List these tracks by category:
All track categories Easy access short walk Short walk Walking track Great Walk/Easier tramping track Tramping track Route Mountain bike track Horse riding
It’s a 4-hour climb to the top of Alex Knob. The track zigzags up to Rata Lookout for a view of the Franz Josef Glacier. From there follow the marked track to the summit. Category: Tramping track Distance: 17.2 km return Completion Time: 8 hr return
The Arahura and Styx valleys are popular areas for tramping and hunting. The main access in both valleys is via benched formations constructed during the early gold mining days. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 2 - 4 days. Times shown are a general guide only. Alert: 15 February 2013: Change to Styx River conditions
This short walk explores the Historic Brunner Mine site. Category: Short walk
Follow the Callery Gorge Walk as it climbs to a high terrace before descending to the Callery River. Category: Walking track Distance: 5.2 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min
A short climb with rewarding views of the glacier, mountains and river flats. Category: Short walk Distance: 3.2 km return from car park; 6.3 km return from Franz Josef Waiau township Completion Time: 1 hr return from car park; 1 hr 40 mins return from Franz Josef Waiau township
Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay are on the coastline about 16 km south-west of Westport. Tracks include the Seal Colony Walk and the Cape Foulwind Walkway. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min Alert: Viewing platform replacement
Travelling to Castle Rocks Route requires traversing the lower section of the Franz Josef Glacier Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Ensure that you have the correct equipment and experience to safely undertake this trip. Category: Route Completion Time: 1 – 2 days Alert: Franz Josef Glacier terminal face unstable
This 1 hour 30 minute return walk follows an old glacier access road through rata and kamahi forest to Chalet Lookout. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return
Scenery and history combine in this three-hour walk on an old railway formation. Category: Walking track Distance: 10.5 km Completion Time: 6 hr
This walking track leads to an impressive waterfall. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr return
The tramp up the Copland valley to Welcome Flat Hut in Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a popular overnight return trip for visitors to the Glacier Region. Natural hot pools at Welcome Flat are an attraction for weary adventurers. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Completion Time: 2 days + Alert: Potential track closures due to severe weather
The Croesus Track in the Southern Paparoa Range offers the opportunity to walk or mountain bike through some stunning scenery and historic sites. Category: Tramping track ; Mountain biking - Intermediate ; Mountain biking - Advanced ; Mountain biking - Expert
DOC and the Buller Cycling Club have, in partnership, created opportunities for mountain biking on Denniston Plateau. Category: Mountain biking - Easy ; Mountain biking - Intermediate
Explore the wild and remote environment of the Denniston Plateau. The historic sites provide a glimpse of times gone by. Category: Walking track
The Douglas Walk is an easy one-hour forest walk that passes by the Peters Pool viewpoint and crosses several moraines before descending to the bridge across Dolly Creek on the way back to the road. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.9 km return Completion Time: 1 hr return
The Fox Glacier Valley Walk takes 1 hour return and offers spectacular glacier views. Observe all signs and stay behind barriers. Category: Short walk Distance: 2.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr return
The 40-minute walk to the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier follows a rocky path over riverbed. Only experienced and prepared visitors should attempt climbing on the glacier. Category: Walking track Distance: 5.4 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return Alert: This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or rock fall. Follow all signs and barriers.
A visit to Gillespies Beach offers a scenic drive, lovely views of the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, an historic cemetery and coastal walks. Category: Walking track ; Tramping track
Goldsborough was once a thriving mining settlement. You can explore this history by going on some of the walks in the area. Category: Short walk ; Walking track ; Tramping track Completion Time: The walks range in length from 20 minutes to 4 hours.
There are a number of routes in the Greymouth Area that go into the backcountry, some of which link up with tracks in Canterbury. Category: Route
Information on mountain biking tracks around Greymouth. Category: Mountain biking - Intermediate ; Mountain biking - Advanced
The main route through the Haast, State Highway 6, is part of the heritage highway system. Access to many walks and scenic attractions is directly off this highway. Category: Easy access short walk ; Short walk Alert: From 13 March 2013: Fantail Falls Car park upgrade. Limited parking will be available while the car park is being extended.
