Walking in New Zealand 2027 October onward - 20 Days

Our tour starts today in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, the cosmopolitan city spans a narrow isthmus, between the harbours of Waitemata and Manukau. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll around the city centre and wharf or get a bird's eye view of the sprawling city with a trip up the Sky Tower. For those arriving in time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Auckland at any time. We don't provide airport transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to reach your hotel using the shuttle bus in the final documentation. Please note, if you plan to arrive before 3pm on Day 1 you might not be able to check-in to your hotel room, but baggage storage is available if you wish to explore the city.

After breakfast this morning, we'll wave goodbye to Auckland and head south through the Waikato Region to Rotorua (around a three-hour drive), the North Island's most famous destination for overseas visitors and an important cultural centre. Don't worry, you'll soon adapt to the distinctive sulphur smell, which comes from the vents to the underground thermal region. The area is known for its many geysers, steaming lakes and streams, and mud and hot mineral pools which are famed for their curative properties. We explore this remarkable land on several optional walks and your tour leader will recommend the most suitable routes for the weather and accompany where possible. The Te Waihou Walkway (also known as Putāruru Blue Springs) is a there and back walk of approximately 2.7 kilometres/1.7 miles. The loop walk around Blue Lake or Lake Tikitapu is 5.5 kilometres/3.4 miles and there is a 2.2 kilometre/1.3 mile trail through the magnificent Redwood and Douglas Fir trees of Whakarewarewa Forest. Each of these walks is mainly on the flat. We'll grab a bite to eat for lunch at some point, explore Rotorua town and finally check in to our hotel. In the evening, we'll get to experience a Māori 'hangi' dinner, cooked using heated rocks in a pit oven. Our Māori hosts’ project is designed to sustain land, place, stories and people, honouring the natural environment and sharing customs and history. The total driving time for today will be around three hours. Today's optional walks total 10.4 kilometres/6.5 miles, mostly on the flat, and are expected to take around four hours.

We have an early start today, with a busy but rewarding day ahead. Our first stop is at Mount Tarawera, a sacred volcanic mountain in Rotorua where meet our local guides, drive up to the mountain and walk around the 4-kilometre/2.4-mile rim of the crater with super views. Next up we continue to learn about Rotorua with a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley - a fascinating hydrothermal system of bubbling mud pools, hissing geysers and steaming lakes created in 1886 following the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera. This is the world’s youngest geothermal system and your tour leader will be able to explain the self-guided walks amongst the hot springs and steaming cliffs on the crater track and terrace walk. Finally we drive to Tongariro National Park, arriving early evening, where we will check in to our hotel for the next two nights. The total driving time for today will be around two and a half hours. Today's 6.8 kilometre/4.3 mile walks are gently undulating and expected to take around four hours.

Today we can choose from different walking options to see the best of Tongariro National Park. Located in the centre of North Island and home to three active volcanic mountains, this is the oldest national park in New Zealand with a diverse and dramatic terrain of steam vents, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and magnificent views. Our tour leader will explain your choices for today as there are various optional hikes to cater for all interests and abilities. The day starts with a guided walk to Taranaki Falls, crossing scrubland to enter the beech forest. The path passes Cascade Falls and over Wairere Stream to the waterfall. There are views on a clear day to Ngauruhoe's cone (aka Mount Doom), keep an eye out for native birds in the diverse forest. This walk is approximately 6 kilometres/3.7 miles on undulating terrain. You can choose to either return to the vehicle or continue along this track to complete the Tama Lakes walk (a total of 17 kilometres/10 miles including the first 6 kilometres). For those interested in the stunning but challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing you'll need to make an earlier start using local shuttle buses to reach this unguided 20-kilometre/12-mile optional hike. If time allows other options this afternoon include the Sky Waka for wonderful views along the gondola route itself, plus a Skyline Hike of 2.3 kilometres/1.4 miles at 2,300 metres/7,545 feet elevation. Today's 6 kilometre/3.7 mile walk to Taranaki Falls is expected to take around two hours and 30 minutes. You have the option to return with the tour leader or complete the 17 kilometre/10.6 mile self-guided walk to Tama Lakes. There is also an unguided 20-kilomtere/12-mile optional hike of the Tongariro Crossing.

