Best views trails in New Zealand

To experience what many people call the "World's Greatest Day Hike" you will need no permits, however, transportation arrangements must be made for both ends of the hike, so make sure you do some planning! You must also be mindful of shuttle pick-up times if you decide to summit Mt. Tongariro or Mt. Ngauruhoe (both cannot be done within the same day). There are sections of the hike that are considered active volcano areas, and the trail has optional side trips to Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe (famously known as 'Mt Doom' in the Lord of the Rings trilogy) as well as passing Mount Ruapehu.Show more

Note: The area is closed from October 1st to November 10th every year for lambing season. There is a car park next to the beginning of the track. 2$ fee at the beginning of the track. Hiking along Roys Peak Track guarantees wonderful views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks. It also features beautiful wild flowers and bird watching. Although the trail is wide with no steps/technical difficulties, it is very steep, giving it a hard rating. During winter season, it is recommened having a winter gear such as an ice axe and crampons. Show more

The trail is easy to follow and has spectacular views. Stunning walks over bridges and beautiful ice formations. Doable for anyone with reasonable fitness. Only a few inclines / steps but not technically difficult. Carpark is pretty much packed after 900am but there is enough parking for ~200 so your bound to get something anytime throughout the day. Show more

Enjoy the scenic panoramic views from the top of this climb! https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/queenstown-area/things-to-do/ben-lomond-track/Show more

Views of the Queenstown. This is a dirt track through the woods that has a steep climb. NOTE: Land after the viewpoint is private property. Please respect the land owners.Show more

Note: There are partial closures on the Milford Track due to earthquake risks and storm damage. Check here for more information: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/milford-track/ Ancient glaciers, rainforest, and waterfalls greet hikers that retrace the steps of early explorers by taking on the Milford Track Great Walk. The best time to hike is March, when the temperatures are warm and there may be less rainfall. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council has created a video to help prepare walkers for the alpine section of the track over MacKinnon Pass which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRpgTXEncSk&t=231s In the Great Walks season (23 October - 30 April) reservations are required for huts, which have gas cooking stoves and staff on site and cost $140 per night for International visitors and $70 per night for New Zealand residents. Outside the Great Walks season (1 May - 22 October) facilities, including bridges, are greatly reduced. Flood and avalanche risks exist and only experienced hikers with knowledge of the local weather should attempt the hike. Reservations are not required - huts are first come, first serve. Prices are steeply discounted. Camping is not allowed along this route, so you will need to stay in the three huts (fees apply and reservations are needed during Great Walk Season) Clinton Hunt, Mintaro Hut, and Dumpling Hut. There are also private lodges along the route you may want to research that provide luxury accommodation at higher prices. Show more

Alpine vistas and lake beaches define this approximately four day hike on the edge of the Fiordland Wilderness. The region receives high rainfall and changeable conditions. Rain, snow and cold snaps occur at almost any time of year. Pre-departure planning and preparation can be done in Te Anau at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Center on Lake Front Drive. The hike can be done in other direction, but the more popular direction goes counterclockwise. It is not recommended that you hike outside the Great Walks Season unless you have extensive experience and knowledge of the local weather. In the Great Walks season (23 October - 30 April): Bookings are required for huts and campsites, huts have gas cooking stoves and resident wardens Outside the Great Walks season (1 May - 22 October): Facilities are greatly reduced, avalanche risk exists, experience is required Bookings are not required - huts and campsites are first come, first served $130 per International visitor per night for all ages (booking required) $65 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required) The Kepler Track also allows camping in designated campsites. Campsites have toilets, water, and picnic tables. New Zealand rate is $20 per adult per night; 17 years and under free (booking required). International rate is $40 per person per night for all ages (booking required). For a list of the hike broken into segments, see here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/kepler-trackShow more

The most spectacular views per ounce of energy in all of New Zealand. Make sure to come on a clear day for the best experience. The trail is easy to follow and very comfortable. The carpark is pretty much packed after 900am but there is enough parking for ~200 so your bound to get something anytime throughout the day. Highly recommended.Show more

This trails offers spectacular views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the surrounding valley and mountain ranges. The beginning of the trail is about an hour of stair climbing. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/Sealy-Tarns-Track/Show more