Photo of Hiking Trails in Southland

The Best Hiking Trails in Southland

Explore Hiking Trails

Top 7 hiking trails in Southland

1

Rakiura Track

Hard
36.64 km·
1,386 m
A loop through the heart of Stewart Island, the Rakiura Track is a nature lover's paradise that promises stunning views, spectacular night skies, and a walk through historical Maori settlement sites....
2

Routeburn Track

Hard
31.38 km·
1,356 m
This 32 kilometre track in the heart of New Zealand's Alps is truly spectacular. It could be done in a single push for a hiker with the required fitness and motivation but it is best done at a leisurely pace so that it can be enjoyed fully....
3

Kepler Track

Hard
57.12 km·
1,925 m
A circular hike, the Kepler Track is one of the jewels in New Zealand's impressive hiking crown. As the trail makes its way through Fjordland it encounters a staggering diversity of landscapes, from lake shores, gorges, forests, wetlands to high mountains....
4

Milford Track: Clinton Hut to Mintaro Hut

Hard
17.64 km·
509 m
The track continues up the valley, after which it climbs gradually as it follows the banks of the Clinton River. The valley becomes noticeably narrower, with granite walls on both sides....
5

Milford Track: Mintaro Hut to Dumpling Hut

Hard
13.55 km·
574 m
This is the toughest day on the Milford Track. You begin the day with a steep climb up to Mackinnon Pass via a series of switchbacks. You'll climb up to the memorial of explorer Quintin McKinnon, where you will enjoy inspiring views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon along the way....
6

Milford Track: Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point

Hard
18.25 km·
169 m
From Dumpling Hut, follow Arthur River to the historic Boatshed. After crossing a large swing bridge and further along the track, you will reach Mackay Falls and Bell Rock. After leaving Mackay Falls, keep a lookout for the fading, man-made rock cuttings on the left alongside a narrow pathway running beside the Arthur River and Lake Ada....
7

Milford Track

Hard
54.99 km·
1,290 m
The 'finest walk in the world'. It's a bold claim, but those who are fortunate enough to have completed the Milford Track attest that it lives up to its lofty reputation....