Well formed and easy to follow

Great Walk tracks are of a higher standard than most other tracks so are well formed and easy to follow.

Great Walks tracks are well formed, with bridges and viewpoints

The surface is usually gravel, rock or dirt, and like any track can get slippery in wet weather.

The tracks are usually quite wide depending on the terrain - some fit two people walking side by side in flat areas.

Crossing rivers

Most rivers and waterways on these tracks have sturdy bridges. Occasionally there are also small streams that cross the track but are usually easy enough to step across safely.

Be aware that in wet weather rivers can rise very quickly and flood the tracks - especially on the Milford Track.

Climbing uphill

On all these tracks there are hill climbs where the track becomes steeper, which is all the better for views. If you want to see how steep they get, see:

Kepler Track map and profile
Milford Tack map and profile
Routeburn Track map and profile

Preparing for your trip

We recommend you do some fitness preparation before your trip and wear the right gear for the tracks. The best footwear is tramping boots, which have good grip and ankle/knee support.

See Plan and prepare – Great Walks in Fiordland.

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