Best trails in Kahurangi National Park
Kahurangi is the second largest park in New Zealand. There is true wilderness in the park with wild rivers, coastal forest, and high plateaus. This park is famous for the setting of Rivendell in Lord of the Rings. Enjoy the tracks as you explore the park.
Top trails
- 4.8 (181)·Hard·11.1 miThis is a challenging climb to the summit of Mount Arthur (1795m), suitable for well-equipped and experienced trampers only. It Starts from Flora car park, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended for access in the winter months. Please note that fees are required to stay at Mount Arthur Hut. Bookings are not required - first come, first served. Keep an eye on the weather before heading to the summit of Mount Arthur.
- 4.6 (169)·Moderate·3.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrPupu Hydro Walkway follows an old gold-mining water race located in Kahurangi National Park. It's a short walk through the beech/rimu/podocarp forest great for families with kids. The first half of the walk climbs up towards and along the water course. The second half follows the 4WD road with very little shade. The track is well-maintained and provides lovely scenery along the way. There's a good freedom campground at the base.
- 4.7 (79)·Moderate·0.4 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Riuwaka Resurgence Walk is a short and easy walk in Kahurangi National Park at the base of Takaka Hill. Not far from the bigger town of Motueka, this walk follows a well-formed path along the Riuwaka River and culminates at the crystal pool where the river emerges from the depths beneath Takaka Hill. The scenery is magical in this area, with moss-covered rocks and dense forest lining the track the whole way.
- 4.6 (65)·Hard·10.6 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis segment follows Stage 1 of the Heaphy Track, a Great Walk located within Kahurangi National Park. The route climbs steadily from the Aorere Valley through lush beech forest and podocarp groves to reach the expansive, sub-alpine tussock downs of Perry Saddle. Trampers experience a significant change in flora as they ascend, transitioning from lowland forest to stunted mountain beech, and eventually reaching the highest point of the track. Overnight stays typically occur at the Perry...
- 4.6 (79)·Moderate·5.6 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThis track takes you on the Flora Circuit in Kahurangi National Park, visiting both Flora Hut and Mount Arthur Hut from the Flora car park. The loop can be walked in either direction. The upper track to Mount Arthur Hut follows a well-graded ridge through beech forest and past mountain neinei, climbing to the bushline. The lower track to Flora Hut follows the Flora Stream. Flora Hut, originally built in 1927, is a basic 12-bunk hut that is first-come, first-served. Mount Arthur Hut is an...
- 4.7 (78)·Easy·2.4 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThe Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop Track is located in Kahurangi National Park in the Nelson-Tasman region. This loop walk takes you to a beautiful limestone arch with spectacular reflections of the rainforest at the Mirror Tarn. Prepare for 14km of gravel, narrow, and bumpy road drive to access the trailhead.
- 4.6 (105)·Hard·47 miThe Heaphy Track is a renowned Great Walk crossing the expansive wilderness of Kahurangi National Park between the Aorere Valley in Golden Bay and Kohaihai on the West Coast, typically completed over four to six days. This ancient route follows the historic footsteps of Māori pounamu gatherers who traversed the rugged terrain in search of precious greenstone. Trampers experience an extraordinary range of landscapes, beginning with steady climbs through lush beech forests before emerging onto...
- 4.6 (58)·Hard·15.6 miThis track will take you to the summit of Mt Owen (1875m), the highest peak in Kahurangi National Park. You can stay overnight at Granity Pass Hut. It's a standard 12 bunk beds hut with no bookings required - first come, first served. Access from the end of Wangapeka River Road. A campsite is located at the trailhead.
- 4.6 (57)·Easy·0.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Hawkes Lookout Walk is located in Kahurangi National Park near Motueka. It's a short walk with interesting rock formations along the way. There's a viewing platform at the end of the track where you will enjoy nice views across the Riwaka Valley, Marlborough Sounds, and the coastline. A car park with public toilets is located at the trailhead.
