Where will New Zealand's next Great Walk be?

August 24, 2018

The Department of Conservation came up with the list of the three finalists.

Three scenic walks are vying to become New Zealand's next Great Walk.

Nine walks are currently in the Department of Conservation's Great Walk Portfolio, from Waikerimoana in the north to the south's Routeburn and Milford tracks.

But with 120,000 people trampers using the Great Walks every year, there's room for expansion, Seven Sharp reports.

Since late last year DOC has been looking at the options and it has come up with three finalists.

Finalist number one is Northland's Te Paki Coastal Track, a 48-kilometre, three-day hike from Te Paki to Spirits Bay. The walk takes in beaches, flaxes and Cape Reinga.

The second finalist is the famous Queen Charlotte Track through the Marlbrough Sounds - 71 kilometres that can take three to five days, depending on your fitness. The track takes in coastal forests and secluded bays and you can also bike it.

Finalist number three is the Hump Ridge Track in Fiordland. Another of the country's fine southern tramps, hump ridge is 61 kilometres that'll set you back three days. From the coast you'll go right up into the alpine highlands.

Later this year the final decision will be made and only one of the walks will be our next Great Walk.

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