Is New Zealand the best over-all hiking destination in the world? We cannot dispute that argument.

Beach tramps, coastal ridge walks, volcano scrambles, glacier treks, high alpine vistas — nothing is missing.

Tourism is the most important industry in New Zealand. Getting on to a superb hike (except the Milford Track) is easy. The DOC (Department of Conservation) does a reasonably good job managing the trails.

New hikes are still being added to a wild array of choices. You need several months to hike this small country in which a third of the territory is protected park & wilderness.

And, happily, you can afford it — New Zealand is still relatively inexpensive.

The best hiking guidebook by far is: