The sacred serenity of Lake Waikaremoana. Photo: David Ruddock

A date with greatness

September 2024

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September 2024

Before setting foot on the trail, you must first decide which Great Walk is right for you. By Claire Nelson

Adventure, romance, the thrill of the new; what is it that you look for in a Great Walk? Do you gravitate towards the shy and retiring types, or is high drama your thing? Whatever it is, with our handy guide you can make a date with greatness.

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, 44km

Location: Hawke’s Bay

About me: I’m a free spirit, finding bliss in the surrounding ancient forests, crystal-clear waters and panoramic ridges. If we meet, I’ll introduce you to the sacred serenity of Te Urewera.

How others might describe me: Stunning, spiritual, grounded.

A favourite feature of mine: Take a moment to stop and feel the energy of the spectacular Korokoro Falls, cascading from a cliff in the rainforest.

I’m looking for: Someone who will join me in some meditation along the lakeshore, embracing the
natural beauty and tranquillity of this sacred space.

A date with me lasts: 3–4 days.

Download our map of the Lake Waikaremoana Track 

September 2024

Read more from

September 2024

The Tongariro Northern Circuit is renowned for its volcanic landscape. Photo: Matthew Cattin

Tongariro Northern Circuit, 44.9km

Location: Central North Island

About me: I turn heads, decked out in my signature reds and oranges with lakes of luminous turquoise. I don’t like to suppress my passion, so between the volcanic craters and geothermal vents things could get a little steamy.

How others might describe me: Active, thirsty, mesmerising.

A favourite feature of mine: There’s a secluded swimming hole near Oturere Hut that’s perfect for a soak while watching the sunset.

I’m looking for: Someone bold and intrepid, who can handle a little drama for a one-of-a-kind adventure.

A date with me lasts: 3–4 days.

Download our map of the Tongariro Northern Circuit.

The Whanganui River Journey is a Great Walk with a difference. Photo: Darren Patterson

Whanganui River Journey, 145km

Location: Whanganui

About me: Okay, I’m not your usual type … I’m a river route. But why walk when you can paddle? Rather than slogging up hills I prefer to go with the flow.

One thing I should mention: I’m not into exclusivity, so solo dates aren’t really my style. Bring a friend, or three – the more the merrier!

How others might describe me: Magnificent, non-conformist, sociable.

A favourite feature of mine: If you’re still in the mood for a walk, park your canoe and I’ll take you to see the historic Bridge to Nowhere.

I’m looking for: Someone with an open mind and heart. If you’re into trying new things, I’m sure to float your boat.

A date with me lasts: 3–5 days.

Download our map of the Whanganui Journey

Punctuality is key for the Abel Tasman – don’t miss the tides! Photo: Tia Christiansen

Abel Tasman Coast Track, 60km

Location: Nelson/Tasman

About me: I’m pretty easygoing and pride myself on trying to keep a sunny disposition. Whether we rough it or opt for some luxury, I can guarantee an unforgettable time. Just be punctual … I’m all for enjoying the moment, but cutting it close with the tides might spoil the mood.

How others might describe me: Beautiful, personable, a stickler for schedules.

A favourite feature of mine: Let me take you to Separation Point, a wild, rocky bluff where you can watch a seal colony.

I’m looking for: Someone who’s equally comfortable camping out or enjoying a comfy lodge, and who’d love to join me for a romantic moonlit stroll on the beach after dinner.

A date with me lasts: 4 days.

Download our map of the Abel Tasman Coast Track

Hike or bike the limestone formations and magical forests of the Paparoa Track. Photo: Caleb Smith

Paparoa Track, 55.7km

Location: West Coast

About me: I’m all about inclusivity: both trampers and mountain bikers are welcome to experience my impressive limestone formations, magical mossy forests and awesome vistas of the Southern Alps. If you have time, detour to the Pike River disaster memorial. It’s a poignant tribute to the miners who lost their lives.

How others might describe me: Accommodating, contemplative, resilient.

A favourite feature of mine: It’s hard not to feel awe when passing through the Pororari River Gorge, with its hewn limestone and abundance of nīkau palms.

I’m looking for: A connection with a curious and kind-hearted traveller who will happily go out of their way to find hidden gems.

A date with me lasts: 2–3 days.

Download our map of the Paparoa Track

Have an appetite for adventure? Give the Routeburn a go. Photo: Alice Milne

Routeburn Track, 32km

Location: Otago/Southland

About me: Does height matter to you? Because I’m as tall as they come! I’m talking 1255m – so expect panoramas of pristine lakes and sweeping valleys with a backdrop of the Southern Alps. And listen, whichever direction you prefer to take things, Harris Saddle makes a good high-altitude rendezvous if you’re looking for people to swap keys (just putting it out there).

