Walking Holidays New Zealand
New Zealand Walking Holidays
Walking in New Zealand's wilderness is one of the most popular activities among visitors to this country. New Zealand has 14 National Parks, 3 UNESCO World Heritage Areas and over 24% of its land area is in protected conservation areas. There are ample opportunities for walking and hiking and it is rare for a track to be crowded. It is in fact quite normal to go for long periods without seeing anyone while walking along many of New Zealand's trails.
Below we show you a number of the New Zealand walking holidays on offer. Some are tours taking you on a number of walks while touring a region of New Zealand. They often include other activities such as cycling, kayaking, caving, viewing wildlife and glacier walking. Other walking holidays involve spending several days with a guide walking a single track. The walking holidays in New Zealand vary in comfort and fitness requirements from carrying only day packs and staying in comfortable lodges to carry overnight backpacks and camping in tents. Click the 'Learn More' buttons on the trips below to find all the details you need.
 
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Hiking Safari The Far North
Reach the very tip of New Zealand, hike stunning coastal tracks, kayak around volcanic headlands, island outcrops and mangrove forest. Try your hand at sand-boarding massive dunes and snorkelling in clear waters, camp in secluded... |
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Hiking Tour North Island Adventure
Discover the natural wonders of the North Island and the history of the Maori culture. Enjoy the land of volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and unique combinations of flora and fauna with a hands on approach. See for yourself the... |
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Hiking Tour South Island Adventure
This is an active adventure - visit the icons of the South Island, tackle some of New Zealand's most stunning, challenging day hikes, plus you choose a three-day option of hiking in Nelson Lakes National Park, cycling or kayaking in... |
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Hiking Tour New Zealand Hiking Tour
This walking tour includes many short walks in New Zealand's National Parks. Discover volcanoes, beaches, mountain lakes, geysers and thermal activity areas, fiords, rainforests and culture. Take in the sights on city tours, travel in... |
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Hiking Tour New Zealand Contrasts
Daily mountain walking in eight of the New Zealand's magnificent National Parks. An ambitious itinerary combining real walking, comfortable accommodation, and good food. It is a great trip with enough time to absorb the range of outdoor... |
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Great Hike Tongariro Hike
The Tongariro Hiking Tour is a 3.5 day/3 night all-inclusive walking holiday package, featuring some of New Zealand’s best day hikes, such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake. Staying in alpine lodge accommodation... |
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Great Hike Kaikoura Wilderness Hike
Be treated to a truly authentic and diverse wilderness encounter, combined with delicious meals and luxurious accommodation in an outstanding alpine environment. This wilderness walk takes you on an exclusive guided hike, at a gentle... |
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Great Hike Abel Tasman 5 day Hike
Experience this world-famous Abel Tasman National Park in style, where gentle beech forests give way to golden sands and glistening water. Enjoy three days of walking the Coast Track and two "free" days at beachfront lodges exploring.... |
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Great Hike Queen Charlotte Track
A track of contrasts - walking from shoreline to ridgeline, glimpses of the hidden bays, coves and inlets that make up the Marlborough Sounds, dominate the day. By night enjoy the comfort of resort style accommodation, Marlborough wines... |
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Great Hike Lake Waikaremoana Hike
Journey through a forgotten wilderness area steeped in rich Maori history. Circumnavigate the beautiful and pristine Lake Waikaremoana, hike through dense native rainforest, take opportunities for swimming in the secluded lake bays, all... |
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Great Hike Hollyford Walk
Located in Fiordland National Park, the dramatic Hollyford Track is one of New Zealand's greatest walks, representing the country's wilderness at its most undisturbed and inspiring. The diversity of landforms, vegetation and wildlife... |
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Great Hike Hump Ridge Track
Explore the southern edge of Fiordland and the unique combination of beach, bush and sub alpine scenery. Experienced guides share their knowledge of the historic areas as you enjoy commanding views of the south coast, Lake Poteriteri,... |
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Great Hike Akaroa Walk
Hike from Christchurch to Akaroa across the fascinating Banks Peninsula region and absorb breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and the spectacular Southern Alps. Experience a harbour crossings and a 2000 year-old totara tree. |
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There are many reasons why 'organized' guided walking holidays in New Zealand are better than trying to do it independently. These include:
- Fitting more into your schedule. Everything is well organized. You won't waste time or get lost finding the start of tracks or finding your accommodation. If your walk ends in a different place to where it starts then your pick up is all sorted.
- Your guide knows the area intimately and will show you many special places you will likely miss traveling alone.
- Your guide has an intimate knowledge of New Zealand's nature, geography and history and will provide you with many insights you would likely never learn when traveling independently.
- Equipment supplied. Much of the hiking and walking equipment you will need is either included in the tour price or available to hire. No need to travel to NZ with all your hiking equipment or buy it once you get here.
- There are many dangers when walking in New Zealand's wilderness. Crossing rivers has caught many people out, people get lost and sudden weather deterioration can cause hypothermia. Doing an organized tour means you have a guide who knows how to manage the dangers and should something go wrong and you suffer an injury your guide is first aid trained and knows how to organize support and evacuation.
For more New Zealand walking holidays see:
Hiking New Zealand shows you Walking Holidays New Zealand style.
