New Zealand walks

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.

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.”

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.

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.