Tracks & Hut Routes
Browse every Great Walk and popular hut route in walking order, then check all nights together in the planner.
Route library
14
curated tramping routes
10 iconic routes
The Great Walks
DOC's premier multi-day tracks, with every overnight hut shown in route order.
Milford Track
Fiordland
The Milford Track is often called the finest walk in the world. Four days through Fiordland National Park, passing the spectacular Sutherland Falls and the alpine expanse of the Mackinnon Pass.
Routeburn Track
Fiordland / Otago
The Routeburn Track traverses the boundary between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. Stunning alpine scenery, beech forests, and pristine lakes across 3–4 days.
Kepler Track
Fiordland
The Kepler Track loops through Fiordland National Park near Te Anau. An extraordinary circuit across alpine ridges and through ancient beech forest, with sweeping views of Lake Te Anau and surrounding ranges.
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Nelson/Tasman
The Abel Tasman Coast Track winds along golden-sand beaches and native bush in Abel Tasman National Park. The only Great Walk accessible by water taxi, letting you mix walking days with beach days.
Heaphy Track
Nelson/Tasman
The Heaphy Track crosses Kahurangi National Park, New Zealand's second largest. From the Golden Bay coast through rare nikau palm groves to limestone karst and alpine tussock – the most varied Great Walk.
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Central North Island
The Tongariro Northern Circuit loops around the active volcanoes of Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Area. Passes the famous Emerald Lakes and Red Crater of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Lake Waikaremoana Track
Central North Island
Lake Waikaremoana Track circles the stunning lake in Te Urewera, the ancestral home of Tūhoe. Dense native bush, remote backcountry atmosphere, and incredible views from the Panekire Bluffs.
Rakiura Track
Stewart Island
The Rakiura Track on Stewart Island (Rakiura) is New Zealand's southernmost Great Walk. An intimate circuit through ancient podocarp forest, with excellent birdwatching and a real sense of wilderness.
Whanganui Journey
Central North Island
The Whanganui Journey is New Zealand's only canoe Great Walk — five days paddling the Whanganui River through the Whanganui National Park. Passes the famous Bridge to Nowhere deep in the bush.
Paparoa Track
West Coast
The Paparoa Track is New Zealand's newest Great Walk, opened in 2019. Built in memory of the 29 miners killed in the Pike River disaster, this 2-day route traverses the Paparoa Range above the West Coast.
4 more routes
Popular backcountry trips
Well-loved alternatives for an overnight, a circuit, or a longer traverse.
Mueller Hut Route
Canterbury
The Mueller Hut Route rises steeply from Aoraki / Mount Cook Village to an iconic backcountry hut with jaw-dropping views of the highest peaks in New Zealand. A classic one-night alpine objective.
Travers-Sabine Circuit
Nelson/Tasman
The Travers-Sabine Circuit loops around the Travers and Sabine river valleys in Nelson Lakes National Park, passing the ethereally clear Blue Lake — the clearest freshwater in the world.
Angelus Hut
Nelson/Tasman
A high-alpine tarn in the Richmond Ranges with one of the most dramatic settings of any DOC hut. Excellent for experienced day-hikers and overnight adventurers in Nelson Lakes National Park.
Mt Fyffe Hut
Marlborough
Mt Fyffe Hut sits high above Kaikōura with views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. One of New Zealand's most accessible backcountry hut experiences from a major town.