When do bookings open for the 2026/2027 Great Walks season?

The Short Answer: Book the Routeburn or Hump Ridge.

The Strategy: Don't panic. The Routeburn Track offers similar alpine scenery and is often slightly easier to book than the Milford.

The New Option: The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track (New Zealand's newest Great Walk) offers a rugged, sub-alpine experience with luxury upgrade options that are less crowded than the main trails.

The Short Answer: Moderate to High, depending on the Tier.

The Breakdown:

• Tier 1 (e.g., Rakiura): Requires moderate fitness. Expect 3–4 hours of walking per day on gentle terrain.
• Tier 3 (e.g., Tongariro Northern Circuit): Requires high fitness. Expect 6–8 hour days on exposed, uneven volcanic terrain. We recommend training with a weighted pack at least 3 months prior.

The Short Answer: No, provided you book a hut early.

The Details: All Great Walks have huts equipped with bunks and mattresses (except the Whanganui Journey, which is a river trip).

The Catch: Tracks like the Milford Track strictly prohibit camping. If you miss a hut booking, you cannot just bring a tent as a backup; you will not be allowed on the track. Our packages include secured hut bunks so you don't need to worry about camping gear.

The Short Answer: The Abel Tasman Coast Track.

The Details: We rank this as the best entry-level option because of its mild elevation and flexible logistics.

• Why: You can use water taxis to skip difficult sections or transport your luggage, allowing you to walk with a day pack.
• Runner Up: The Paparoa Track is excellent for those wanting a steady gradient without steep staircases.