Harihari Coastal Walkway is one of the most scenic walkways on the West Coast, with spectacular views of forest, rivers, mountains and coastline. Category: Walking track Distance: 7.6 km Completion Time: 2 hr 45 min
Harper Pass spans two areas. This link will take you to information about Harper Pass in Canterbury's Arthur's Pass area. Category: Route
The Heaphy Track spans the Nelson/Tasman and West Coast regions. This link will take you to the information about the Heaphy Track in the Nelson/Tasman region. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Distance: 82 km Completion Time: 4 - 6 days
This track was built in 1875 by farmers at Haast. Stock were driven from the Landsborough and Cascade valleys to sale yards at Whataroa, a two-week journey at best. It’s now a three-day tramp. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 3 days
This local gem is close to Hokitika. The walk passes through forest and offers stunning views of the Hokitika River. Part of the track is accessible for wheelchairs. Category: Short walk Distance: 650m Completion Time: 15 min one way
European settlement was attempted at Jackson Bay Okahu during the 1870s. The pioneers' attempt to "tame" the landscape was largely unsuccessful but their efforts laft a tradition of South Westland residents as being tough, resilient and independent. Category: Walking track
Karamea, the West Coast's best kept secret. For visitors who are not in a hurry, why not spend some extra time and explore the pleasant walks close to the township of Karamea. Category: Short walk ; Walking track ; Tramping track
The Karangarua and Douglas valleys offer hunters, trampers and mountaineers many challenging opportunities and rewards within the rugged backcountry environment of Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Category: Route Completion Time: 2 days +
Lake Brunner Kotuku Whakaoho is a popular recreation area offering a range of recreational activities from short walks to fishing and boating. Category: Short walk
Two tramping tracks in the Lake Brunner area offer spectacular views once you've walked uphill! Category: Tramping track
Lake Brunner is a popular recreation area offering a number of recreational opportunities from short walks to more challenging walks. Category: Walking track
This is a great walk for families with young children or those people new to tramping. The track is a well formed bench track that can also be completed as a day walk. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track Distance: 8.4km one way Completion Time: 3 hr one way
At Lake Kaniere, short forest walks lead to picnic areas, waterfalls and sandy beaches ideal for swimming. Category: Short walk
Lake Kaniere Walkway passes picturesque bays, forest streams, lush lakeside forest and a lookout point, while Kaniere Water Race Walkway follows a historic power station water race. Category: Walking track
This track starts and finishes at Aickens car park beside SH73, 5km west of Otira township. Category: Route Completion Time: 6-7 hours, over 1 or 2 days.
Famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and Mt La Perous, at Lake Matheson you can take a 40-minute return walk to the jetty or take 1.5 hours to walk around the lake. Category: Easy access short walk ; Short walk Distance: 1 km return car park to jetty, 2.6 km return lake circuit Completion Time: 40 min return car park to jetty, 1 hr 30 min return lake circuit Alert: Car park construction work
The Lake Wombat Track leads you through a lush rimu forest to the idyllic Lake Wombat. Category: Short walk Distance: 3.8 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min return
The Leslie - Karamea Track spans two areas. This link will take you to the information about the track, in the Motueka Area. Category: Tramping track Distance: 91 km Completion Time: 6-7 days one way
Waiau Pass is an alpine crossing suitable for experienced parties only, linking Lewis Pass and Nelson Lakes National Park. Category: Route Distance: 52.5 km Completion Time: 4 - 5 days
There are two short walks in this area that provide an opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenery and beech forest. Please note: Waterfall Track is closed indefinitely due to heavy flood damage. Category: Short walk Completion Time: 20 min Alert: Waterfall Track is closed indefinitely due to heavy flood damage.
