New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, beckoning adventurers with its unparalleled natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll along the rugged coastline or a challenging trek through majestic mountains, New Zealand offers an array of hiking, walking, and trekking experiences to suit every level of outdoor enthusiast. Explore the iconic Milford Sound, where towering peaks and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing backdrop for your journey. Embark on the world-renowned Milford Track, a multi-day trek through Fiordland National Park that promises breathtaking vistas at every turn. Traverse the verdant hills of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, or conquer the rugged terrain of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, renowned as one of the best day hikes in the world. With its boundless opportunities for adventure, New Zealand is truly a haven for hikers, walkers, and trekkers alike.
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Walking and Hiking
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Alpine Guided Hike
Who says you need a chopper to experience views from a mile above Queenstown? Ha ......
The Hells Gate Experi...
Hell's Gate is the most active geothermal reserve in New Zealand and home to its ......
MOUNT TARAWERA / ORAK...
Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spec ......
Waiheke Island Bush &...
Fabulous coastal views, seabird nesting grounds and lush forest trails will make ......
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PRIVATE - Milford Sound Scenic Overhead Heli trip with Middle Earth Waterfalls Heli Hike and Lunch
Queenstown
Your scenic flight will take you above rainforest-covered valleys, past spectacular alpine lakes and mountain ranges, wi ...
Matakana Art & Wine Escape
North Auckland, Auckland
Explore Auckland’s countryside, where art meets winemaking. This day trip including return transfer from Auckland i ...
Flight option 1 - Franz Josef Glacier incl. snow landing (allow 20 minutes - departs Franz Josef)
Franz Josef, West Coast
Explore the Franz Josef Glacier to 6,000ft and land on the snow with exceptional views of New Zealand's Southern Alps (a ...
TARAWERA FALLS VOLCANIC HELI HIKE - 6D
Rotorua
From lofty volcanic heights, to a magical waterfall, this extraordinary day out showcases a variety of scenery not found ...
Affinity Cruises
Picton, Marlborough
We take you further and get you closer than the larger vessels. Our smaller size means we can navigate through narrow wa ...
Earnslaw Burn Heli-Hike
Queenstown
The Earnslaw Burn with its hanging glacier and cascading waterfalls really is New Zealand’s best-kept secret, and our ...
Carino wildlife cruises - Island & Wildlife day Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Come sailing with us and discover the stunning scenery and amazing wildlife of the beautiful bay of islands. Surround ...
Buried Village Experience
Rotorua
Stories of survival and resilience are told throughout our museum exhibits and in over 1km of heritage excavations. Wand ...
West Coast Treetop Walk & Tower Zipline
Hokitika, West Coast
Treetop Walkway Adventure If you find yourself wondering what there is to do in New Zealand, the South Island, or even ...
Bay of Islands Day Cruise
Paihia, Northland
Relax in comfort as we sail through the Bay of Islands and stop off in one of its many idyllic islands. Enjoy lunch aboa ...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing return shuttle from Taupo
Taupo
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the best one-day trek in New Zealand. It is 19.4 km (12 mile) through volcanic alpine ...
Fly Six Glacier Tour
Hokitika, West Coast
Fly up the Whitcombe Valley into the Southern Alps to view Six different Glaciers directly inland of Hokitika. Visit ...
Mou Waho Island Cruise & Nature Walk
Wanaka
Combine the luxury of a big boat cruise through the outstanding mountain scenery of Lake Wanaka with a guided nature wal ...
Full Day Guided Walk and Picnic on Banks Peninsula
Christchurch, Canterbury
Our top-notch guided 1-day walk on Banks Peninsula, a spectacular extinct volcano within 30 minutes of Christchurch.
Nomad Safaris combos - Dart River Jet I Shotover Jet I Earnslaw Burn Heli-Hobbit
Queenstown
Nomad Safaris is proud to partner with select operators to bring you a variety of unique experiences. These specially d ...
Mt Aspiring Full Day Canyon
Queenstown
Get excited! This full day canyon offers the most and biggest jumps and abseils available from Queenstown, no previous ...
Rock Climbing Tour- Christchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Spend a day at one of Christchurch's most spectacular rock climbing areas - If you’re entirely new to climbing and wan ...
