New Zealand's Great Walks added to Google Maps

Matt Jenke with Trekker on Milford Track. Photo / Supplied

It's the ultimate tool for the very laziest of armchair travellers of New Zealand - a 3D-view of some of the country's most famous tramping tracks.

Over four years, imagery was collected using Street View Trekker, a wearable backpack outfitted with 360 degree cameras designed for locations accessible only by foot.

Matt Jenke with Trekker at Whangarei Falls. Photo / Supplied

Matt Jenke with Trekker at Cathedral Cove, Coromandel. Photo / Supplied

In a collaboration between Google, the Department of Conservation and Air New Zealand, the technology was used to capture stunning 3D panoramic shots of the Milford, Kepler, Abel Tasman, Waikaremoana, Heaphy, Routeburn and Rakiura/Stewart Island tracks

By being added to Google Maps today, our Great Walks now feature alongside other filmed famous natural attractions, including the Grand Canyon, Galapagos Islands and Mt Fuji.

"Immersive technology experiences like these give international tourists the chance to see first-hand how stunning our country is before they travel," Google New Zealand spokesman Ross Young said.

Matt Jenke capturing Great Walk imagery with Trekker. Photo / Supplied

Google Maps: Routeburn Track, Conical Hill. Photo / Supplied

"This is a great example of business and government working together to use technology and the internet to tell New Zealand's story to the world."

DOC Director General Lou Sanson said the partnership was a "great example" of the department's contribution to New Zealand's tourism success story.

Google Maps: Kepler Track. Photo / Supplied

Google Maps: Milford Track. Photo / Supplied

Google Maps: Lake Waikaremoana. Photo / Supplied

"Our open spaces, stunning landscape and unique culture are central to how the world sees us.

"The Great Walks are a huge part of the brand that sells New Zealand and our products to the world, and draws around three million visitors to our shores each year."