There are a range of tracks in this area that give people access to some spectacular landscapes including Lake Christabel, a good habitat for native fish. Category: Tramping track Alert: You will encounter land slips on the Robinson River & Saddle Track.
View the very large Londonderry Rock - which during the Kumara Goldrushes was too large for miners to move or break. Category: Short walk Completion Time: 10 minutes one way.
Long after its gold mines closed and the last hotel burned down, Lyell retains many reminders of a rich past which can be seen while exploring the surrounding area. Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Advanced Distance: 4 km Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min
There are a number of short walks to choose from in Mahināpua Scenic Reserve, 10 km south of Hokitika. Category: Short walk
Following an old logging tramline, the walkway reveals many relics of the 1885 sawmill's activities. The walk to Picnic Point is popular for those after a shorter walk. Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Easy Completion Time: 2 hr - 2 hr 30 min
The Dickie Ridge/Tuke River Route provides a link to challenging alpine tramping opportunities and gives access to the Waitaha and Whitcombe Catchments. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: Time: 2-3 days. Times shown are a general guide only.
This delightful walk follows a stream through the rainforest. Category: Easy access short walk Distance: 1.2 km return Completion Time: 20 min return
The Moeraki Valley offers good tramping for the fit and experienced. The U-shaped valley is typical of those carved out by glaciers during repeated glacial periods. Category: Tramping track Distance: 11.1 km Completion Time: 8 hr 30 min - 9 hr 30 min one way
The Moonlight track offers the opportunity to see reminders of the gold mining history of the area, and to walk through West Coast native beech forest. Category: Walking track Alert: Due to major snow damage the Moonlight Track is closed beyond the second swing bridge
The Moonlight/Croesus route gives panoramic views of the Paparoa Ranges. Category: Route Alert: Updated April 2013: The circuit from Croesus Track to Moonlight Track is not possible and is closed until further notice.
This easy walk 2 km south of Fox Glacier township takes you over old moraine surfaces Category: Short walk Distance: 1.4 km return Completion Time: 40 min return
Mount Adams sits on the edge of the Adams Wilderness Area in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, and is a focal point for travellers along State Highway 6 from Lake Ianthe to Lake Wahapo. Category: Route Completion Time: 2 days
The track starts from Fantail Falls, crosses the Haast River, and climbs steadily through beech forest to the bushline. Category: Tramping track Distance: 2.5 km Completion Time: 3 - 4 hr Alert: From 13 March 2013: Fantail Falls carpark - limited parking available due to carpark upgrade
Mount Fox Route is just 3 km south of the town of Fox Glacier. The challenging 3 - 3.5 hour climb to the top is only suitable for experienced and properly equipped trampers. Category: Route Distance: 7.4 km return Completion Time: 8 hr return
This is a steep tramp to the open tussock peak of Mt. Tuhua (1125 m) and is suitable for fit people only. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 7 hr return
Nelson Creek is an excellent spot to go walking, camping and exploring. With historic water races, tunnels, recreational gold fossicking and a number of short walks, there is plenty to do. Category: Short walk
The Ōkārito Lagoon Kayak Trail allows you to explore the area from your kayak. On this self-guided kayak trail you will learn some of the secrets of the area and gain a new appreciation of this large wetland system. Category: Short walk Distance: Up to 12 km Completion Time: 1 - 3 hours
North of the Franz Josef Township sits the coastal settlement of Ōkārito and the Ōkārito Lagoon. The lagoon is home to more than 76 species of native birds including the kōtuku/white heron and royal spoonbills. Category: Easy access short walk ; Walking track
The Oparara Basin is considered one of the finest features of Kahurangi National Park. An old forestry road provides access for walkers, cavers and other wilderness enthusiasts. Category: Short walk Alert: McCallums Mill Road - care required
The Oparara Basin is considered one of the finest features of Kahurangi National Park. The Oparara Road provides access to Oparara Basin for walkers, cavers and other wilderness enthusiasts. Category: Walking track Alert: McCallums Mill Road - care required
