The New Zealand Walking Track Grading System

New Zealand is home to nearly 1500 hiking trails, offering an incredible range of landscapes and terrains. From short, easy walks to multi-day treks through remote wilderness, hiking (or “tramping,” as it's known locally) in New Zealand caters to all levels of experience.

Whether you're planning to tackle one of New Zealand's Great Walks or embark on a day hike, it's essential to understand the New Zealand Walking Track Grading System to ensure the trail you choose matches your abilities.

Many of the hikes in New Zealand take you through remote wilderness areas, particularly in alpine regions where the weather can quickly turn a straightforward trek into a dangerous one. To help hikers assess a trail’s suitability for their skill level, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has established a comprehensive Walking Track Grading System.

This system enables hikers to evaluate the difficulty and demands of each track, ensuring they are properly prepared in terms of fitness, gear, and experience.

We’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide to the New Zealand walking track grading system. It covers the six track categories, explains what each one involves, and helps you decide if a trail is right for you.

Let's begin!

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Before we begin, below are quick links to the six grades – ranging from Easiest (with easy access), through to Expert. Read on to find out your comfort level.

Quick Links
Easiest (Easy Access) | Easiest – Short Walks | Easy | Intermediate | Advanced | Expert

1. Easiest – Easy Access Short Walks

Description:
These tracks are designed for people of all fitness levels, including families with young children, the elderly, or people with limited mobility. They are generally less than one hour long and are built to a high standard, often featuring smooth, wide paths and easy gradients.

• Wheelchair accessible

Track Features:

• Distance: Typically less than 1 km (one way).
• Terrain: Flat or gently sloping.
• Track Surface: Well-formed and even. Often paved or gravel. Stream and river crossings are bridged.
• Facilities: May have seating, rest areas, and information panels.
• Experience Required: None. These tracks are suitable for anyone.
• Footwear required: Walking shoes.

Examples:

• Huka Falls Lookout Walk: Witness an incredible volume of water from the Waikato River being forced through a channel of hard rock only 15 m wide and 10 m deep.
• Arrowtown Chinese Settlement: A short walk around a partially restored and well interpreted Chinese settlement from the 1880s. The settlement is a mute reminder and tribute to the contribution made by Chinese goldminers.
• Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Lighthouse Walk: Enjoy outstanding panoramic views and pay respect to a site steeped in Māori tradition on the short stroll to New Zealand's iconic lighthouse located at the most northerly point.

Who Should Choose This Track?
Easy Access Short Walks are ideal for casual visitors, people looking for a brief encounter with nature, or those who may be new to hiking. These tracks are perfect for stretching your legs and enjoying nature without requiring any significant preparation or fitness level. Wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Find walks in the ‘Easiest: Easy access short walk' category.

2. Easiest – Short Walks

Description:
Short Walks are easy to moderate trails that are typically less than 1-2 hours in duration. They are well-suited for day trippers, tourists, or families who want to explore scenic spots without committing to a full-day hike.

Track Features:

• Distance: Usually less than 3 km (one way).
• Terrain: Easy gradients with a few gentle climbs.
• Track Surface: Well-maintained with firm surfaces such as gravel, boardwalks, or packed dirt. Tracks may have steps.
• Facilities: Benches, picnic areas, and toilets are often available at key points.
• Experience Required: Minimal. Suitable for most levels of fitness, including children and older adults.
• Footwear required: Walking shoes.

Example:

• Pukawa Bay Walks: One of my personal favourites as we used to walk this track often as children during our summer holidays/vacations. Walk through ancient forest with spectacular lake vistas.
• Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway: Another personal favourite – recalling childhood memories of stopping at “the gorge” each time we travelled to Auckland. Situated at the base of the Coromandel Range, the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi, giving access to impressive remains from the mining and railway eras.
• Twelve Mile Delta to Bob’s Cove Track: Follow the shore of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy lake views, native bush and ancient marine sediments. Twelve Mile Delta was a location for Lord of the Rings' Ithilien Camp.

Who Should Choose This Track?
Short Walks are perfect for families, tourists, and anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors without needing specialist equipment or a high level of fitness. These walks often lead to viewpoints, waterfalls, or other points of interest, making them rewarding without being physically demanding.

Find walks in the ‘Easiest: Short walk' category.

3. Easy – Walking Tracks

Description:
Walking Tracks are suitable for most people with moderate fitness and offer more varied terrain and distances than Short Walks. These tracks can take between 2 to 8 hours, covering distances up to 10 km, and some tracks are suitable for mountain biking.

Track Features:

• Distance: Between 3-10 km (one way).
• Terrain: Includes gentle to moderate climbs and descents. Can have uneven surfaces.
• Track Surface: Well-maintained but some sections may be steep, and may include natural obstacles like roots, rocks, or mud. Stream and river crossings are mostly bridged, although small crossings may not be.
• Facilities: There may be no facilities
• Experience Required: Moderate fitness is needed, but no technical hiking experience.
• Footwear required: Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots.

