Best NZ hiking trails for a rainy day

Some trails only get better in the rain and with the right raingear it can be exhilarating and freeing to get out in the rain. Not only will many trails be mostly free of other hikers and tourists, but especially tracks in the South Island of New Zealand are even more beautiful when it rains. Follow soft (slightly muddy) paths that curve through lush rainforests or dense bushland and discover thousands of temporary waterfalls along the mountain sides. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the rain and breath in the fresh air while you get out there!

Tip: Unless you are an experienced hiker avoid hikes with a high elevation gain to not get caught out by slippery slopes and mud slides.

Milford Sound Great Walk - lush green rainforests, thousands of waterfalls and majestic mountains make this trail one of the most spectacular multi day hikes to enjoy in New Zealand.

Located at the bottom of the South Island, in the rainiest part of the country the Milford Sound Track is one of the great walks and only gets better in the rain.

Gushing waterfalls are appearing along the mountain sides only during a good downpour and will disappear shortly after the rain stops making this track a truly mystical place to discover.

Lake Wombat (Franz Joseph) - similar to walks down in Fiordland the west coast trails come alive in the rain! The dense green forests are lush, the atmosphere is serene after a big downpour and since it rains A LOT on the west coast you might otherwise never get out there. The first section of the Alex Knob Track up to Lake Wombat slopes through the forest with great views out to the glaciers and brilliant bird watching opportunities. After Lake Wombat, the track begins to climb and gets a lot more difficult, so we advise to only aim for the peak if you are an experienced hiker that has been on a few trails in the rain before.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks is a fun easy 20min paved loop track that's great for the whole family to enjoy. The views of the coastal limestone formations and blowholes are just as spectacular in the rain and the area feels rough and untouched underneath the rain clouds.

Bridal Veil Falls close to Raglan is a family friendly track through native forest. After a 10minute walk following the Pakoka River you arrive at two viewing platforms at the top of the 55m high falls and are able to continue the track down a fair few stairs to the bottom pool of the falls.

Devil's Punchbowl is one of the shortest and easiest tracks around Arthur's Pass and a great choice on a rainy day. The waterfall only gets more impressive in the rain and chances are the trail will be far less busy. With just over 3km, beautiful bridges and a few steps along the way the track is accessible for all ages and takes you through lush green beech forest.