Today, our road trip continues south through the fertile farmlands of Levin to Wellington (approximately a four-and-a-half-hour drive). New Zealand's capital lies partially on reclaimed land at the harbour and the steep hillsides adjacent to the Cook Strait. Wellington has been the capital city since 1865 and is also a cultural centre of the country, with an engaging mix of art, food and craft beer, combined with stunning harbour views and a backdrop of rolling hills and forest. We'll stop in the suburbs to visit Ōtari-Wilton's Gardens – a native botanic garden and forest reserve dedicated solely to native plants with around 100 ha of native forest and 5 ha of plant collections. To explore the bush here we will walk the Te Ara O Tama Track (4.6 kilometres/2.8 miles, with around 265 metres/869 feet of ascent and descent, which should take around two hours). Our next detour is a 2.6-kilometre/1.6-mile loop hike (one hour with 140 metres/459 feet of ascent and descent) from the edge of town to Mount Victoria from where we can enjoy a beautiful view over the city. Finally, we'll check in to the hotel and the rest of the later afternoon has been left free to explore. Ourtotal driving time for today will be around four and a half hours. Today's 7.2 kilometre/4.5 mile walks include about 400 metres/1,312 feet of total ascent and descent and will take around four hours.

This morning has been left free to explore the capital. You'll need to check out of your room by 10am and can leave luggage in a safe place. For history and culture, we recommend Te Papa Tongarewa, the modern National Museum, which gives a good insight into New Zealand history, Māori Culture and Pacific culture. More than 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore New Zealand's unique natural environment, dynamic art heritage, fascinating history and the vitality of Māori culture. For nature lovers, we recommend a visit to Zealandia – an ecosanctuary, offering up to 32 kilometres/20 miles of walking tracks amongst nature and wildlife so you can choose how long and how far you like. In the early afternoon, we'll say farewell to the North Island and board the Interisland Ferry (a three-and-a-half-hour journey) to cross Cook Strait and make our way to the bustling port of Picton, at the head of the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound. On arrival, we'll drive west, following the coastline of South Island to the town of Nelson. A lively city on New Zealand's northwest coast, Nelson is a haven for hikers, beachgoers, and kayaking fans, and is often known as the 'sunshine capital' of the country. Located next to the wine-making region of Marlborough, Nelson also has its fair share of wineries as well as being a great starting point for visiting the Abel Tasman National Park, full of golden sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, seals, and forest birds. Our hotel is located just outside the city, and we expect a late arrival into Nelson today. There is no included walking today.

Today we'll explore New Zealand's coastal paradise in Abel Tasman National Park, discovering its pristine waters and secluded coves with an expert local guide. Please note that today is a designated rest day for your Tour Leader, but you will be accompanied by a local guide. Note that if our group size is small (six or less) then we'll be sharing the guide with others. We have an early start this morning and are driven on a bus shared with other tourists for the one hour journey to Kaiteriteri to meet our local guide and register. We've planned a relatively flat and rewarding walking route through lush native forest generally following the coastline from Medlands Beach to Anchorage. Ask your Tour Leader about the chance of places to swim today to you can plan ahead. At the end of the walk we'll make our way back to Nelson. Tidal considerations could mean that we complete the walk in the opposite direction or change the route to accommodate weather or sea conditions. Today's 10.6-kilometre/6.6-mile walk includes around 110 metres/360 feet of ascent and descent and will take around four hours.

Our journey today takes us inland through an unbelievably scenic region with excellent roads and minimal traffic. Rugged, green and wild, the West Coast of South Island was one of the busiest and richest areas in the nineteenth century, when gold drew people from all over the world. On the way to Westport, we'll travel through Murchison, where we can learn about the earthquake of 1929. At Hawks Crag we'll drive under a spectacular overhang, where the road has been cut out of solid rock. We make our way to Paparoa National Park which ranges from the coastline to the peaks of the Paparoa Range and protects luxuriant coastal forest, limestone cliffs and canyons, caves and underground streams. We'll journey to Punakaiki, where we'll visit the famous Pancake Rocks with dramatic blow holes during high tides and take a 7-kilometre/4.3-mile walk along the Pororari River Track; this track follows a magnificent limestone gorge with two main features - a river with huge rocks in deep pools, and beautiful forest featuring subtle changes from sub-tropical to temperate. Our final visit near Westport is to Cape Foulwind, where you have the option to take another unguided walk of 3.4 kilometres/2 miles from the lighthouse to Tauranga Bay, or stay in the vehicle with our tour leader. At Tauranga Bay there is a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat. Tonight, we'll stay in a motel, with simple apartment-style rooms and private facilities located on the West Coast Road. Our total driving time for today is around five hours. Today's 8.1 kilometre/5 mile walk is expected to take around two hours and is mainly on flat terrain. There is an optional additional walk of 3.4 km/2.1 miles on Cape Foulwind.