How others might describe me: Desirable, daring, adores a challenge.

A favourite feature of mine: A short distance from Routeburn Falls Hut (which is a bit of a spoiler) you’ll find the majestic Routeburn Falls, a natural beauty.

I’m looking for: Someone with experience, an appetite for adventure, and a sense of fun.

A date with me lasts: 2–4 days

Download our map of the Routeburn Track

If you like old-school adventure, you’ll love the Kepler. Photo: William King

Kepler Track, 60km

Location: Southland

About me: Many know me as the original Great Walk and will surely agree I age like a quality single malt. Join me in a trek through Fiordland’s peaks, where alpine meadows meet ancient beech forests. I like to think of it as a journey through nature’s greatest hits.

How others might describe me: Classic, awe-inspiring, experienced.

A favourite feature of mine: I inherited some ancient limestone caves that I’ll be delighted to show off – they’re a short detour from Luxmore Hut.

I’m looking for: Someone who loves old-school adventure and isn’t afraid to get their boots dirty. If you enjoy stunning views, hidden gems and a good story, we’ll get along famously.

A date with me lasts: 3–4 days.

Download our map of the Kepler Track

It’s for scenery like this at Omanui/Mckinnon Pass that people come from all over the world. Photo: Matthew Cattin

Milford Track 53.5km

Location: Southland

About me: Just so you’re aware, I’m wildly popular, but I’d love us to connect. If you can book a date with me I’ll make it worth your while with the kind of fabulous scenery people from all over the world come to see. It’s not that I’m high maintenance… but there’s no parking, babe, so you will have to come meet me by boat.

How others might describe me: Gorgeous, in demand, iconic.

A favourite feature of mine: I’ll serve you a great view of Sutherland Falls – at 580m it’s amongst the tallest waterfalls in the world.

I’m looking for: Adventurers who appreciate beautiful things and won’t mind putting in a bit of effort for me.

A date with me lasts: 3–4 days

Download our map of the Milford Track

The Heaphy Track is a melange of coast, forest, tussock and more. Photo: Tania Hurtado

Heaphy Track, 78.4km

Location: West Coast/Tasman

About me: Looking for a date who’ll keep you guessing? Allow me to introduce myself. I’m part windswept headland, part sumptuous forest, a bit of wild tussock, a smattering of towering palms and so much more. No two days are the same with me. I like to mix it up… And if you do too, we’re sure to have the time of our life.

How others might describe me: Rugged, adaptable, full of surprises.

A favourite feature of mine: How can I pick just one? I would say reaching the point where the Heaphy River meets the Tasman Sea is beautifully cinematic.

I’m looking for: An enthusiastic explorer, someone who lives life to the fullest.

A date with me lasts: 4–5 days.

Download our map of the Heaphy Track

Settle into island time on the Rakiura Track. Photo: Great South

Rakiura Track, 32km

Location: Rakiura Stewart Island

About me: I might seem quiet, but really I just enjoy a quiet life away from the crowds. As my date, that means you’ll get my undivided attention. Come take a stroll with me along the coast, through rugged inlets and mudflats, and perhaps we can do some bird-watching.

How others might describe me: Reclusive, nature-loving, peaceful.

A favourite feature of mine: I share my home with fellow introverts … the kiwi! If you spend the night you might get to meet one.

I’m looking for: Someone who is willing to take things slow, settle into island time, and has a deep appreciation for wildlife. If that’s you, I reckon we’ll be very happy together.

A date with me lasts: 1–3 days

Download our map of the Rakiura Track

The newest Great Walk has views to take your breath away. Photo: Alice Milne

Hump Ridge Track, 61km

Location: Southland

About me: I’m brand new to this group but well-known in my community. We work together to arrange guided and luxury walk options in addition to your classic backcountry tramp. Whichever, I can promise secluded coast, historic viaducts and tramways, and ocean vistas to take your breath away. How about it? Let’s make some memories.

How others might describe me: Exciting, engaged, a real history buff.

A favourite feature of mine: Follow the little loop track at the top of Hump Ridge to weave through amazing limestone tors and discover the most spectacular views.

I’m looking for: An outdoorsy companion who appreciates the importance of local community – and who will also nerd out on history with me.

A date with me lasts: 3 days.

Download our map of Hump Ridge Track

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