Walks in New Zealand
We suggest a short series of cardio workouts before any holiday in New Zealand. Not so much because the walks here are especially challenging, but because you’re going to have your breath taken away so often that it makes sense to develop a coping strategy.
It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose to film his Lord of the Rings trilogy here. The landscapes are jaw-droppingly beautiful; nothing short of epic. New Zealand of course is famed as an outdoorsy destination, and there’s no better way to see the country than on foot. There are plenty of demanding multi-day hikes available, such as the Milford Track in Fiordland, and full-day hikes abound, including the legendary Tongariro Crossing, but New Zealand also offers a wonderfully diverse range of shorter walks on both islands that can be tackled at a relaxed pace even by unexperienced walkers.
You might be walking through native bush to admire towering and ancient kauri trees, through deep gorges where waterfalls cascade down the walls, or the ruins of old gold mining communities. You could be strolling along the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, black sand beaches like that of Muriwai near Auckland, in the divinely green botanic gardens of Christchurch, or around historic and eclectic city neighbourhoods such as Greytown in the capital, Wellington.
Another appealing aspect to walking in New Zealand is the range of other activities that you can combine with it: scenic catamaran cruises where dolphins and seals swim alongside the boat; soothing soaks in natural thermal pools; city sightseeing or wine tasting. From coast to forest, mountains to lakes, New Zealand’s natural splendour will inspire you to get out and about whenever the opportunity arises.
Our New Zealand adventure Holidays
New Zealand holiday, small group
Combining the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands.
From
£5972 to £6499
22 days
inc UK flights
New Zealand self drive holidays
Spectacular scenery and dynamic culture
From
£7367
19 days
inc UK flights
New Zealand trekking holiday
Explore New Zealand's incredible landscapes
From
£6599 to £6949
22 days
inc UK flights
New Zealand adventure holiday
An active adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud
From
£6549 to £6749
21 days
inc UK flights
New Zealand self drive tour
A self-drive tour of outdoor activities & natural wonders
From
£4400
14 days
ex flights
Ross Sea Antarctic Islands cruise from New Zealand
A unique and exciting adventure to the end of the world!
From
US $23000
4 weeks
ex flights
New Zealand Christmas tour in Taranaki region
Christmas in Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand
From
NZ $2690 to NZ $3190
5 days
ex flights
New Zealand hiking & adventure holiday
Hike into New Zealand's stunning south island landscapes
From
US $3795
10 days
ex flights
New Zealand Lord of the Rings tour
Natural wonders & Lord of the Rings filming locations
From
£10900
19 days
ex flights
Doubtful Sound and South Island tour, New Zealand
Doubtful Sound & West Coast Odyssey 7 Day Small Group Tour
From
NZ $4390
7 days
ex flights
Kelly Reid from our specialist operator Exodus with a few recommendations on where to walk and why: “My favourite walks in New Zealand include Tongariro - the volcanic lunar landscapes are surreal, and the stories of the land and Maori mythology make any hike here quite magical. Abel Tasman is always a highlight, the trails suit a wide range of abilities, and the park is accessible by water taxi making hiking and boat combos an ideal way to enjoy the park without needing to carry everything on your back! You get consistently great weather, and can hike bay to bay with a swim at each one. Mount Aspiring National Park is another. You’ve got iconic South Island landscapes in this area of World Heritage status that spans both west and east of the Southern Alps giving it incredible diversity. Expect lush beech forests, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and glaciated mountains, and breathtaking hikes.”
How fit do I need to be?
It’s important to remember that not all New Zealand walks need to be tests of endurance. Many cover generally flat terrain that can be managed by inexperienced walkers. If you only want to tackle short walks then you may want to bring a pair of decent walking shoes or boots with you, but in most cases some robust trainers should suffice. Because New Zealand’s weather is notoriously changeable, your daypack ought to contain a light waterproof and a hat – add a set of walking poles if you find them useful, and away you go.Our top New Zealand adventure Holiday
New Zealand self drive holidays
Spectacular scenery and dynamic culture
From
£7367
19 days
inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor-made and departures can be arranged all year. The sample itinerary below can be modified to your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.
This trip can be tailor-made and departures can be arranged all year. The sample itinerary below can be modified to your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about New Zealand adventure or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Popular New Zealand walks
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Generally considered to be among the world’s greatest day walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4km track on the North Island just south of Taupo. It takes you through spectacular volcanic terrain: lava flows, steam vents and an active crater, with mesmerising views of emerald lakes and mountains. It’s a challenging trek that requires proper walking footwear and an awareness of local weather conditions, but even so expect the trail to be busy with fellow walkers.
Napier Art Deco trail
Napier is one of New Zealand’s most unique towns. Most of the centre was levelled in the 1931 earthquake, after which it was rebuilt in the Art Deco architectural style that was all the rage at the time. A heritage walk takes you past around 70 landmark buildings over an easygoing two hours, or you can enjoy the coastal scenery instead.Flagstaff Hill Track from Paihia
In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the Bay of Islands, and it’s generally considered to be New Zealand’s founding document. Not all Maori people were happy with the arrangement however, and across the water a flagpole bearing the Union Jack was repeatedly vandalised in an ongoing campaign of resistance to British colonisation. The 360-degree views from the hill summit are spectacular.Roberts Point Track
This is a fairly demanding hike that rewards you with a superb viewpoint over the Franz Josef glacier, stretching out for 12km from the Southern Alps to the rainforest. You’ll cross rocky outcrops, dramatic suspension bridges and walk past waterfalls on an 11km route that takes around five hours.