A hidden circuit in Fiordland / Mt Aspiring frontier country that rivals many Great Walks in experience. This is a four‑ to five‑day loop weaving through two contrasting valleys: the open, tussock plains and beech forest of the Greenstone, and the more enclosed, forested Caples. The crux is crossing McKellar Saddle, where alpine vistas open up between two river systems. You get rivers, forest, valleys, and ridge views all without the queues of the Routeburn.It’s often seen as a quieter alternative to Routeburn.

Key Facts

• Location: On the boundary region of Fiordland / Mt Aspiring / Greenstone & Caples Conservation Areas (South Island

• How to get there: From Queenstown: drive ~86 km to the Greenstone Road end (off the Glenorchy road). The final road is gravel and includes several fords (which can be tricky after rain) Alternatively, start from The Divide (on the Milford Road) and walk in via Howden / Lake Howden (linking to Greenstone/Caples) Shuttle services (transport) can drop you off or pick up from Greenstone.

• Length / Time: ~59–61 km loop, around 4–5 days

• Difficulty: Intermediate / “easier tramping track” by DOC standard; some steep parts, unbridged crossings in wet conditions.

Tips & Notes

• Book huts / hut tickets in the Great Walks season (October–April). Outside that, backcountry hut passes may suffice.

• The McKellar Saddle is the scenic high point — plan your days to hit that crossing in good weather.

• Stream fords can become dangerous after heavy rain.

• You can shorten or extend this route, or combine it with Routeburn if desired.

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A less-traveled multi-day traverse through the Kahurangi backcountry that makes a great alternative to the Heaphy Track. This is a classic West Coast backcountry route crossing saddles and valleys, descending through forest and tussock, and ending near coastal plains. It weaves through the historic goldfields region and remote wilderness of Kahurangi. Compared to the Heaphy Track, the Wangapeka is more rugged and less maintained, but arguably just as stunning. 

Key Facts

• Location: Kahurangi National Park, South Island

• How to get there: Eastern access via Wangapeka Road / Rolling River car park (southwest of Tapawera). Western end near Little Wanganui Road end (West Coast).

• Length / Time: ~59 km, 4–6 days

• Difficulty: Medium / challenging (steep climbs to saddles, remote sections, river crossings, variable track quality)

Tips & Notes

• East → west is a common direction (so you finish on the coast).

• Expect occasional route finding and less developed track sections.

• You’ll need to organise transport at the other end. Hitchhiking is possible, but it’s a remote area so don’t count on it

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The Travers-Sabine Circuit is growing in popularity, it’s nowhere near as busy as most Great Walks in peak season. The track weaves through the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park, taking in alpine passes, lake basins, forest, and the gem of Blue Lake. You traverse the Travers Valley, cross the Poukirikiri / Travers Saddle, descend into the Sabine Valley, and loop back via the Robert Ridge or Howard / Speargrass routes. Alongside the circuit is a side excursion to Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua), said to be one of the clearest natural lakes in the world. This track is just as rewarding as most Great Walks, without the crowds.

Key Facts

• Location: Nelson Lakes National Park, South Island

• How to get there: The most common trailhead is at St Arnaud (Lake Rotoiti’s east end). Alternate starts include Mt Robert Carpark or Lakeside Carpark to shorten approach.

• Length / Time: ~80 km loop, 4–7 days (depending on pace and side trips)

• Difficulty: Advanced tramping track

Tips & Notes

• The climb over the Travers Saddle is the steepest and most exposed section. Do it when the weather is favourable.

• The Blue Lake side trip (from West Sabine Hut) is a must. It adds about 6–7 hours return.

• Hut bookings: most huts are first-come, first-served; in peak times some key huts require booking.

• Be ready for variable conditions in alpine passes. Even in summer, snow and wind may intervene.

A classic two- to three-day alpine / tops tramp in the Tararua Range close to Wellington. Climbing from the Holdsworth road end through bush, you emerge onto the exposed Tararua tops, traverse ridgelines to Mt Holdsworth and Jumbo Peak, and loop back via the Atiwhakatu route. You get sweeping summit views, tussock tops, and classic New Zealand alpine ridge experience close to the lower North Island.You might bump into some groups on weekends, but it’s much quieter than a Great Walk. 

Key Facts

• Location: Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa / Wellington region, North Island

• How to get there: Drive to Holdsworth Lodge / road end, start from Holdsworth road end to Powell Hut etc.

• Length / Time: ~24 km loop, typically 2–3 days (or a long one-day push by strong parties)

• Difficulty: Intermediate / tramping track. The bush section is fairly straightforward; the tops are exposed and can be tricky in bad weather.

Tips & Notes

• The route above bushline is marked with blue poles to help with navigation in misty conditions

• The Tararuas is known for wind, rain, mist, and overall wild weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to wait out bad weather.

An exposed alpine circuit in Kahurangi, combining tops and plateau country with summit views. Starting from a high carpark, you travel through rock shelters, tussock plateaux, and top country to loop around Tableland / Mt Arthur. The added summiting of Mt Arthur gives you panoramic views over the Nelson and West Coast regions. It’s a relatively popular area in summer, but much quieter than a Great Walk. Add in the Mount Arthur summit on the first day for a more challenging and rewarding hike.