We complete our journey today with a drive to Christchurch, traversing an alpine landscape in the heart of the Southern Alps. At Lewis Pass, we'll break up the journey with an easy short alpine nature walk to take in a bit of the scenery and beech forest. This area is known as the Great Divide, and the Southern Alps have two contrasting landscapes with the eastern side featuring wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and dry mountain beech forests, while the western side features deep gorges and wet, dense rainforests. We'll make another stop at Hanmer Springs where we'll complete a short 1.5-kilometre/1-mile forest sculpture walk. Depending on timings, interest and weather today our tour leader will decide if we have time to complete one last walk – the optional Conical Hill 6-kilometre/3.7-mile track. We'll arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon. After an orientation tour, we'll check in to the hotel and have free time to relax before a farewell dinner (not included) to reflect on our experiences in beautiful New Zealand. Our total driving time for today is around five hours. Today's 2.3 kilometre/1.4 mile walks are expected to take around one hour and are mainly on flat terrain. Time permitting, there is an optional additional walk of 6 kilometres/3.8 miles with 200 metres/656 feet of total ascent and descent.

Today has been left free at leisure to explore Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island. This garden city is known for sweeping parks, tree-lined avenues and has the gentle Avon River running through the centre. You could take a stroll around the city centre, explore Hagley Park or the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. New Regent Street, built in a 1930s Spanish architectural style, offers an eclectic mix of boutique stores, bars and restaurants. Check out the burgeoning craft beer scene anywhere across town and you could try out a great food stalls at the Riverside Market or the food court at Little High Eatery. Our 'Walking in New Zealand - North Island' (WZNN) trip ends this morning and those fellow guests will be leaving the trip and saying farewell. Some guests may join the second half (Walking in New Zealand - South Island (WZNS)) of the trip today and will be joining up this evening at 6pm for an introductory briefing followed by the opportunity to go out for dinner together. Your Tour Leader will indicate if it is advisable that you join the 6pm briefing.

This morning, we'll set off on our road trip heading to the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo, where we'll visit the Church of Good Shepherd. Built in the 1930s in memory of the local pioneers, the church was constructed using materials sourced from within a five-mile radius. The builders were instructed not to disturb the site, so rocks were incorporated into the walls. While at Lake Tekapo, we'll complete the Mount John Walkway, a popular loop trail with views over glacial lakes, the Mackenzie Basin and of the Southern Alps. There's a steady, steep climb at the start, through a pine and larch forest, followed by open tussock and alpine grassland terrain and a section along the lakeshore. Finally, we'll drive on to Twizel and check in to our next hotel, which will be our base for the next two nights. Our total driving time today is approximately four hours. Today's self-guided 9-kilometre/5.6-mile walk is expected to take around three hours and has around 370 metres/1,270 feet of accumulated ascent and descent. The terrain is steep at some points.

This morning, we drive to Mount Cook NP. The area is home to alpine plants and flowers and offers a panoramic view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook (3,724 meters/12,218 feet). Our first stop is at the Lake Pukaiki viewpoint before we continue to the trail head of the Hooker Valley Track to enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Southern Alps (weather permitting). One of the country’s best day hikes, this winding 10-kilometre/6.2-mile trail follows the valley floor to Hooker Lake. It generally takes around three to four hours to complete with an ascent and descent of about 125 metres/410 feet. The trail is mostly along wide, well-graded stone walkways with occasional patches of loose gravel. Boardwalks help us traverse sensitive alpine marshes and there are three swing bridges that span glacier-fed rivers. Please note, that while they're completely secure, the bridges can sway in high winds. We have another short but rewarding walk planned today, along the Tasman Glacier View Track. The trail climbs the old lateral moraine wall with sweeping views of the terminal face of the Tasman Glacier and ice-dotted Tasman Lake. It features a steep climb up timber and rock stairs with around 100 metres/328 feet of ascent. We'll return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Today's walks total 11.5 kilometres/7.2 miles, with a total accumulated ascent and descent of around 250 metres/820 feet. They're expected to take just over four hours to complete.

