What to know about the Great Walks before you book this month
Friday, 17 May 2024
Bookings for the next Great Walks season are less than two weeks away from opening.
The highly-popular Milford Track is the first to be available at 9.30am on May 28.
It booked out on opening day last year, crashing the Department of Conservation (DOC) website after 10,000 people tried to buy slots.
Before booking, the Mountain Safety Council advised knowing which walk is right for you and your group.
It recommended researching on Plan My Walk, the DOC website and its Hiking + Tramping Video Series.
Here’s some things to know before bookings open for five Great Walks this month.
Milford Track, South Island
Touted as “the finest walk in the world”, the Milford Track in Fiordland National Park, near Te Anau, takes walkers along valleys carved by glaciers, through ancient rainforests and past cascading waterfalls. The four-day track is 53.5km long. It’s not recommended for children under the age of 10 due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather.
Lake Waikaremoana, North Island
Lake Waikaremoana sits in the heart of the rugged Te Urewera, home of the Tūhoe people, on the East Coast. The three- to four-day walk covers 46km, mostly following the shores of the majestic lake. Other highlights include panoramic views from Panekire Bluff and the Korokoro Falls, as well as goblin forest, wetlands and ancient rainforest. The track reopened in January this year following flood damage from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island
If ever there was a summer walk, this is it! The Abel Tasman Coast Track in Abel Tasman National Park offers a temperate climate, golden beaches, lush coastal bush and plenty of swimming opportunities along the way. This track can be as short or as long as you like. Plan My Walk lists a range of options for different abilities.
Rakiura Track, Stewart Island/Rakiura
Rakiura Track is renowned for its stunning coastlines, native wildlife – and mud! But don’t let the mud put you off, just make sure to pack your gaiters and your poles. There’s plenty of native birdlife, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear or glimpse a kiwi. The 32-km circuit takes three days, but factor in travel to Stewart Island/Rakiura – a 20-minute flight from Invercargill or a one-hour ferry trip from Bluff.
Whanganui Journey, North Island
The Whanganui Journey in Whanganui National Park is an anomaly in the Great Walks lineup, being the only river experience. So, if tramping isn’t your thing and you have canoe experience and fitness, consider this three- to five-day kayak trip, with 87km and 145km options. Highlights include a side trip (on foot) to Bridge to Nowhere and Tieke Kainga, the only Department of Conservation hut that is also a marae. Local operators offer kayak, canoe and equipment hire, including life jackets.
Here’s when bookings open:
May 28 at 9.30am Milford Track and Lake Waikaremoana Track.
May 30 at 9.30am Abel Tasman Coast Track; Rakiura Track and Whanganui Journey.
June 5 at 9.30am Routeburn Track and Paparoa Track.
June 6 at 9.30am Kepler Track; Heaphy Track and Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Hump Ridge Track will become a ‘Great Walk’ in October 2024 and can be booked in advance through the Hump Ridge Trust.
If embarking on a Great Walk or any outdoor adventure, remember to always follow the NZ Land Safety Code.
Choose the right trip for you – learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
Understand the weather – it can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
Pack warm clothes and extra food – prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
Share your plans and take ways to get help – telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
Take care of yourself and each other – eat, drink and rest, stick with your group, and make decisions together.
- with NZ Mountain Safety Council