Pakihi Walk climbs through kamahi and rimu forest to a platform lookout. It’s a 30-minute return trip. Category: Short walk Distance: 1 km return Completion Time: 30 min
This is an easy, accessible walk to a small kettle lake which was formed by ice melting amongst glacial moraine about 200 years ago. Category: Easy access short walk Distance: 1.2 km return from car park Completion Time: 25 min return from car park
This is an interesting coastal/bush walk with good views and a few sites of historic interest along the way. Category: Walking track Distance: 5.5km one way Completion Time: 1 hr 45 min one way
Punakaiki walks include the world famous Pancake Rocks Walk, a 20-minute loop walk that explores a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools. Other walks here range from 15 minutes to 3 days. Category: Easy access short walk ; Short walk ; Walking track ; Tramping track
These tracks lead up in Victoria Forest Park from SH7, in between Reefton and Springs Junction. Category: Tramping track ; Route
Find out about mountain biking tracks in the Reefton area. Category: Mountain biking - Easy ; Mountain biking - Intermediate ; Mountain biking - Advanced ; Mountain biking - Expert
Reefton is a great place to base youself and your family to tick off these interesting short walks. Category: Short walk
The walk up to Kirwans Hut is one of New Zealand's classic overnight tramps. A three day loop can also be made by going down the Waitahu Valley. There are incredible historic relics to be seen in this area. Category: Tramping track ; Route Distance: 40km (full loop) Completion Time: 2-3 days Alert: Updated 3 April 2013 - The 4WD access road to the Waitahu Valley is closed to vehicles due to a wash-out before the Clematis Gorge Swingbridge. You can still walk the road.
Tramping on tracks around Big River and Waiuta is a unique experience. There are two well serviced huts and many historic sites to explore. Experience the mystery of the 'Goldfields of Quartzopolis'- a corner of Victoria Forest Park. Category: Great Walk/Easier tramping track ; Tramping track
There are a number of walking tracks in the Victoria Forest Park area that will get you into some interesting places such as Waiuta, Inangahua suspension bridge and Murray Creek. Category: Easy access short walk ; Short walk ; Walking track ; Tramping track
Take this pleasant short walk for a view of the glacier and the opportunity to cross a historic swing bridge. Category: Walking track Distance: 1.5 km return Completion Time: 40 min return
This fully accessible walk takes visitors on a short journey through the rainforest to a great view of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe. Category: Easy access short walk Distance: 800 m return Completion Time: 20 min return
The Roberts Point Track requires a good level of fitness. After walking one hour you will reach Hende's Hut. From there the track continues to climb on to Roberts Point where the glacier views are spectacular. Category: Tramping track Distance: 11 km return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; 12.3 km return from glacier car park Completion Time: 5 hr return from Alex Knob/Lake Wombat car park; 5 hr 20 min return from glacier car park Alert: Track closed
These walks in Ross township, 30 km south of Hokitika on SH6, start from the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre, where you can check for up to date track conditions. Category: Short walk ; Walking track ; Tramping track
Just a short distance south of the Franz Josef township you will come to the Sentinel Rock Walk. The Sentinel Rock Lookout offers impressive views of the glacier, the valley and Waiho River. Category: Short walk Distance: 900 m return Completion Time: 20 min return
Located within the Lewis Pass National Reserve and St James Conservation Area the St James Walkway takes a leisurely five days to complete. This link will take you to information in the Waimakariri part of the site. Category: Tramping track
Stafford Bay is approximately 50 km south of the Haast Junction near the Jackson Bay Okahu wharf. The tracks and routes in the area can be challenging and are recommended for fit and well-equipped trampers. Category: Route Completion Time: 5 hr
The Taipo Valley is often travelled as part of a popular route from the Waimakariri River via Harman Pass. This guide describes the route from SH73 to Harman Pass only. Category: Route Completion Time: 2 days. Times shown are a general guide only.
