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With a rugged terrain and a history of explorers beating their way through the wilderness the trekking, or 'tramping' as it's known in New Zealand, is renowned the world over. Following well-trod trails through relatively untouched wilderness, magnificent scenery, volcanic landscapes and rugged coastal panoramas the walking here is a joy and one of the most compelling reasons to visit.
Whilst the country is criss-crossed quite literally with thousands of kilometres of walking tracks, eight of New Zealand's best walks and one river journey have been classified as Great Walks. Depending on your preference you can choose to experience the walking trails of New Zealand either independently under your own steam or as part of a guided experience, where overnight accommodation is included as are all meals and you only need carry a day pack, the rest of your luggage is transported as required. In addition to the multi-day treks there is also a wealth of day walks to enjoy.
A summary of some of the walks are listed below. If you require further information on any of the walks then do contact us.
Outline Itinerary
The exact itinerary will be dependent on your chosen hikes and we can include day walks and multi-day treks into your New Zealand holiday itinerary.
Cost
Variable dependent on your chosen itinerary.
Departure Dates
To your requirements.
Suggested Day Walks
Rangitoto Summit Track (Auckland) | With its conical peak dominating the Hauraki Gulf this dormant volcano is just 25 minutes ferry ride from Auckland. Climbing through lava fields and forest to the island peak 259m above sea level this walk is easily accessible.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Tongariro) | Possibly New Zealand's most famous one day trek. Lava flows, vivid emerald green lakes an active crater, steam vents and magnificent views make for an unforgettable experience. This is a challenging walk and can be walked in either direction.
Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve (Wairarapa) | An outlandish location just an hour from Martinborough and used as one of the locations in Lord of the Rings. Seven million years ago the Aorangi Range was an island, as the mountains eroded scree and gravel were washed down the coast where they formed a sedimentary layer. Over the last 120,000 years this ancient layer has been exposed to the erosive forces of rain and flood. Whilst some of the sediment stayed in place other washed away as the result is the Putangirua Pinnacles - an amazing collection of hoodoos.
Rob Roy Glacier Track (Wanaka) | Leading into the Mount Aspiring National Park expect a magnificent alpine landscape of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and glacial lakes. Whilst the walk to the viewing point is mainly upwards the incline is gradual.
Hooker Valley Track (Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park) | A breathtaking walk that culminates at a glacier lake for stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The full walk takes around 4 hours through a rugged landscape and alongside the Hooker River.
Kaikoura Shoreline Walk (Kaikoura) | Enjoy unique views of the Southern Alps and spectacular wildlife viewing as you follow the base of the cliffs. Expect to see fur seals, wading birds and nesting colonies of seabirds.
Multi Day Walks
Tongariro Northern Circuit (Tongariro) | Encircling Mount Ngauruhoe, this 3-4 day walk starts with the most famous of all the one day walks in New Zealand, the Tongariro Crossing. Although currently resting, this is one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes with 61 eruptions since 1839. Expect lava fields, volcanic landscapes, wildflowers and waterfalls and crater lakes.
Abel Tasman Coast Track (Abel Tasman) | A unique experience allowing you to combine walking with kayaking plus the option of water taxi as well if you chose. Walk between beach front lodges through the spectacular bush of the Abel Tasman National Park. There are 3 and 5 day options available as well as day excursions.
Queen Charlotte Track (Marlborough Sounds) | In the 1770's Captain Cook visited Ship Cove, which is now the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track. Highlights of the track include breathtaking coastal views, virgin native bush and a continually changing landscape. As part of the eco-tour on Motuara Island you may also witness the endangered South Island saddleback and South Island robin in their native habitat. The Queen Charlotte Track can be traversed as a 4 or 5 day walk, as a 4 day paddle and walk or as a 3 day hike, bike and paddle. Day options are also available.
Heaphy Track (West Coast) | Perhaps not as well-known as the likes of the Milford Track the Heaphy is an ancient Maori trail and offers a sensational trek of contrasts, with each section being totally different to the last. Choosing to walk this track gives you verdant, lush rainforest, sub-alpine tussock grasslands, rugged mountains, lowland forest and Nikau palm fringed beaches. The walk is over 5 days and regarded as easy to intermediate. Set within the Kahurangi National Park, home to many great spotted kiwis the trail is walked east to west or vice versa.
Milford Track (Fiordland National Park) | Over 100 years ago an article appeared in a London publication declaring the Milford Track to be the 'finest walk in the world' today it remains New Zealand's most iconic multi-day walk. The pristine Alpine and Fiordland scenery remains as remarkable as ever with glacier-carved fiords, crystal clear rivers, expansive valley views and sky-scraper mountain peaks. On a sunny day the views are mesmerising, but some walkers say that you have to experience the torrents of water cascading down the mountainsides when it rains to truly say you have experienced the magic of the Milford Track. The walk is over 4 days however if short on time a one day taster walk is also available.
Hump Ridge Track (Fiordland National Park) | Winding some 55km across some of the wildest and remotest land in New Zealand, the Hump Ridge Track traverses pristine Fiordland National Park and over private Maori land. Heading along the south coast of the South Island rising up to the sub-alpine zone of Hump Ridge with panoramic view to Stewart Island and the Southern Ocean. This 3 day walk showcases the true wilderness of Fiordland and offers the opportunity to swim with the rare Hectors dolphin.
The Routeburn Track (Mount Aspiring & Fiordland National Park) | This 3 day tramp may be one of the shorter options but it still delivers some of the grandest scenery in New Zealand. Birdlife is prolific in the forested sections of the track with native tomtits, robins, fantails, wood pigeons and bell birds commonly seen. With jewel-like lakes, moss draped forests and soaring mountain peaks the views are simply spectacular.
Rakiura Track (Stewart Island) | Engulfed by a habitat which has changed little over the last 1000 years Stewart Island offers peace, tranquillity and solitude. Beautiful wilderness beaches and open coastline are backed by the rich, pure podocarp forest which is a sanctuary for native birds and the bird population on Stewart Island is huge. Keen bird watchers should spot mutton birds, shags Buller's mollymawks and little blue penguins as well as bellbirds, grey warblers, kaka and a variety of wading birds. The walk itself is a 3 day circuit which is graded as easy.