After breakfast today, we'll make our way to Te Anau, known locally as 'the walking capital of the world'. Some of the wildest and most dramatic scenery in New Zealand can be found in Fiordland, in the southwest corner of the South Island. Fiordland is one of the largest national parks in the world and is a designated World Heritage area. It's truly spectacular to witness, from its waterfalls tumbling hundreds of metres into virgin, forested valleys and lonely fiords, to endless stretches of shimmering lakes and granite peaks. Today we'll walk part of the Kepler Track, one of the great walks of New Zealand, from Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay. This is a low-altitude, accessible section of the long-distance trail and the gently undulating path winds through mountain beech forest alongside the Waiau River, passing areas used for filming The Lord of the Rings. We'll return to our vehicle along the same way route. Later this afternoon, we'll finish up our drive to Te Anau and check in to our hotel, which will be our base for the next two nights. Our total driving time today is approximately five hours. Today's 12-kilometre/7.5-mile walk has around 200 metres/656 feet of ascent and descent and is expected to take around four hours.

We have a very early start today to beat the crowds as we head out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park. The early rise is well worth it as this is a fantastic way to experience New Zealand's wild nature. Our regular tour leader has today off, to adhere to local labour laws, but we'll have a full briefing with them on day 4, and a local guide will join us today. We'll be picked up by our guide and join the Milford Road for a scenic drive to the Sound, making stops along the way. After reaching Milford Sound, we'll board a majestic cruise through some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery. Our knowledgeable nature guide will provide commentary, be it on the pod of resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals or penguins that we might encounter. We'll have a picnic lunch onboard the boat, surrounded by the majesty of the rugged Sounds. The boat is shared with other tourists and the cruise should last around one hour and 45 minutes. Our day continues with a guided walk on the Key Summit Track – a popular return-day walk branching off the Routeburn Track. This return, linear hike starts off through a mossy beech forest before branching off onto a steeper, steady incline with switchbacks that lead to an alpine boardwalk loop, offering super panoramic views. This is an allocated day off for our tour leader. You will however be accompanied by a local guide on today’s walk but it's worth noting that if the group size is small (six or fewer), we might be accompanied by other tourists. Today's 7-kilometre/4.4-mile walk involves around 400 metres/1,312 feet of ascent and descent and is expected to take around three to four hours.

After breakfast this morning, we'll bid farewell to Te Anau and drive to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. Our total driving time today is approximately two and a half hours. Upon arrival, there are several optional activities to choose from to spend your day. The Queenstown Hill walk is a there-and-back walk that climbs around 500 metres/1,640 feet to the top of Queenstown Hill. It's a well-maintained, non-technical trail that features a continuous, steady uphill climb that rewards you with 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Ben Lomond. The steepest sections are at the start winding through a forest of Douglas firs and wildling pines. We've grade this 5.4-kilomere/3.4-mile walk as moderate and it should take around three hours to complete. Another option today is to take on the Ben Lomond Walk. You'll use the Skyline Gondola to reach Bob’s Peak where you'll start your walk. The hike from here to the Ben Lomond Saddle and back is a highly popular option that avoids the final, steep and challenging scramble to the actual peak of Ben Lomond but still provides panoramic views. It's a moderate grade hike, covering 8 kilometres/5 miles with a total ascent and descent of 540 metres/1,771 feet. The route follows a steady, well-graded path through alpine tussock and should take around four hours. Today's optional Queenstown Hill walk is a moderate grade 5.4-kilometre/3.4-mile walk that involves around 500 metres/1,640 feet of ascent and descent and is expected to take around three hours. The moderate-grade hike from Bob’s Peak (at the top of the Skyline Gondola) to Ben Lomond Saddle and back spans a total of 8 kilometres/5 miles with a total accumulated ascent and descent of 540 metres/1,771 feet. You could choose to shorten this hike by simply turning back sooner than the saddle.

