New Zealand is a haven for people who want to explore the countryside and hike away from the beaten track.

In the Trailblazer Guide New Zealand - The Great Walks Alexander Stewart details various routes.

His nine Great Walks are as follows:

• Lake Waikaremoana Track North of Auckland, the hinterland of the East Cape provides a three to four day easy hike. The area is remote and heavily forested, and walkers are far more likely to encounter deer and other fauna than people.
• Tongariro Northern Circuit A three to four day walk in the region is based around three active volcanoes. The landscape is luna and the weather changeable.
• Whanganui River Journey This 145 km canoe trip, which takes three to five days to complete, allows exploration of an area of wilderness inaccessible by car. It is possible to hire all equipment on site and there is plenty of opportunity to walk inland.
• Abel Tasman Coastal Track This three to five day gentle stroll is one of the country's most popular walks. Along the 50 km route there are two marine conservation areas and many campsites.
• Heaphy Track This 82 km route takes about five days, crossing diverse landscapes from dense forest to open fenland, to cliffs, beaches and palm trees. Walkers are likely to see lots of kiwi.
• Kepler Track A popular 67 km circular hike, which is regulated so walkers need to book in advance. This three to four day route is not for the faint-hearted.
• Milford Track An extremely popular, regulated route walked by 7,500 people annually.
• Routeburn Track A 33 km high mountain traverse.
• Stewart Island About 90% of the island is national park where kiwis are endemic. This is a remote place where walkers can really explore the wilderness.