New Zealand tramping tracks facts for kids

A Department of Conservation track marker - an orange triangular plastic pointer attached to trees and poles.

Track marker in Tararua Forest Park

In New Zealand, long distance walking or hiking for at least one overnight stay is known as tramping. There are a number of walkways in New Zealand, however most of these are relatively short and can be walked in a day or less. Many are also an easy walk, with well formed footpaths. However, some tracks require an overnight stay either because of the rugged country or the length of the track.

New Zealand has both public and private tramping tracks. Public tracks are managed by the Department of Conservation, Regional Councils or other authorities. They generally cross public land (including National Parks), or private land with negotiated public access. Access is free and in most cases unrestricted, although fees are payable for overnight stays in huts or camping.

Private tracks cross private land, with restricted fee-based access. Itineraries are generally fixed. Fees may cover things such as overnight accommodation, food and pack transportation.

Notable tramping tracks

Some of the tramping tracks have acquired names, with the most popular being called the Great Walks (GW).

North Island

• The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, around Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera National Park (GW)
• Northern Crossing of Tararua Range in the Tararua Range
• Ruapehu Circuit
• Southern Crossing of Tararua Range in the Tararua Range
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Tongariro Northern Circuit (GW)
• Te Araroa
• Whanganui Journey (GW)

South Island

• Abel Tasman Coast Track (GW) and Abel Tasman Inland Track in Abel Tasman National Park
• Banks Peninsula Track (private)
• Copland Track
• Dusky Track
• George Sound Route
• Greenstone Track
• Heaphy Track (GW)
• Hollyford Track
• Hump Ridge Track
• Kaikoura Coast Track (private)
• Kaikoura Wilderness Walk (private)
• Kepler Track (GW)
• Milford Track (GW)
• Mingha-Deception
• Otago Central Rail Trail
• Paringa Cattle Trail
• Queen Charlotte Track
• Rees-Dart Track
• Routeburn Track (GW)
• South Coast Track
• St James Walkway
• Travers-Sabine Circuit
• Wangapeka Track
• Te Araroa

Other islands

• Rakiura Track (GW), Stewart Island/Rakiura
• North-West Circuit
• Southern Circuit