Easter is officially New Zealand’s busiest hiking season – and for good reason. New data from AllTrails reveals that Easter weekend in 2024 was the most popular hiking weekend of the entire year. With the long weekend ahead and a crisp shift in the air, there’s no better time to lace up your boots and head outdoors.
Hiking in Aotearoa is booming. AllTrails recorded a 104 per cent surge in Kiwi users last year, alongside a 112 per cent increase in trail listings – a clear sign that more of us are choosing to explore nature on foot. Whether it’s a family-friendly stroll or a challenging solo trek to reconnect with yourself, there’s a trail for every kind of walker.
Walking isn’t just good for your body though, it’s a powerful way to boost mental health, ease stress and lift your mood. And as the weather starts to cool and the days shorten, staying active outdoors can be one of the best ways to combat the seasonal slump. The key? Layer up, bring a thermos of something warm, and keep moving!
To help you make the most of the season, we’ve got the inside scoop of Easter’s most popular tracks across the country. These are tried-and-true Kiwi favourites, and perfect picks for your long weekend adventures:
- Hooker Lake via Hooker Valley Track (Aoraki)
- Roys Peak Track (Wānaka)
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Tongariro National Park)
- Mueller Hut Route (Aoraki)
- Queenstown Hill Walkway (Queenstown)
- Ben Lomond Track via Skyline Gondola (Queenstown)
- Mount John Walkway (Lake Tekapo)
- Lake Marian Track (Fiordland National Park)
- Robert’s Point Track (Westland National Park)
Whether you’re chasing summit views or simply seeking a quiet moment under the trees, there’s something special about exploring our landscapes during the shoulder season. So, pull on your warm socks, pack your raincoat just in case – and enjoy the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other.
And remember – there’s no such thing as bad weather… only bad clothing!
