1864Miles
90–120Days
N/AGain
ThruType
Permits
System
TA Trust registration + DOC Hut PassRegister at teararoa.org.nz — opens August each year. Purchase 6-month DOC Backcountry Hut Pass (NZD $118) for access to NZ's hut network. Some popular Great Walk huts (Tongariro, Routeburn) require advance booking and cost extra. Book these well in advance.Apply or read more
Cost
NZD $118 DOC hut pass + Great Walks extra
Bear storage
Not applicable — no bears in NZ
Season
Best
NOBO (north to south): November–April (southern hemisphere summer)
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Generally excellent in South Island. North Island some agricultural contamination — filter all.
Resupply
Good infrastructure — towns every 3–7 days average. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown are major cities on or near route.
Notes
3,000 km through both New Zealand islands. North Island is largely road walking with notable volcanic highlights (Tongariro Crossing). South Island is the world-class backcountry portion — Richmond Ranges, St. Arnaud Alps, Arthur's Pass, and the Southern Alps. Stunning and much less crowded than US trails.
Elevation
0 ftHigh 2,797 ft
Resupply towns
Auckland
Rotorua
Taupo
Wellington
Nelson
Queenstown
Te Anau
Invercargill
Recommended gear