Alex
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Manapouri ▷
Dusky Track
More of a challenge than an enjoyable experience.
With good weather it's merely difficult but I'd hate to attempt it after a bit of rain. Lots of pretty tarns and you definitely feel removed from civilisation. A good level of fitness and immunity to blisters is recommended
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Tongariro Northern Circuit
I've done a lot of tramping in NZ on both formed and unformed tracks and this is one of the must do's for tramping in NZ.
It's a bit crowded but there's a good reason for that. The best way to experience a volcanic landscape in my view (although White Island is also well worth the trip). A relatively easy walk suitable for all fitness levels.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Cascade Saddle Route
Absolutely must do this if you're doing the Dart Rees.
The view is incredible and it's not all that challenging to get there. The Pylon is a good bit further but also worth doing if you've got the time
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Key Summit Track
If you don't have time for the Routeburn track this is one of the best quicker walks you can do to get above the bush line and experience one of the highlights of the Routeburn.
Low fitness requirement
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Lake Marian Track
Well worth adding to your trip to Key Summit.
This is a much tougher track than the stroll to Key Summit but it isn't that hard and if you've got the time, it's worth adding to your itinerary.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Milford Track
I can't understand why everyone hasn't given this a 10/10.
I did it in winter so avoided the crowds and would rate this among the top 10 walks in the country and since there are so many amazing walks, even 10th would be a high acolade. A moderate level of fitness would definitely add to your enjoyment as would reliable waterproof gear and a tolerance for sandflies. Access via Dore pass is challenging in winter but doable for those with good fitness and a little experience in alpine navigation
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Lake Waikaremoana ▷
Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Having tramped all over the South Island, I wasn't that taken with Waikerimoana but there are some great views and nothing to complain about.
If you're on a budget or a time frame, and you're going to the South Island anyway, I'd only try and fit in the Tongariro crossing in the North Island and save your hut passes for the South Island.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Kepler Track
Don't miss this one if you can avoid it.
The first day up the Luxmore is the hardest by a good deal and well worth it to get quickly above the bush line. Its a tougher track than the Routeburn so moderate fitness is required.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Glenorchy ▷
Greenstone & Caples Tracks
Pretty ho hum.
Don't really get out of the bush. Can be pretty unpleasant in the rain. The side creeks are a little more interesting but still not really something to write home about. Many better tracks in the area. The only reason to do this track is to get up to Fraser pass and exit the Routeburn. This is well worth doing but a good bit more challenging
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park
Memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Others have mentioned how unfriendly the staff can be and the exorbitant cost and I'd add my agreement on both fronts. The manager was the rudest person I've met in any tourist related enterprise in the country. After writing to highlight how hard he had to work to make me unhappy with my time in Fox Galcier, he continued to display complete ignorance of basic customer service in his reply back. Unwilling to learn from free feedback, I suspect fundamentals of customer service will be an advanced course for him after taking an introductory course to social interaction and an anger management course.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Glenorchy ▷
Rees-Dart Track
I've done a lot of tramping in NZ on formed tracks and unformed routes.
The Dart-Rees was possibly the best I've done. Not like the Routebourne or Kepler where fitness is optional, this one you'll definitely dislike without an average level of fitness. So much variety from the valleys to the saddles. Cattle flat just isn't! and the first day in from the Dart end is the least enjoyable. Persevere though and it just keeps getting better. Cascade Saddle is an absolute must do and the view down the Matukituki Valley is breath-taking. Don't bother staying in the huts as there are plenty of spots to put up a tent and the hut fees add up if you're on a budget.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Whakatane ▷
White Island Tours
Only marked down because it's very expensive and there are definitely times to avoid doing this trip.
If you get the right day, then even at the high price this rates as one of the best day trips you can have in this part of the country. Don't go after (or during) windy days or rough seas as the long boat ride becomes a misery with your fellow seasick companions. Best time to go is on a calm sunny day in December through Jan and early Feb following days of settled weather. At this time of year you'll be unlucky not to see flying fish, dolphin, schooling fish, have a swim off the boat at the island, and of course White Island is at its best. If you're lucky you'll also see pilot whales, orca, bottlenose dolphin, and be exhausted (don't plan to travel far afterwards) after a day in the sun and salt air.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Glenorchy ▷
Routeburn Track
It's a "Great Walk" track for a reason.
Getting increasingly crowded but still worth doing especially outside the peak season. A great mix of walking below and above the bush with some breath-taking views, well appointed huts and well kept track. Not the most challenging walk so can be done with low-moderate fitness (although you'll enjoy it more if you're fit) and older primary school age kids will cope fine too. Fine weather makes all the difference to how much you'll see and enjoy this walk.