Examples:

• Rangitoto Island longer walks: Experience the best of Arthur’s Pass's diverse alpine vegetation, waterfalls, wetlands, rich history and stunning mountain views on this walk.
  Duration: 1 hr to 3 hr 45 min
• Pororari River tracks: Follow a spectacular limestone gorge on a short walk, or make a loop for a longer walk. The Pororari River Track is the pedestrian entry/exit for the Paparoa Great Walk.
  Duration: 1 hr 30 min | 3 hr | 5–6 hr
• Roys Peak Track: Take in breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea and surrounding peaks after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit.
  Duration: 5-6 hr return

Who Should Choose This Track?
Walking Tracks are ideal for day hikers looking to explore more scenic or remote areas but who are not seeking a challenging or strenuous hike. They are great for people who want to spend a few hours outdoors, soaking in the natural environment.

Find walks in the ‘Easy: Walking track' category.

4. Intermediate – Great Walk/Easier Tramping Tracks

Description:
These tracks are longer and more challenging than Walking Tracks but are still manageable for most reasonably fit people. Great Walks often span several days and are well-maintained to make multi-day tramping accessible to a broader audience.

Track Features:

• Distance: Varies greatly, from 10 km up to 80+ km for multi-day walks.
• Terrain: Varied terrain with more significant climbs and descents. Track surfaces may be uneven, with muddy sections, river crossings, or exposed ridgelines. Major stream and river crossings are bridged, but smaller crossings are not.
• Track Surface: Well-marked and maintained, but more rugged in remote sections.
• Facilities: Huts, campsites, toilets, and water sources are available. Great Walks tend to have more facilities, while Easy Tramping Tracks may be more basic.
• Experience Required: Good fitness is required, along with basic tramping skills such as map reading and preparedness for changing weather conditions.

Example:

• Milford Track, Fiordland National Park: From late October to April, discover why it's called ‘the finest walk in the world,' as you journey through glacier-carved valleys, ancient rainforests, and past stunning waterfalls. From May to late October, the track becomes colder and wetter, with snow, ice, and limited daylight. Only attempt it during this time if you have advanced alpine skills, experience with river crossings, and strong navigation abilities.
  Duration: 4 days
• Greenstone and Caples tracks: The Caples and Greenstone Valleys, linked by McKellar Saddle, form a 4-day moderate loop. Averaging 6-7 hours of daily walking, the track offers diverse scenery from alpine meadows to river valleys. With backcountry huts along the route and stunning views, it’s an ideal option for trampers seeking a quieter alternative to New Zealand’s Great Walks.
  Check out our full article on the Greenstone and Caples tracks!
  Duration: 4 Days
• Queen Charlotte Track: Explore the stunning beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on the Queen Charlotte Track, a 73.5 km journey for both walkers and bikers. Starting at the historic Meretoto/Ship Cove and winding through to Anakiwa in Queen Charlotte Sound, the track offers a unique blend of coastal and forest landscapes, rich in history and breathtaking scenery. For the perfect finale, finish your hike with a wine tour in one of the world’s premier Sauvignon Blanc regions.
  Duration: 3-5 days

Who Should Choose This Track?
Great Walks and Easy Tramping Tracks are suitable for people who have done some longer hikes and are comfortable spending extended periods in the wilderness. While the tracks are well-marked and maintained, they still require good preparation, including proper gear and food planning.

Find walks in the ‘Intermediate: Great Walk/Easier tramping track' category

5. Advanced – Tramping Tracks

Description:
Advanced Tramping Tracks are intended for experienced hikers and trampers who are comfortable with backcountry navigation, self-sufficiency, and dealing with unpredictable weather. These tracks are generally more remote and less maintained than other types, offering a true wilderness experience.

Track Features:

• Distance: Varies greatly, from shorter day hikes to multi-day wilderness treks.
• Terrain: Steep, rugged, and potentially hazardous terrain. Expect difficult river crossings, exposed ridgelines, and challenging ascents and descents.
• Track Surface: Rough and often unformed. Trails may be overgrown in places, with minimal infrastructure.
• Facilities: Huts and campsites may be available but are more basic. Facilities such as water sources or toilets may be limited, and hikers should be self-sufficient.
• Experience Required: High level of fitness and experience with multi-day hikes, navigation, and survival skills. River crossing and alpine skills may also be necessary.

