How to Plan Your First Great Walk in New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide
🥾 New to the Great Walks? Start Here.
If you're thinking about tackling one of New Zealand’s iconic Great Walks, you’re in for something unforgettable. From the alpine passes of the Routeburn to the lush coastlines of the Abel Tasman, each walk invites you into a deeper connection with nature—and yourself.
But before you lace up your boots, you might be wondering: Where do I start? How do I choose a track? When do bookings open? What gear do I need?
You're in the right place. This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to plan your first Great Walk—plus how to turn the journey into a lasting memory.
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Walk for You
New Zealand has 10 Great Walks, each offering a different landscape, climate, and challenge. Start by asking:
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How fit am I right now?
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Do I want beaches, bush, mountains, or a mix?
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Am I going solo, as a couple, or in a group?
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How many days can I commit?
Here’s a quick look at a few standout options:
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Milford Track – Famous, remote, and often booked out fast
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Abel Tasman Coast Track – Coastal, sunny, and great for beginners
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Tongariro Northern Circuit – Volcanic, dramatic, and ideal for adventure seekers
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Te Awaroa Walk – A cultural and scenic newcomer perfect for those looking for something new
📚 Want to know more?
🔗 Read our 2025/26 Great Walk booking guide →
📅 Step 2: Know When and How to Book
Great Walk huts and campsites book out fast—some within hours of release.
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Bookings for stays through 30 June 2025 are open now
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2025/26 season bookings open in May 2025
💡 Pro tip: Create a DOC account ahead of time and be ready to book the moment the system opens.
🔗 Visit the official DOC booking page →
🎒 Step 3: Pack Smart (But Light)
The essentials:
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A fitted pack and tramping boots (break them in!)
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Layers: thermals, fleece, waterproof outerwear
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Lightweight food and a cooker
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First aid kit, map, and PLB (personal locator beacon)
🚫 Leave behind: heavy books, duplicate clothes, or full-size toiletries. Your knees will thank you.
🧭 Step 4: Prepare Mentally and Physically
Even beginner-friendly tracks have long days. Start walking regularly 4–6 weeks ahead—preferably with a weighted pack.
Train your mindset too. Expect:
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Mud
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Rain
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Sore legs
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Life-affirming views
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Total digital disconnection
You won’t regret it.
🌄 Step 5: Plan to Remember It
Most people spend weeks preparing for their Great Walk and then… move on. But the memory deserves to last.
Here’s how to keep the experience alive:
🗺️ 1. Get a topographic map of the region you walked
Our handcrafted NZ Topo Maps turn your trail into a work of art you’ll hang for years.
✍️ 2. Keep a trail journal and pair it with your map
You’ll forget more than you think—record the people, the moments, the views.
🎁 3. Gift a memory to someone who walked it with you
Whether it’s a partner or a friend, a personalised trail map is the perfect “we did it” gift.
🔗 See Great Walks Gift Ideas →
🔁 Bonus: Bookmark These for Later
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🧭 3 Ways to Turn Your Great Walk into a Keepsake – After the boots come off, what’s next?
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🗺️ Personalised Te Araroa Maps – New walk, new legacy.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Your first Great Walk might feel big, but it’s really just a beginning. Of deeper connection. Of slower moments. Of pride in what your body and spirit can do.
We’ll see you out there.
And when you return—we’ll help you remember it.