Best day hikes in New Zealand

Ben Lomond is an epic day hike that begins right in the heart of Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Hiking to the summit is a full day activity, taking around six hours. Some parts of the track can be pretty steep but the views over the Wakatipu Basin and the Mt Aspiring National Park are well worth it!

This has to be the most Instagrammed day hike in New Zealand, and it's not hard to see why with the incredible views over Lake Wanaka. This hike crosses private farmland and it's worth noting that the track closes over lambing season from mid-October to mid-November. Typically it takes around 5-6 hours to complete this 16km hike.

This track is found within New Zealand's smallest national park, Paparoa National Park, near Punakaiki on the West Coast. This is one of the easiest hikes in the list with gentle undulations over the 7km track. It feels almost prehistoric as you skirt the Pororari River and through some of native bush. New Zealand Trails Kiwi Classic hiking tour includes a morning hike along this track during the trip around New Zealand's South Island.

Said to be the best day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing is in New Zealand's oldest national park, Tongariro National Park. This isn't one for the faint-hearted, with some challenging ascents but all worth it! The Emerald Lakes and the Blue Lake are not to be missed. For most people, this hike takes a minimum of 7 hours. You can walk this track all year round but it can be snowy/icy during winter so make sure you're prepared with the right gear. You can check out more info on the best time for hiking in NZ here -> https://newzealandtrails.com/news/whats-best-time-hiking-new-zealand/

The New Zealand Trails Sweet North guided hiking trip includes the Tongariro Crossing as part of its five day itinerary.

One of the best things about the Routeburn Track is that it crosses through two of New Zealand's beautiful national parks. This day hike is in the Fiordland National Par, starting at the Divide. This includes a relatively steep climb but well worth it for the views at the top, and an epic spot for lunch!

The New Zealand Trails Masterpiece tour includes this day hike as part of its New Zealand South Island itinerary.

This part of the Routeburn Track is the most relaxing as you walk beside glacial waters and through beech forests full of birdsong. The Bridal Veil Waterfall gives you a break on the steepest section of the walk. Allow about 4-6 hours to complete this 15km hike.