Best One-day Walks In New Zealand

By Author: Evelyn
Total Articles: 1
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Going to New Zealand for the first time might be a bit overwhelming at first since it is a faraway place to reach from Europe and it requires a lot of preparation beforehand. Getting there is one thing but planning your trip once you arrive can be even harder.

Here, I would like to present some of the best on-day walks in New Zealand that are completely free to do from North to South Island. Hiking and trekking require a lot of logistics and also prep. Choosing trails that you feel confident in completing is very important as to your safety and also not running into unexpected problems. Walking alone is also not recommended especially if you are not a professional trekker.

New Zealand has loads of trails to offer that are suitable for people of all ages and physical capabilities. One-day hikes are probably the best to start with as they are quick, easy, and also relatively accessible.

Here are some easy one-day walks you can explore:

North Island

1. Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa

You don’t have to travel far to find yourself ...
... in another world. Putangirua Pinnacles are only an hour's drive from Martinborough. The walk is very easy and only takes 2-4 hours both ways with incredible scenery which was a filming location for Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King.

2. Blue Lake Walk, Rotorua

Blue Lake, also known as Lake Tikitapu, is a mountain lake located south of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty. The track around the lake goes in a loop which is 6.15 kilometers long and very easy to do. You can enjoy the wonderful scenery of Rotorua and you can even see Green Lake while on the track which is located west of Blue Lake.

3. Whitecliffs Walkway

Whitecliffs Walkway is located in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. It is an astonishing coastal walk that is 22km long. It takes an average of 8h to complete. The walk is considered easy difficulty and is perfect for those who like the beach. Depending on the tide, once you reach the end of the walkway, you can return the same way back.

South Island

4. Hokitika Gorge

The Hokitika Gorge walk is only a new one but offers some spectacular views of the glacier river draining waters from the distant Sale glacier, 1219 meters high in the Southern Alps. The river cuts a magnificent narrow gorge surrounded by thick rainforest.

5. Mount Robert Circut

Mount Robert Circut is an advanced-level track in the Nelson Lakes region of New Zealand’s South Island. It takes about 5 hours to return to walk the 9km long track which is mostly exposed and good weather conditions are recommended and some good outdoor clothing.

6. Golden Bay/Mohua and Takaka

The Golden Bay in the South Island of New Zealand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The bay is hidden by the surrounding mountains of the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Park. You can access the Golden Bay via the roads of Takka Hill which is a very scenic experience itself. Let’s look at some of the great walks in the Golden Bay you can do in one day.

New Zealand has a lot to offer for sure and also it is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, preserving its nature and regenerating its flora and fauna. To learn more about sustainability in New Zealand check this awesome blog by Twinkl NZ.