Roam Glade Editorial · Updated November 2026
New Zealand's Department of Conservation maintains thousands of kilometres of tracks, and many of the South Island's big views are on short walks: glacier lakes below Aoraki/Mount Cook, rainforest reflections on the West Coast and the beaches of Abel Tasman.
Distances and times below are approximate, based on DOC track information. DOC times are for an average walker; allow extra for photos.
At a Glance
| Walk | Distance | Climb | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hooker Valley Track | About 10 km (6.2 mi) return | About 100 m (330 ft), gradual | 3 hours | Easy |
| Tasman Glacier View | About 1 km (0.6 mi) return | About 100 m (330 ft) of steps | 40 minutes | Easy–moderate |
| Lake Matheson | About 4.5 km (2.8 mi) loop | Minimal | 1.5 hours | Easy |
| Hokitika Gorge | About 2 km (1.2 mi) return | Minimal | 45 minutes–1 hour | Easy |
| Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn Nature Walk (Milford Road) | Mirror Lakes 400 m (0.25 mi); Lake Gunn about 1 km (0.6 mi) loop | Flat | 10–45 minutes | Easy |
| Abel Tasman Coast Track: Anchorage to Marahau | About 12 km (7.5 mi) one way | Several gentle climbs over headlands | 3.5–4 hours | Easy–moderate |
The Walks
Hooker Valley Track
Easy- Distance
- About 10 km (6.2 mi) return
- Climb
- About 100 m (330 ft), gradual
- Time
- 3 hours
- Best season
- All year, weather permitting
Highlights: Three swing bridges over the Hooker River and boardwalks to Hooker Lake, which often has icebergs, with Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 m) straight ahead.
Start and parking: White Horse Hill car park, at the end of the road through Aoraki/Mount Cook village. Busy from late morning in summer; arrive early or late.
Families: Well-formed and fairly flat; good for children who can manage 10 km. Parts of the track have closed in recent years for bridge work, so check DOC alerts.
Dogs: No (national park).
Tasman Glacier View
Easy–moderate- Distance
- About 1 km (0.6 mi) return
- Climb
- About 100 m (330 ft) of steps
- Time
- 40 minutes
- Best season
- All year
Highlights: A short, steep climb up steps to a viewpoint over the grey Tasman Lake and the end of New Zealand's longest glacier.
Start and parking: Blue Lakes car park at the end of Tasman Valley Road, about 15 minutes' drive from the village.
Families: Short but steep; lots of steps.
Dogs: No (national park).
Lake Matheson
Easy- Distance
- About 4.5 km (2.8 mi) loop
- Climb
- Minimal
- Time
- 1.5 hours
- Best season
- All year; go early for still water
Highlights: A loop through native rainforest to viewpoints where, on calm, clear mornings, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman are mirrored in the dark water.
Start and parking: Lake Matheson car park, about 5 km from Fox Glacier township, with a café.
Families: Flat, gravel path; good for most ages.
Dogs: No.
Hokitika Gorge
Easy- Distance
- About 2 km (1.2 mi) return
- Climb
- Minimal
- Time
- 45 minutes–1 hour
- Best season
- All year
Highlights: A forest path and swing bridge over a gorge with milky turquoise water from glacial flour. The colour is brightest on sunny days after dry weather.
Start and parking: Hokitika Gorge car park, about 35 km inland from Hokitika.
Families: Easy, with a swing bridge over the gorge.
Dogs: Check local rules; dogs are generally not permitted on DOC tracks like this one.
Mirror Lakes and Lake Gunn Nature Walk (Milford Road)
Easy- Distance
- Mirror Lakes 400 m (0.25 mi); Lake Gunn about 1 km (0.6 mi) loop
- Climb
- Flat
- Time
- 10–45 minutes
- Best season
- All year; check the Milford Road for avalanche closures in winter and spring
Highlights: Boardwalk over small lakes that reflect the Earl Mountains; mossy red beech forest at Lake Gunn. Good breaks on the drive to Milford Sound.
Start and parking: Signed car parks on State Highway 94, the Milford Road, between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Families: Short, flat boardwalks.
Dogs: No (national park).
Abel Tasman Coast Track: Anchorage to Marahau
Easy–moderate- Distance
- About 12 km (7.5 mi) one way
- Climb
- Several gentle climbs over headlands
- Time
- 3.5–4 hours
- Best season
- All year; best October–April
Highlights: Golden beaches, clear water and native bush on one of New Zealand's Great Walks. You can shorten it with a water-taxi pick-up from another beach.
Start and parking: Take a water taxi from Marahau or Kaiteriteri to Anchorage, then walk back to Marahau (book the boat in advance).
Families: Well-graded track; check tide times for any estuary crossings.
Dogs: No (national park).
Getting Around
A rental car or campervan gives the most flexibility; distances are long and the roads are often winding. Aoraki/Mount Cook village is about 4 hours from Christchurch and 3 hours from Queenstown. Fox and Franz Josef are on the West Coast road (State Highway 6). Milford Sound is about 2 hours from Te Anau. Water taxis serve the Abel Tasman coast from Marahau and Kaiteriteri.
Rules and Safety
- Check DOC alerts for track closures before you go.
- Weather in the mountains and on the West Coast changes fast. Carry a warm layer and rain jacket, even in summer.
- Stay off glacier ice unless you are on a guided heli-hike.
- Take all rubbish with you and use the toilets at car parks.
When to Go
Summer (December to February) has the longest days and the busiest car parks. March and April bring settled autumn weather and golden poplars around Arrowtown and Central Otago. Winter (June to August) is quiet and clear on the eastern side; the Hooker Valley is often walkable in winter, but check avalanche advisories.
Questions People Ask
What is the best easy walk on the South Island?
The Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is the classic: about 10 km return on a well-formed track with swing bridges, ending at a glacier lake below New Zealand's highest mountain.
Are dogs allowed on New Zealand walking tracks?
Dogs are not allowed in New Zealand national parks, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Fiordland and Abel Tasman. Some other conservation areas allow dogs with a permit.
When is the best time for easy walks on the South Island?
December to March is summer, with the longest days. October–November and March–April are quieter and still good for walking, with cooler weather. Alpine areas can get snow at any time of year.
How do I deal with sandflies?
Sandflies are common on the West Coast and in Fiordland. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and keep moving; they are worst near water and in still conditions.
Check before you go
Trail conditions, closures, fees and transport change. Distances and times here are approximate round-trip figures; confirm details with the official sources: