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Best wildlife hikes in New Zealand
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Best wildlife hikes in New Zealand

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in New Zealand.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Banks Peninsula Track

Christchurch City, New Zealand · star 5.0 (1) · 31.3 km · Est. 3 days

2

Medium

Hamilton Lake Domain Walkway

Hamilton, New Zealand · star N/A (0) · 3.7 km · Est. 55 min

3

Difficult

Karamatura to Mount Donald McLean

Waitakere Ranges, New Zealand · star 5.0 (1) · 11.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 15 min

4

Medium

Rakiura Track

Southland, New Zealand · star 5.0 (7) · 26.6 km · Est. 3 days

5

Difficult

Aotea Track

Auckland, New Zealand · star 3.6 (8) · 22.3 km · Est. 2 days

6

Medium

City to Sea Walkway

Wellington City, New Zealand · star N/A (0) · 13.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 35 min

7

Easy

Taylor River Trail

Blenheim, New Zealand · star N/A (0) · 20.4 km · Est. 4 hrs 13 min

8

Medium

Crater Rim - Sign of the Kiwi to Sign of the Bellbird

Christchurch City, New Zealand · star N/A (0) · 4.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 10 min

9

Medium

Massey Cossey Loop Track

Franklin, New Zealand · star N/A (0) · 8.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 13 min

10

Easy

Pegasus Bay Walkway

Waimakariri, New Zealand · star N/A (0) · 10.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 6 min

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Reviews for wildlife hikes in New Zealand

Aisling O Riordan avatar

Banks Peninsula Track

Aisling · reviewed over 3 years ago

star star star star star

Banks Tracks, Banks Penisula; a hike that is a feast for the senses. The smell of the blossoms and foliage, the incredible sounds of the birds especially the dawn chorus and the stunning landscape as we walked along the coast line and through native bush makes me think they got the mixture just right. We watched dolphins and seals play, skimmed stones under multiple waterfalls and were incredibly lucky to get up close with 2 wee fledgling blue penguins. The accommodation was very unique. Our first night was spent in a wee stargazer hut overlooking the bay which we chose over the main hut. Our 2nd night was at the quirky Stoney Bay in our wee cottage which had a shower built in around the trunk of an old tree with outdoor baths and the best wee shop to buy some supplies from. Despite extensive damage from recent storms, the team appeared to have worked tirelessly to restore the track to its former glory with a couple of detours in place. This 31km hike can be done over 2 or 3 days (we did 2 and stopped for lunch at the 2nd accommodation of Flea Bay- day 1-19km and day 2 was 12km). We were continuously amazed by what this track offered and is so far the most favourite hike we have ever done. It comes highly recommended by both Sawyer and I.

No reviews available for Hamilton Lake Domain Walkway.

avatar

Karamatura to Mount Donald McLean

CanyonFrontier65 · reviewed about 3 years ago

star star star star star

Josh Salter avatar

Rakiura Track

Josh Salter · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

https://salt-of-the-earth.blog/2020/06/05/the-rakiura-track/

Thelma Wilson avatar

Aotea Track

Thelma Wilson · reviewed about 6 years ago

star star star star star

As New Zealand is in the Southern hemisphere, the climate information is wrong. Also, dogs are not permitted in National Parks, or most of the walks featured, so the basic information is wrong.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in New Zealand

What is the climate like for hiking in New Zealand?

New Zealand's climate varies from subtropical in the north to temperate in the south, with winter from June to August and summer from December to February. Winter hiking can be treacherous, particularly in South Island's mountains due to snowfall and shorter daylight hours.
The weather in spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) is typically milder, but can still be unpredictable, so appropriate gear is necessary. Spring offers stunning displays of blooming flowers, while fall presents beautiful foliage.
The best time to hike is during the summer, but trails can be crowded. Always check local weather forecasts and the Department of Conservation's website (https://www.doc.govt.nz/) for trail conditions.

Do I need a permit to hike in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, most trails do not require permits for day hikes. However, for multi-day hikes and overnight stays in huts or campsites, bookings may be necessary, especially in peak season. All the relevant information and booking processes can be found on the Department of Conservation's website (https://www.doc.govt.nz/).

Is wild camping allowed in New Zealand?

Wild camping in New Zealand, known as "freedom camping," is subject to local bylaws. Generally, it's allowed in certain public lands, but restrictions apply, particularly near populated areas. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. More information is available on the Department of Conservation's website (https://www.doc.govt.nz/).

Are there mountain rescue services in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, if you find yourself in an emergency situation while hiking, dial 111. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand oversees search and rescue operations. It's wise to carry a personal locator beacon in remote areas. Visit AdventureSmart's website (https://www.adventuresmart.org.nz/) for more safety advice.

Are there dangerous plants in New Zealand?

New Zealand's diverse flora includes native bush, ferns, and kauri trees. Hikers might encounter unique species like the silver fern or pohutukawa tree. Plants can vary greatly between coastal, alpine, and forest trails. For more information, the Department of Conservation's website (https://www.doc.govt.nz/) is a valuable resource.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in New Zealand?

New Zealand's wildlife includes various bird species like the kiwi and kea. Insects such as sandflies can be a nuisance in certain areas, especially in the South Island. It's important to respect wildlife and consider insect repellent. For more details, consult the Department of Conservation (https://www.doc.govt.nz/).

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