Best Day Walks New Zealand: Easy Escapes Into Nature

Keep learning throughout life
Provides educational content about geography, ecology, and natural history of hiking regions.

Support local businesses at home and abroad
Guides travellers to regional areas, supporting local tourism operators and communities along hiking trails.

Collect friends and experiences, not just things
Encourages experiential travel focused on outdoor adventures rather than material consumption.

Walk and cycle rather than drive
Promotes hiking and walking as low-carbon recreation activities.

Discover the wonders of the natural world
Showcases diverse ecosystems, native flora and fauna, and geological features

Stretch your legs away from the city with Lonely Planet's Best Day Walks New Zealand and enjoy 60 accessible trails with maps and directions that range from a few hours to a full day adventure.

Admire breathtaking views of mountains and alpine lakes, escape to wild and remote beaches, explore a bird-lover's paradise - and escape into nature.

Stretch your legs away from the city with Lonely Planet's Best Day Walks New Zealand and discover 60 easy escapes into nature with maps and directions.

Lace up your walking boots and experience the freedom of the great outdoors with trails that range from a couple of hours to a full day. Admire panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes as you climb Key Summit; explore golden sand beaches on a stomp through Abel Tasman National Park; and escape to a bird lover's paradise on the Kawerau Track Loop.

Inside Lonely Planet's Best Day Walks New Zealand:

• Discover 60 escapes into nature on foot that range from a few hours to a full day adventure
• Each walk features easy-to-use maps , detailed directions, difficulty rating (easy, moderate, hard), distance, terrain, start and end points, where to take a break and hiking tips
• Regional profiles provide an overview of the area, local transport, unmissable calendar events, where to stay and the best walks to complete
• 'Also try' recommendations introduce additional walks nearby
• 'Our Picks' section highlights the best: mountain, coastal, bird-watching, glacial, and dramatic walk experiences
• Local travel experts share their favourite walks
• Essential 'Toolkit' on arriving, getting around, accommodation, walking etiquette, health and safety, responsible travel and more
• Covers: The North, Central North Island, Southern North Island, Top of the South, Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, The South

Set out on foot with Lonely Planet's Best Day Walks New Zealand and explore the breathtaking landscapes of this very special country.

Publication date:
October 1st, 2025

Edition:
2nd

Print length:
232 pages