Windows Walkway © Tourism Coromandel

A great way to make the most of these long, balmy days is to take a day trip and head out on one of New Zealand’s many Department of Conservation short walks. With spectacular scenery around every corner, this is the perfect country for making the most of the great outdoors. Short walks are the perfect way to spend a summer's day and get some exercise, and the best part is you can still be home by dinnertime!

Short walks can be completed in two hours or less. The DOC maintains well-signposted short and easily accessible walks all over the country, so there's no excuse not to get out there and try one. On a serious note, the weather can change quickly at any time of the year. Make sure that you are prepared for unseasonal weather and always let someone know your plans and when you do return, just in case.

Below is a list of popular short walks throughout the country, or for a full list you can check out DOC's website.

Bush Walk © Hutt City i-SITE Visitor Centre

• The Ruapekapeka Pa Walk, Whangarei
• The Kaitoke Hot Springs Track, Great Barrier Island
• Arataki Visitor Centre walks, Waitakere, Auckland
• The Totara Walk in the Pureora Forest Park, Waikato
• Te Whaiti-nui-a-toi Canyon Walking Track, Whirinaki Forest Park, Bay of Plenty
• Hinerau Walk, Lake Waikaremoana
• Spa Park to Huka Falls walk, Taupo
• Potaema Walk, Egmont National Park
• Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, 30km north of Masterton
• Waikoropupu Springs Walk, Golden Bay
• Old Coach Road Walk, Arthur's Pass National Park
• Dolomite Point Walk, Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki Village
• Foveaux Walkway, Bluff Hill/Motopohue Scenic Reserve, Bluff

For more information about walking and tramping in New Zealand, click here.