Example:

• Rees Dart Track, Mount Aspiring National Park: The Rees-Dart Track is one of my favourite NZ hikes. It offers a striking blend of pristine beech forests, glacier-fed rivers, and the towering Dart Glacier, all set against the backdrop of jagged peaks. This challenging trail also passes through some of the filming locations for The Lord of the Rings, adding an epic dimension to the already dramatic landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park.
  Duration: 4-5 days one way
  Check out our full article on the Rees Dart Track
• Hollyford Track, Fiordland National Park: The Hollyford Track is an advanced 4–8 day tramp in Fiordland, leading from the mountains to the sea at Martins Bay. Open year-round, it traverses rugged terrain through ancient rainforests, fast-flowing rivers, and dramatic coastal landscapes. This remote track requires a high level of fitness and experience in backcountry conditions, though guided options are also available for a more supported experience.
  Duration: 4-8 days
• Te Paki Coastal Track, Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua:  This stunning coastal track takes you through some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes, where wind-swept dunes tower over the rugged coastline. Along the way, you'll witness the powerful meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, hike across golden beaches, and enjoy expansive, ever-changing views of the wild, untouched northern coast.
  Duration: 4-5 days

Who Should Choose This Track?
Advanced Tramping Tracks are for seasoned trampers who are seeking a more remote and challenging experience. These tracks require a higher degree of preparation, physical fitness, and mental resilience, as conditions can be demanding, and safety is a primary concern.

Find walks in the ‘Advanced: Tramping track' category

5. Expert – Route

Description:
The Expert: Route grade represents the most challenging type of track in New Zealand's DOC track grading system. These routes are primarily unmarked, unformed, and often navigate through very rough or remote terrain. They are designed for highly experienced trampers who are well-versed in wilderness navigation, route-finding, and survival skills. Unlike other tracks, routes can involve substantial obstacles, including steep slopes, river crossings, scree fields, and dense bush.

Track Features:

• Distance: Varies greatly, with no defined lengths or durations. The focus is on route-finding and navigating through the natural landscape.
• Terrain: Extremely rugged and variable. Expect steep, unmarked areas with natural barriers such as large boulders, cliffs, rivers, and alpine passes.
• Track Surface: Unformed, often without any visible path. May include scree, tussock, or rock scrambling. Route markers (if present) are sparse, requiring advanced navigation skills.
• Facilities: Typically none along the route. Hikers must be self-sufficient, with camping gear and emergency equipment.
• Experience Required: Only for expert trampers with extensive experience in off-track navigation. Excellent fitness, wilderness survival skills, and the ability to read maps and compasses are essential.
• Footwear Required: Sturdy tramping boots with excellent ankle support.

Example:

• Five Passes Route, Mount Aspiring National Park: The Five Passes Route is a classic 4-7 day tramping trip located in the Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. The normal Five Passes Route includes crossing Fohn Saddle (1506m), Fiery Col (1546m), Cow Saddle (1025m), Park Pass (1176m) and Sugarloaf Pass (1154m). The trip starts at the Lake Sylvan campsite on the banks of the Routeburn River, and ends at the Routeburn Shelter (start / finish of the Routeburn Track).
  Duration: 4-7 days
• Tararua Northern Crossing, Tararua Forest Park: The Northern Crossing in Tararua Forest Park rewards experienced trampers with rugged alpine ridgelines, panoramic views of the Tararua Range, and dramatic valleys below. At elevations reaching over 1500 meters, you’ll traverse exposed peaks and deep forested basins. Expect breathtaking vistas, a mix of beech forests, tussock-covered slopes, and a true sense of adventure in this untouched wilderness.
  Duration: 3-5 days
• Mount Hikurangi – Te Ara ki Hikurangi, Raukumara Conservation Park: Mount Hikurangi in the Raukumara Conservation Park offers a challenging trek for experienced hikers, leading to the sacred mountain of Ngāti Porou. As the highest non-volcanic peak in the North Island, it rewards trampers with sweeping views of the East Cape coastline and distant ranges. The climb features rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and the chance to witness one of the first sunrises in the world.
  Duration: 7 hours.

Who Should Choose This Track?
The Expert: Route grade is for highly skilled trampers seeking a demanding and adventurous experience. It requires advanced wilderness navigation, route-finding, and a high level of fitness. These tracks often pass through remote areas where help may not be readily available, making self-reliance essential. Expect no facilities and be prepared for unexpected challenges and variable weather conditions.

Find walks in the ‘Expert: Route' category

Finding Hikes in New Zealand

The Department of Conservation (DOC) website is an amazing tool for finding hikes in New Zealand, but it really shines when you understand the walking track grading system.

With six categories ranging from easy-going short walks to challenging expert tracks, knowing the grades makes it much easier to filter your options and find a hike that suits your style.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a multi-day adventure, this knowledge ensures your search is efficient and tailored to you. For a deeper dive into how to find hikes in New Zealand using the DOC website, check out our guide here.

Why Track Grading System Matters

When planning a hike, it’s important to consider not only the distance but also the track conditions, facilities, and the physical demands of the terrain. Also, you should always check the weather forecast and be prepared for sudden changes, especially on more remote and advanced tracks.

The New Zealand Walking Track Grading System is more than just labels; it’s your guide to finding hikes that match your skills, fitness, and adventure goals. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not, understanding these grades will help you navigate the trails safely and with confidence.

With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be better equipped to explore the incredible walks New Zealand has to offer. Your next adventure starts with making an informed choice.