Key Facts

• Location: Kahurangi National Park, Mount Arthur / Tableland area, Nelson / Tasman, South Island

• How to get there: Access via the Flora car park (off Graham Valley Road) — road is steep, narrow, potentially tricky (4WD suggested in winter or rough times)

• Length / Time: ~28 km loop, a long 9–10 hour day, or a leisurely 2-3 day hike staying at Salisbury Lodge and/or the Upper Gridiron Rock Shelters (with a tent)

• Difficulty: Expert, according to DOC

Tips & Notes

• Use caution in bad weather; exposure and steep drops are a factor.

• Overnighting in rock shelters is an option if you break it into two days.

• The access road can be troublesome and a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. There have also been reports of break-ins here.

A relatively easy, picturesque loop around Mount Taranaki (North Island) with near-constant views of the mountain and rugged high-country terrain. This 2-3 day circuit is a great way to take in the alpine tussock, skirting ridgelines, and sweeping views that Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki has to offer. The circuit isn’t very crowded as most hikers opt for the summit track, although the huts can be booked out during peak season so it’s a good idea to carry a tent. You can also visit the world-famous Pouakai Tarns to get that classic mirror photo of Mount Taranaki (if you’re lucky enough to be there on a day with no wind). 

Key Facts

• Location: Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki / Egmont National Park (North Island)

• How to get there: Start from the North Egmont Visitor Centre

• Length / Time: ~25 km, 2–3 days

• Difficulty: Rated “advanced” by DOC (steep sections, exposed ridges, volcanic rock, changeable weather)

Tips & Notes

• Be ready for sudden weather changes — Taranaki is notorious for fog, wind, and rain.

• Nights can be cold at altitude; bring warm gear.

• Plan your days to enjoy sunrise/sunset with Mt Taranaki silhouette.'

• Since the circuit is relatively short, you can shift to a day hike or shorter route if needed.

A wild, dramatic traverse through Mount Aspiring backcountry, with glacier views, alpine saddles, and remote character. This point-to-point route through Rees and Dart valleys takes you past glacier-fed rivers, tussock and alpine slopes, sidles above Snowy Creek, and features a descent down the Dart River valley. The optional Cascade Saddle side trip (if you’re ambitious) adds alpine height with sweeping glacier and mountain views.It’s a great escape from the Routeburn crowds (many trampers arrive in that region and opt for Rees‑Dart when Routeburn huts are booked).

Key Facts

• Location: Mount Aspiring National Park, Otago region, South Island

• How to get there:   - Start at the Muddy Creek car park (Rees valley end) or Chinamans Bluff (Dart side)   - Use shuttle service between Glenorchy and the trailheads (often only available during the main season)   - The two trailheads are ~30 km apart by unsealed road so plan your transport ahead of time

• Length / Time: ~61 km one way; typically done in 4 days (plus extra for Cascade Saddle side trip)

• Difficulty: Advanced tramping track. Exposed alpine sections, potential for snow or ice outside summer, exposed ridges, creek crossings, avalanche risk in winter/spring.

Tips & Notes

• The Snowy Creek footbridge is removed in mid‑May and reinstalled before summer — check its status before planning.

• Avalanche and snow risk are significant outside summer; the upper Rees / Dart valley is exposed.

• Cascade Saddle side trip is spectacular but only advisable for experienced hikers.

• Be prepared for river crossings especially on the Dart side.

• Carry a lightweight tent as a backup in case huts are full or you have to wait out bad weather.

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Winding through the rugged foothills of the Kaweka Range, this circuit is a choose-your-own-adventure loop that can be smashed in two days or savoured over four. It links three classic huts – Middle Hill, Makino, and Te Puia Lodge – with steep ridgelines, deep bushy gorges, and river valley hot pools. The highlight has to be soaking in the Mangatainoka hot springs after a day of hard yakka in steep “goat country”. This is classic central North Island backcountry – rough, rewarding, and remote enough to give you that true off-grid feeling.

Key Facts

• Location: Kaweka Forest Park, Hawke’s Bay (North Island)

• How to get there: Drive 75 km west from Napier to the end of Makahu Road.

• Length / Time: ~24.6 km loop, 2–4 days depending on pace and route

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Steep, uneven terrain, multiple climbs and descents through gorges.

Tips & Notes

• Best done clockwise for a more gradual build-up in intensity.

• The Middle Hill to Makino section is the toughest — known locally as “the five gorges” for a reason. Expect ups and downs, dense bush, and rugged ground.

• Stay a night at Te Puia Lodge and visit the Mangatainoka hot springs (45 min upriver).

• On the final day, enjoy the scenic river walk back to the car park — and a bonus soak at Mangatutu Hot Spring tubs right by the road.

• Huts are basic. Definitely not Great Walk luxury out here.

Go Beyond the Great Walks

New Zealand is bursting with trails that don’t make the tourist brochures, and that’s exactly what makes them special. These tracks offer something different: more solitude, more challenge, and a deeper connection with the land.

While the Great Walks are iconic, they’re just the beginning. From alpine circuits to forested valleys, natural hot springs to glacier-carved passes, the hikes off the beaten track are where you’ll find real adventure – and often, far fewer people.

So if you’ve done a Great Walk, missed out on a booking, or just want to level up your tramping game, consider branching out. Take on something new. Test yourself. Explore somewhere that makes you feel like you’ve truly earned the view.

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