Home to Great Walks

Walking

In Southland, there is an abundance of walking trails for the hiking-inclined traveller, be it short, day or multi-day walks. All these walks let you sample the region's rich natural heritage, exploring mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore!

We are lucky to live in an area that boasts 5 Great Walks! From the sandy beach and native forest treks of the Rakiura Track to the wilderness adventure across ridgelines and lakeside views of the Kepler Track. Or perhaps you want to experience the popular "finest walk in the world", the Milford Track, tackle the ultimate alpine adventure of the Routeburn Track or take on New Zealand's newest Great Walks, the Hump Ridge Track. The region is also rich in epic trails for the hiking-inclined traveller, waterfall trails for the photographer, night walks for kiwi spotting and exclusive coastal trails for beach lovers.

From hiking along the beach on Rakiura Stewart Island to hiking towards the majestic Milford Sound, the choice is yours. Go here for more information on Great Walks in Fiordland.

If you want to hike a trail but don't feel up to taking on a Great Walk just yet, you're in luck. Southland has a great variety of short walks to choose from. These trails are easily accessible walking tracks that take you through the region's natural heritage of mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and rugged coastlines. some of these are perfect for the whole family! And some trails also allow dog access so your four-legged family members can come along on your outdoor adventures.

Sydney Cove, Ulva Island - family on beach

Guided Walks

Guided walks are the ultimate way to explore some of the best walking tracks Southland has on offer. Knowledge, passion and expertise about the local fauna and flora will be shared with you by friendly guides making your…

Pink Penguin Studio

Great Walks

Southland boasts 5 Great Walks! From the sandy beach and native forest treks of the Rakiura Track to the wilderness adventure across ridgelines and lakeside views of the Kepler Track. Or perhaps you want to experience…

ICC

Short Walks

In Southland, there are many famous great walks for the hiking inclined traveler, but there is also a selection of short, easily accessible walking tracks that still encourage you to sample the region's rich natural heritage.

Walking track categories

All tracks are assigned to one of the six walking track categories as set by the Department of Conservation.

Easiest: Easy access short walk

Duration: Easy walking for up to an hour.

Suitable for: People of all abilities, wheelchairs, buggies and strollers.

Standard: Even surface, well formed with no steps or steep sections. Streams and rivers are bridged.

Track markers: No track markers as the track is well defined.

Footwear required: Walking shoes.

Typical tracks: Milford Foreshore Walk, Kingswood Bush Scenic Reserve

Easiest: Short Walk

Duration: Easy walking for up to an hour.

Suitable for: People of most ages and fitness levels.

Standard: The track is well formed, with an even, well-drained surface. There may be steps. Stream and river crossings are bridged.

Track markers: No track markers as the track is well defined.

Footwear required: Walking shoes.

Typical tracks: Foveaux Walkway, Lake Monowai Peninsula Lookout Track

Easiest: Walking Track

Duration: Gentle walking from a few minutes to a day.

Suitable for: People with low to moderate fitness and abilities. Some tracks are suitable for mountain biking.

Standard: The track is mostly well-formed. Some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Clearly signposted. Stream and river crossings are bridged.

Track markers: The track is clearly marked where necessary, with orange triangles attached to trees. Markers of other colours may be present, but these indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks. Above the bush line, marker poles are used instead.

Footwear required: Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots.

Typical tracks: Round Hill/Long Hilly Track, Lake Mistletoe Track

Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier Tramping track

Duration: Comfortable multi-day tramping/hiking

Suitable for: People with limited backcountry (remote area) experience. Some tracks are suitable for mountain biking.

Standard: The track is generally well-formed. Some sections may be rough, muddy or steep. The track has signs, poles or markers. Major stream and river crossings are bridged.

Track markers: The track is clearly marked where necessary, with orange triangles attached to trees. Markers of other colours may be present, but these indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks. Above the bush line, marker poles are used instead.

Footwear required: Light tramping/hiking boots.

Typical tracks: Rakiura Track, Milford Track

Advanced: Tramping track

Duration: Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking

Suitable for: People with moderate to high-level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, navigation and survival skills required. Some tracks are suitable for mountain biking.

Standard: The track is mostly unformed and may be rough and steep. The track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged streams and river crossings.

Track markers: The track is clearly marked where necessary, with orange triangles attached to trees. Markers of other colours may be present, but these indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks. Above the bush line, marker poles or rock cairns are used instead.

Footwear required: Tramping/hiking boots.

Typical tracks: Dusky Track, Mavora Greenstone Walkway

Expert: Route

Duration: Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking.

Suitable for: People with high-level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, navigation and survival skills required. Complete self-sufficiency is required.

Standard: Track unformed and natural, may be rough, muddy or very steep. The track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged streams and river crossings.

Track markers: The track is clearly marked where necessary, with orange triangles attached to trees. Markers of other colours may be present, but these indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks. Above the bush line, marker poles or rock cairns are used instead.

Footwear required: Sturdy tramping/hiking boots.

Typical tracks: Deadmans Track, Gertrude Saddle Route