This morning is free to enjoy Queenstown. You'll need to check out of the hotel by 10am, but luggage storage is available. Our tour leader will give us a time to meet for our departure to Wānaka. On our drive to Wānaka, we'll traverse the Crown Range Road and stop to visit the partially restored Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. The settlement is a quiet reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese gold miners and business people to the region's gold mining, cultural and business history. While in Arrowtown, we'll also take on the easy Millennium scenic loop trail. This is a tree-lined trail that follows the banks of the Arrow River. The 4.2-kilometre/2.6-mile walk will take around one and a half hours to complete and is mostly on flat terrain. We'll make another stop as we approach Wānaka, to walk the Mount Iron Track. This is a scenic loop covering 4.5 kilometres/2.8 miles with around 225 metres/738 feet of ascent and descent and we expect it to take around two hours. Finally, we'll drive to our hotel in Wānaka. Our base for the next two nights is in Aspiring National Park, with breath-taking views of the surrounding snowy peaks and the glacier lakes Hawea and Wānaka. Our total driving time today will be around one and a half hours. Today’s two easy-grade walks combine to a total of 8.7 kilometres/5.4 miles with around 250 metres/820 feet total ascent and descent and should take about four hours.

Wānaka is a hiker's paradise thanks to its bountiful nature. The tranquil township lies directly on the shores of Lake Wānaka, New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. It reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park, whose dominant feature is Mount Aspiring, towering above a magnificent glacier-sculpted wilderness. The area boasts a variety of walking tracks and today is free for exploring. Please note, due to local regulations, our tour leader cannot guide our walks here, but they will explain all of our options and can help arrange guided walks for those interested. One option is a Mou Waho Island Cruise with a guided walk. This is a three-hour excursion with two hours ashore on the predator-free island in the lake. The optional two-hour guided walk to the summit covers around 2.9 kilometres/1.8 miles, with around 175 metres/574 feet of ascent and descent. It should take around 90 minutes to two hours to complete. The terrain is uneven and features sections with stone steps and exposed tree roots, with steep sections and some light scrambling.

Leaving Wānaka behind, we have a beautiful drive to the dramatic west coast. The first of today’s two easy hikes is the Lake Matheson Loop Walk, which is an easy 4.4-kilometre/2.8-mile circuit located near Fox in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Terrain is generally flat and the route should take around one and a half hours to complete. Also located in this remote national park is an easy 4.7-kilometre/2.9-mile there-and-back trail that meanders through a lush, ancient temperate rainforest before emerging onto a secluded, rugged and wild coastline. In the afternoon, we'll reach the spectacular Southern Alps and the region of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers where we'll spend the night in Fox. Weather permitting, there is the option to take a scenic helicopter flight, which offers a bird's eye view of the glaciers and surrounding landscape. If you're interested, please speak with your tour leader who can help arrange this optional activity locally. Our total driving time for today is around four hours. Today’s two easy-grade walks combine to a total of 9.1 kilometres/5.7 miles with around 150 metres/492 feet total ascent and descent and should take around three to four hours.

After breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we'll set out on the final day of our road trip. Unfortunately, the glaciers are currently in a state of retreat, so we can't walk to either of the terminal faces. We will however take our planned walk in the valley. The receding glaciers have carved out an impressive landscape which is fascinating to explore and involves an easy walk of around 1.4 kilometres/0.9 miles and should take thirty minutes. Next, we drive along the West Coast road north to Hokitika. Founded in 1864, Hokitika was a thriving community of over 30,000 until the end of the gold seams saw its population drift away. Today, it's home to around 4,000 people and, as well as gold still being found here, it's also home to New Zealand greenstone (similar to jade), with a prolific number of craft galleries and open studios. After visiting the historic township, we'll take an easy walk in the nearby gorge. Our walk covers 1.6 kilometres/1 mile with around 80 metres/262 feet of ascent and descent. It should take 90 minutes to complete. We now turn inland and will cross the Great Divide. The Southern Alps have two contrasting landscapes with the eastern side featuring wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and dry mountain beech forests, while the western side features deep gorges and wet, dense rainforests. Our route takes us through Arthur’s Pass National Park – an alpine landscape in the heart of the Southern Alps. Time and weather permitting, we’ll stop here to do the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls walk. An easy grade walk covering 2 kilometres/1.3 miles and taking around one hour to complete. The final leg of our drive take us back to Christchurch, arriving in the late afternoon. After checking in to the hotel, there should be some free time to relax before we share a farewell dinner (not included) to reflect on our journey through beautiful New Zealand. Our total driving time for today is around six hours. Today’s three easy grade walks combine to a total of 5 kilometres/3.1 miles with around 200 metres/656 feet of total ascent and descent and should take around three to four hours.

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Christchurch. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Christchurch at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We don't provide departure transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to get to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) in your final documentation.