The southern bays have some of the best surf, if you know the secret spots as well as good, safe swimming beaches, walking tracks and the Little River Rail Trail. It is a a place that is often over looked as tourists head to Akaroa. If you want to experience more than the usual, to get off the beaten track and really explore, ask at the craft station, which has an info centre.

Reviewed By Edmundo_de_ABQ - Albuquerque, United States

Beautiful drive between Akaroa and Christchurch with many different points of beauty and interest to see along the way. Worth taking the time to traverse the highway running through it.

6. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga 0484 New Zealand [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/te-paki-recreation-reserve/cape-reinga-te-rerenga-wairua
Excellent
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4.5 based on 988 reviews

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Reviewed By BryanCll - Tewantin, Australia

We were stopping at Ahipara Bay and drove about an hour and a half to the cape. From the car park, we walked along a good track to the top of a hill with breathtaking views of the lighthouse and the convergence of the Tasman and the Pacific. Interesting turbulence where the two meet. Then walked down to the lighthouse for more scenic views. Spent about an hour enjoying the scenery and photographing. Good toilets at the carpark.

7. Lake Matheson Walk

Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand +64 3-752 0360 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/fd215e48ea01469f9667bd927fdb3ce4.aspx
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 944 reviews

Lake Matheson Walk

Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest and is famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Its excellent reflecting properties are due to the dark brown colour of the water – the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are the best times to enjoy the reflections in the lake. Time: 1 hr 30 min return Getting there: Turn onto Cook Flat Road in the middle of Fox Glacier Weheka township. Travel 5 km along this road then turn right onto the side road to Lake Matheson.

Reviewed By KayM637 - Devonport, New Zealand

Make sure you do this walk on a sunny day, otherwise you will not get the mirrow affect of the Lake for photos. The loop track took us 1 1/2 hrs and has been upgraded and extened since 2005 with board walks and a walk to the island on the lake.

8. Kaitoke Regional Park

Kaitoke Regional Park Waterworks Road Entrance New Zealand +64 4-570 6666 [email protected] http://www.gwrc.govt.nz/Kaitoke/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 67 reviews

Kaitoke Regional Park

Step out of your car and immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest of Kaitoke Regional Park. With its' ideal location set amid the backdrop of ageless Rata and Rimu (some estimated to be over 1200 years old!) It's no wonder it was chosen as the home of the elves in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Less than an hour from the Wellington CBD, Kaitoke Regional Park is a family friendly location, open to all abilities. It boasts walking, swimming, picnicking, mountain biking and kayaking amid an iconic landscape. From the experienced hiker to the day tripper there are activities to suit all ages including tracks that are completely accessible and buggy friendly. Transport yourself to Middle Earth and picnic amongst the beauty of the 'Rivendell' film location from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Discover the Elvish Archway replica amid the home of the elves. Extend your stay with a relaxed evening in our campground surrounded by beautiful, natural bush to explore all that the Park can offer.

Reviewed By theERtravelingnurse

My husband and I are big Lord of the Rings fans and we were so excited to come here. We loved seeing Rivendell and only wish they had not had to take the set down. I am sure it was MAGICAL! But they do still have the arch you can get a picture with. If you are also a fan, I suggest taking the Rover Rings full day excursion as we did so you can learn even more about Rivendell and hear the behind the scenes stories and cast drama. Would love to come back and explore the rest of the park though.

9. Snow Farm NZ

2127 Cardrona Valley Road Snow Farm Access Road, Wanaka 9381 New Zealand +64 3-443 7542 [email protected] http://www.snowfarmnz.com
Excellent
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4.5 based on 547 reviews

Snow Farm NZ

Snow Farm NZ is now open for winter from the 20th June 2020 until Sunday 20th September. We offer backcountry hut overnight stays, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a Snow Fun Zone with tubing which is great for young children. A visit to this resort is a great way to experience the beauty of New Zealand's alpine environment and take in views of the stunning Southern Alps. We have have a small cafe where you can soak up the view and enjoy hot soup, fries, hot drinks, slices and more.

Reviewed By jrbriscall - Wanaka, New Zealand

Sam Lee and his amazing team run a very professional. customer-centric operation; dedicated to giving you, be this your first time XC skiing or a regular expert, the best possible experience on their beautifully maintained trails and world class equipment!

10. Ohakune Old Coach Road

Horipito to Marshals Road Ohakune, Tongariro National Park 4625 New Zealand +64 7-892 3729 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/f1485c5a2d8c4d2b9f017a449a1adb92.aspx
Excellent
73%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 175 reviews

Ohakune Old Coach Road

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip

Reviewed By kiwitreks - Masterton, New Zealand

My partner and I hired bikes and did the return journey which is about 30km. Definitely more difficult/uphill on the way there compared with the return back to ohakune. It was manageable for 2 people with 0 mountain biking experience on conventional bikes within 3 hours, but if I were to do the whole 30km again I’d opt for an e bike. Scenes are beautiful and the downhill is a great rush. I’d recommend starting early so that the track is alot quieter, after 10am it started to get busy with people dropped off at the other end.

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