Walks in New Zealand. Helping Dreamers Do.

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Families Fiordland & Milford Sound Wildlife Walks Maori culture Why go on a small group holiday Tips Responsible tourism

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.

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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.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about New Zealand or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

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.

Karamea Track

A classic long distance tramping route through Kahurangi National Park that normally takes around six days to cover its 100km length, overnighting in historic huts and led by guides descended from the pioneering families that were among the first to inhabit this region. Expect pristine beech forests, stunning alpine scenery and myriad opportunities for a refreshing wild swim.

Routeburn Track, Fiordland

Offering some of the most magnificent scenery in Fiordland National Park, the full Routeburn Track is a multi-day walk, but you can do shorter sections if preferable. A very popular and fairly easy route is that up to Key Summit, at the tail-end of the track, which provides beautiful views over the Humboldt and Darran mountains.

More about New Zealand

Best time to go to New Zealand

Our temperature & rainfall chart will prove useful when choosing the best time to go to New Zealand, and this page also contains some handy advice on festivals and events.

New Zealand travel guide

If you’re looking for your next holiday destination then read our New Zealand travel guide before you consider any other options. We’ve compiled tips and advice for what we think is one of the world’s most exciting holiday destinations right now.

Where to go in New Zealand

Make the most of your time in New Zealand with our interactive New Zealand map & itineraries page, helping you get around both islands with maximum efficiency, minimum fuss.

Things to do in New Zealand

New Zealand activities are simply amazing and, as keeping excitement levels in check can be a difficult proposition, we suggest you just let go and scream 'kia ora'.

Families in New Zealand

If you've got plans to go travelling in New Zealand with kids then right here is what we recommend in terms of activities for families in New Zealand and what to do with little ones.

Fiordland & Milford Sound

Maori mythology ascribes New Zealand’s fiords to a giant stonemason, but these deep valleys were actually carved by glaciers over millions of years.

Wildlife in New Zealand

From enormous whales to miniscule glow worms, the wildlife in New Zealand is like nowhere else on Earth – literally - many species, such as the Hector’s dolphin, are found here and here only.

Maori culture

As appealing as they may be, you can find mountains, dolphins and bungee jumps in many countries - no, what makes New Zealand truly unique is its Maori culture.

Accessible tours in New Zealand

You may not be planning on doing any bungee jumping, but that aside, New Zealand is a very accessible country for travellers with special requirements.

New Zealand advice

This should always be the first page you come to when looking for New Zealand holidays advice as we've asked for tips from our friends in New Zealand, including Miles Clark, Linzi Bird and Caroline Stafford.

Responsible tourism in New Zealand

Our guide to responsible tourism in New Zealand is a worthwhile read, with sections on Maori culture, dolphin watching and Easter bunny hunts all helping you travel right.

Why go on a small group holiday

Small group holidays are the perfect option for any age whether you’re holidaying solo, as a couple or a group of friends, and they're especially good for less confident travellers.

More relevant guides

Written by Rob Perkins

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Curioso] [Lakeside walk: Moatrek] [Tongariro alpine crossing: Saul Adereth] [Roberts point track: Department of Conservation]

Walks in New Zealand