Seven great walks to see the world

New Zealand is known for its standout walks through magic scenery. Photo / Getty Images

From an easy stroll to hardcore adventuring, great walks are a great way to see the world. Sarah Downs scans the seven continents to find the right walk for you.

1. Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre links five towns strung along Italy's rugged Liguria Riviera picture-perfect coastline. Hike through the iconic pastel-coloured villages and schedule in regular stops to try the region's amazing seafood and famous pesto.

Perfect for: Foodies after exercise to justify their next Italian meal.

2. Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet
Follow in the footsteps of devoted pilgrims who perform the challenging "kora" - a walk circling a sacred site-around the base of the mystical Mt Kailash. Climbing the mountain is forbidden, but the 52km trail covers waterfalls, sacred caves and the 5636m Dolma La Pass.

Perfect for: Yogis and those seeking spiritual enlightenment.

3 Hayduke Trail, Utah and Arizona

The Hayduke trail journeys through six stunning national parks of the Colorado Plateau. Highlights include sweeping views of the Grand Canyon, secret ruins and the famed Grand Staircase. But be warned: the trek into red rock wilderness is not for the faint-hearted — water is scarce and much of the trail is unmarked.

Perfect for: Desert rats and off-road junkies.

4. Huayna Potosi, Bolivia

Thrillseekers after a dramatic climb will find the Huayna Potosi in Bolivia right up their alley. Located 25km from La Paz, the mountain is easily accessible but the ascent is wildly steep. Many turn back halfway, but if you reach the top the 360-degree views are unbelievable.

Perfect for: The hardest of hardcores.

5. The great walk of Africa, Kenya

For a once-in-a-lifetime bush experience, trek across Kenya's national parks. It's a journey of wildlife, landscape, history and the magnificence of wild game. The walk covers a total of 160km, mostly along flat narrow game trails, and weaves between two beautiful rivers.

Perfect for: Adventurers with a wild side

6. Te Araroa Trail

It's no surprise to us that New Zealand is known for its standout walks through magic scenery. But why pick one when they are now all linked together? Te Araroa translates as "the long pathway" and runs from Cape Reinga to Bluff covering 160 tracks.

Perfect for: The home-bound nature lover

7. Shackleton's Route, South Georgia Island

Follow in Sir Ernest Shackleton's footsteps and walk the last leg of his courageous journey across South Georgia, in the South Atlantic. Encounter unpredictable glaciers, birdlife and Shackleton's final resting place.

Perfect for: Cold lovers and history buffs.