Hiking in Oceania

Find your hiking trail in Oceania

Hiking in Oceania is a great way to explore some of the most diverse landscapes in the world, from rainforests and mountains to coastal tracks with crazy close ocean views. This region includes not only Australia and New Zealand, but also many islands across the Pacific Ocean. Hiking is a great way to see Australia’s outback or explore New Zealand’s alpine terrains — Oceania is a dream for many hikers in the world!

Australia’s scenic trails

Australia is home to a variety of hiking trails from coastal trails to the outback. The Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory is one of the most famous hiking trails, reaching roughly 223km through the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

In Tasmania, the Overland Track is also well known for its pristine wilderness. Covering 65km in Tasmania’s St. Clair National Park, this trail takes you through forests, alpine moorlands, and lakes, typically over six days with the option to extend it one more day.

Hiking in  New Zealand

New Zealand, known for its diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails, has some of the best-known hiking in Oceania. For those lucky enough to get permits, the Milford Track is often a highlight, going 53km through Fiordland National Park. Known for its rainforests, mountains, and waterfalls, the trail takes four days to complete, ending at the famous Milford Sound.

Another notable trail, this time for a day hike, is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the North Island, a one-day trek of 19.5 kilometers. It passes through volcanic terrain, where you’ll climb active volcanoes, as well as pass emerald lakes and huge craters.

The Routeburn Track is a great trail if you’d like to see two parks, as it bridges the gap between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. This 32km hike takes three days and is a trail through forests as well as alpine meadows and lakes, with gorgeous views of the Southern Alps.

Hike the Te Araroa

Araroa, meaning “The Long Pathway” in Māori, is one of the world’s most spectacular long-distance hiking trails, taking its participants approximately 3,000km from Cape Reinga in the north of New Zealand to Bluff in the south. Officially opened in 2011, this trail is an experience through New Zealand’s incredibly stunning landscapes including beaches, volcanoes, mountains, and forests.

Hiking on the Pacific Islands

The islands of the Pacific, such as Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu, also have distinctive hiking experiences that are rich in both culture and natural beauty. An example is Fiji’s Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni Island, which is an accessible hike to the famous Tavoro Waterfalls, a series of three waterfalls each with its own swimming hole.