We’ve selected five of the best hiking trails and walking routes in New Zealand, using Wikiloc‘s GPS data to provide the most accurate trail maps.
They are all short-distance loop trails with an acceptable difficulty level, which makes them suitable for short breaks and day hikes, and for any kind of hiker or walker. You can download these GPS trails and waypoints from Google Maps.
The historic Whangamumu Whaling Station is located in the Northland Region. While its western coast is dominated by several long straight beaches, the east is more rugged and is dotted with bays, peninsulas, and large natural harbours.
Rangitoto is a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. On the island all stages from raw lava fields to scrub formation and sparse forests are visible.
Key Summit (918 m), in the South Island, is a popular nature walk not far from the roadway and one of the main viewpoints of the 32 km Routeburn Track.
Shakespeare Cliff stands along Mercury Bay, a large V-shaped coastal inlet on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. It was named by Captain Cook.
This is one of the most popular walks in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a natural reserve established around New Zealand’s highest mountain in 1887.
Best time to go to New Zealand: Feb-Apr and Sep-Nov
Backpacker cost per day: 73 USD = 68 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our New Zealand Travel Guide.
Sources: some text excerpts from Wikipedia; GPS data from Wikiloc.