The 80-minute return Tatare Tunnels Walk follows an old 4WD road then the tracks climbs to the old water tunnels. You will need a torch and raincoat to explore the tunnels. Category: Walking track Distance: 3.6 km return Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min return
From the Tauranga Bay Car Park follow the short track to platforms that overlook the seal colony and coastline. Picnic facilities, interpretive displays and public toilets are available. Category: Short walk Completion Time: 20 min
On this dual use track you can walk or cycle to the Franz Josef Glacier carpark from Franz Josef township. Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Easy Distance: 8.7 km Completion Time: Walk: 2 hr return Cycle: 1 hr return
On this dual use track you can walk or cycle to the Fox Glacier carpark from Fox Glacier township. Category: Walking track ; Mountain biking - Easy Distance: 8.4 km Completion Time: Walk: 2 hr 20 min return, Cycle: 1 hr return
Follow the Terrace Walk as it winds through forest and goes by remnants of past goldmining operations. Take a torch at night to see glow-worms in the forest. Category: Short walk Distance: 1.8 km return from car park Completion Time: 30 min return from car park
This old gold miners' road is being revived as a tramping and mountain biking track. The 80 km long Old Ghost Road traverses native forests, tussock tops, river flats and valleys with stunning views of the magnificent Mokihinui Gorge and surrounds. Category: Route ; Mountain biking - Advanced Distance: 80 km Completion Time: 2 - 3 days (MTB) 4 - 5 days (Tramping) Alert: May 2013: Trail under construction with some unformed sections
This route traverses rugged river valleys and crosses two alpine saddles. The alpine sections demand experience and good route finding skills in other than fine weather conditions. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 4 - 5 days. Times shown are a general guide only.
This route traverses alpine ridges and crosses two alpine saddles. It demands experience and good route finding skills in other than fine weather conditions. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3-4 days. Times shown are a general guide only. Alert: 15 February 2013: Change to Styx River conditions
The Upper Copland Valley Track provides access to Douglas Rock Hut. It is suitable for well-equipped and experienced backcountry trampers and mountaineers only. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3 days +
The Waitangitaona Wetland Walk is an easy walk through a regenerating kahikatea forest and flax wetland to a viewing platform with spectacular views of the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Category: Easy access short walk Completion Time: 20 min
The walks in this area provide travellers with magnificent photo opportunities which include a dune lake, sweeping coastline, forest plants and wildlife. Category: Short walk
The Wanganui River valley lies just to the north of Harihari on the South Island’s West Coast and provides rugged backcountry opportunities for those with suitable skills and experience. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3 days + Alert: Severe flood damage
The Wangapeka track spans two areas. This link will take you to the information about the Whangapeka Track in the Motueka Area. Category: Tramping track Distance: 53 km Completion Time: 4-6 days one way
The Whataroa, Butler and Perth river valleys tracks and routes provide rugged backcountry opportunities for those with suitable skills and experience. Category: Tramping track ; Route Completion Time: 3 days +
The Whitcombe Pass Track takes you through the very rugged bush clad valleys of the lower Hokitika and Whitcombe Rivers to the Main Divide. This guide describes the route from the Hokitika road end to Whitcombe Pass only. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 3-4 days one way to Whitcombe Pass. Times shown are a general guide only.
The Willberg Walk is located in Harihari. There are two track entrances, both visible on the side of State Highway 6 near the centre of town - the track can be walked in either direction. Category: Short walk Distance: 1.4 km Completion Time: 30 min
This track is for experienced trampers and starts at the Gates of Haast Bridge. Category: Tramping track Distance: 7.5 km Completion Time: 5 - 6 hr
This fascinating track goes through forest but passes by tailraces and dams and through tunnels built by gold miners in the 19th century. Category: Walking track Distance: 1.1 km Completion Time: 45 min loop track
back to top
NZ weather
DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
Alerts for West Coast places
Give feedback on a recent visit to a DOC place
Safety Contacts