New Zealand’s backcountry is a paradise for hikers, with 11 official Great Walks that rank among the most spectacular treks in the world.

The most sought-after has to be the four-day, 53.5-kilometre Milford Track that steers walkers through ancient rainforests and alpine passes and ends at the mystical fjords of Milford Sound.

But if you had your sights set on hiking it this season, bad news: Bookings sold out in under half an hour.

Bookings for the season went on sale on May 28, with 11,800 eager people queuing online for just 7100 spots. It was sold out after just 2000 bookings (for groups of walkers).

This isn’t the first time there’s been booking chaos. In the past two years, demand was so intense that it crashed the Department of Conservation’s website.

But don’t fear – the Milford Track isn’t the be-all and end-all of having an epic hiking holiday in New Zealand. We’ve got the lowdown on where to hike instead.

Alternative Great Walks in the same region

It goes without saying that New Zealand’s 10 other great walks are just as spectacular.

There’s even a brand new one – the Hump Ridge Track – that officially opened last year in Fiordland National Park, a stone’s throw from the Milford Track. This three-day loop steers hikers through sub-alpine tops, lush forests and along sandy beaches teeming with wildlife (there’s even a possibility to see dolphins).

There are also two other Great Walks in the Fiordland National Park: The Kepler Track and the Routeburn Track. These also get quite busy, but there are more accommodation options as both have a combination of huts and campsites along the way (unlike the Milford Track, where camping is not permitted).

Hike the Milford Track via private lodges

Ultimate Hikes is the only company with its own private lodges on the Milford (and Routeburn) tracks.

Far from a backcountry hut, Ultimate Hikes’ private lodges are a luxury accommodation alternative that are fully staffed and have the comforts of three-course dinners (and even a glass of wine and beer!). Plus, all your breakfasts are taken care of and fresh ingredients are set out each day to make your own lunch. So, no getting by on days-old squished sandwiches.

The Hollyford Track

Don’t let the lack of Great Walk status fool you: The Hollyford Track is a gorgeous multiday hike in the same neighbourhood as the Milford Track (Fiordland National Park).

Winding through remote valleys, waterfalls, and rainforest, this four-to-eight-day hike (four days one-way or eight return) feels just as cinematic as its more famous sibling but without the hordes of people.

Greenstone and Caples tracks

Another example of a hike that’s a Great Walk of New Zealand in everything except name.

The Greenstone and Caples Tracks share part of the trail with the famous Routeburn Track (which is a Great Walk), but they certainly don’t share the crowds. With sparkling rivers, subalpine forest and natural splendour, this four-day hike will show you why people come from all around the world just to hike here.

Scenery along another of the region’s Great Walks, the Routeburn Track. Photo: Unsplash

Hiking trails off the beaten path

New Zealand has more than 950 backcountry huts, with more than 80 in the Otago region (where the Milford Track is located) alone.

So there are plenty of alternatives if you can’t snag one of the three on the Milford Track. These huts range from serviced to basic, and many don’t need to be booked in advance.

For example, lesser-known Heather Jock Hut is a free hut perched in the mountainside just outside Queenstown, making for a pleasant multiday walk with striking views over the lakes and mountains.

Drop into any DOC information centre for up-to-date information about trail conditions and access to some of these lesser-known huts.

Hike during shoulder season

If you’re set on hiking the Milford Track, you can try just before or after the official Great Walk season. This option is recommended for experienced hikers only, as weather can be more variable and risks increase the further out-of-season you are.

The trails are quieter, there’s more hut availability and the price is significantly cheaper (down from $152 to $30 for international visitors). Just make sure to check with DOC before you go.

This article first appeared in International Traveller. Read the original here