- 4.8 (37)·Moderate·12.1 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis segment follows Stage 5 of the Heaphy Track, a Great Walk in Kahurangi National Park. The route descends from the high country through lush rainforest to the Lewis Shelter, then follows the broad Heaphy River through iconic groves of nikau palms to reach the Heaphy Hut. Trampers witness a stunning transition from mountain forest to lowland jungle, ending where the dark river flows meet the crashing Tasman Sea surf. Overnight stays occur at James Mackay Hut or Heaphy Hut, both featuring...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Kahurangi National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kahurangi National Park is Mount Arthur Summit Track, which has a 4.8 star rating from 181 reviews. This trail is 11.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,166 ft.
What is the longest trail in Kahurangi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kahurangi National Park is The Old Ghost Road. This trail is estimated to be 50.8 mi long.
How many trails are in Kahurangi National Park?
There are 102 trails in Kahurangi National Park.These trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kahurangi National Park?
The Old Ghost Road has the most elevation gain with 9,711 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Cowin Spur Track to Mt Star, which has 7,700 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Kahurangi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 22 camping trails in Kahurangi National Park and the most popular is Heaphy Track: Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut with an average 4.6 star rating from 65 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Kahurangi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Kahurangi National Park and the most popular is Pupu Hydro Walkway with an average 4.6 star rating from 169 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Kahurangi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 14 biking trails in Kahurangi National Park and the most popular is Heaphy Track: Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut with an average 4.6 star rating from 65 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 23 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kahurangi National Park, including Mount Arthur Summit Track, Mt Owen Summit via Granity Pass Hut, Heaphy Track: Saxon Hut to James Mackay Hut, Lodestone Track, and Tableland Circuit.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Kahurangi National Park, including Courthouse Flat Campsite Loop Walk and Trevor Carter Hut to Taipo Hut.
Are there any trails with rivers in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 62 trails with rivers in Kahurangi National Park, including Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka Resurgence Walk, Heaphy Track: Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut, Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop, Mt Owen Summit via Granity Pass Hut, and Heaphy Track: James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut via Lewis Shelter.
Are there any trails with caves in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with caves in Kahurangi National Park, including Fenian Track, Box Canyon and Crazy Paving Caves, and Potholes Walk.
Are there any trails with huts in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 77 trails with huts in Kahurangi National Park, including Mount Arthur Summit Track, Heaphy Track: Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut, Flora Hut and Mount Arthur Hut Tracks, Mt Owen Summit via Granity Pass Hut, and Heaphy Track: James Mackay Hut to Heaphy Hut via Lewis Shelter.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with weather shelters in Kahurangi National Park, including Tableland Circuit, Leslie-Karamea Track: Flora Carpark - Salisbury Lodge, and Cobb Valley Loop Track.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with scenic viewpoints in Kahurangi National Park, including Pupu Hydro Walkway, Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop, Hawkes Lookout Walk, Scotts Beach Track, and Heaphy Track: Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai River Mouth.
Are there any trails with lakes in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 11 trails with lakes in Kahurangi National Park, including Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop, The Old Ghost Road: Ghost Lake Hut to Stern Valley Hut, Douglas Range: Boulder Lake Track to Boulder Lake Hut, The Old Ghost Road: Mokihinui Forks Hut to Specimen Point Hut, and 1000 Acre Plateau (Lake Matiri Hut to Poor Petes Hut).
Are there any trails with beaches in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with beaches in Kahurangi National Park, including Scotts Beach Track, Heaphy Track: Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai River Mouth, Heaphy Track: Scotts Beach Campsite to Kohaihai Campsite, Heaphy Track: Katipo Creek Shelter - Scotts Beach Campsite, and Heaphy Track: Heaphy Hut to Katipo Creek Shelter Campsite.
Are there any trails with ponds in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Kahurangi National Park: Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka Resurgence Walk.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Kahurangi National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with picnic areas in Kahurangi National Park, including Moria Gate and Mirror Tarn Loop and Oparara Valley Track.
Attractions
- Beach trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Cave trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Easy trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Forest trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Hard trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Lake trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Long trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Moderate trails in Kahurangi National Park
- River trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Short trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Strenuous trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Kahurangi National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Kahurangi National Park
- Trails with views in Kahurangi National Park
- Waterfall trails in Kahurangi National Park
- Wildlife trails in Kahurangi National Park