4.5hr // Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Embark on a captivating 4.5-hour cruise and island tour in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, where you'll sail amidst stu ...
Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal Walk
Waiheke Island, Auckland
Experience the twin headlands of Matiatia and Church Bay, walking in a small group with an expert local guide. The north ...
Milford Track Day Walk - Lake Te Anau
Te Anau, Fiordland
Experience the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails independently. Take a boat journey betwee ...
Castle Hill
Christchurch, Canterbury
Explore Castle Hill/Kura Tawhiti and inland Canterbury from Christchurch. Food, local guide and transport included.
Aoraki / Mt Cook Luxury Private tour for up to 4 people
Queenstown
Beginning your adventure with a scenic drive through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, sit back and enjoy the constantly evolvin ...
Hike and Kayak Combo Adventure Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Looking for an active day? Join us for a full day of adventure combining a morning hike through endemic ancient forest d ...
Kahu Kayaks Freedom Rentals
Abel Tasman
Freedom kayaking gives you the independence to see the wonders of the coastline at your own pace. Kahu Kayaks will equip ...
Nomad Safaris Routeburn - Guided Walks
Queenstown
One of New Zealand’s Great Walks – the Routeburn Track, is waiting for you! Available as a half or full day trip, in ...
Ultimate Combo Cruise - Dolphin Eco Cruise including Hole in the Rock
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Experience the best of the bay on our full day ultimate cruise combo combining the best of Discover the Bay and our Dolp ...
PRIVATE - Middle Earth Waterfalls Heli hike (Exclusive location)
Queenstown
Explore exclusive locations by foot after you arrive in style and luxury.Your once in a lifetime adventure begins as we ...
Kaikōura Ziplining & Native forest trail
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Set amongst native bush on a working farm just 15 minutes south of Kaikōura township, EcoZip Adventures is an award-win ...
Godley Head walking tour- Start/finish Chrsitchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
Guided walking tour of Godley Head- Rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s WW2 defences, this is ...
Waiheke Island Ziplining & forest walk tour
Waiheke Island, Auckland
Join us for our award-winning, zipline and native forest experience featuring a Waiheke Island highlights tour, spectacu ...
Dingleburn Discovery
Wanaka
This is one of the most thrilling and spectacular backroad journeys in New Zealand. Your expert guide skillfully negotia ...
Mount Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Hike
Rotorua
We’re passionate about continually providing world-class adventure tourism products in Rotorua. Infused with a unique ...
Waiheke Island Vineyards & Bush Walk
Waiheke Island, Auckland
This spectacular walk has a little bit of everything – bush, beach, headlands and vineyards. We start with a walk thro ...
Milford Track Day Walk - Milford Sound
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Experience the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails!
Wanaka High Country Walk
Wanaka
This is the Wanaka most locals have never seen. We take you well off the beaten track exploring private backroads high i ...
Rotorua Canopy Tours Ziplining Forest Adventure
Rotorua
Voted TripAdvisor’s #1 Nature Activity on the planet, Rotorua Canopy Tours is an unforgettable and enlightening advent ...
Nomad Safaris - Queenstown
Queenstown
Experience New Zealand’s most spectacular quad bike rides, off road 4WD adventures, guided walks for all abilities inc ...
Island Hopper Sailing Cruise
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Join the Barefoot Sailing crew for a magical sailing experience in the Bay of Islands. Specialising in small groups, you ...
Discover the Bay - Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
Discover the spectacular scenery, captivating wildlife and rich history of this New Zealand paradise on our quintessenti ...
Kahu Kayaks Guided Tours
Abel Tasman
Kahu Kayaks' guided kayaking tours in the Abel Tasman offer a taste of adventure, serenity by the bucket load and more s ...
Franz Josef Wilderness Tours
Franz Josef, West Coast
Join us for a Kayak or Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika taking in the panoramic views of the Southern Alps, Glaciers, and ...
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Paihia, Northland
Cruise out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. See the historic Cape Brett lighthou ...
Private Day Charter
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Board our beautiful sailing catamaran, “Serenity”, from Paihia or your chosen pickup point. We will hoist the sails ...
The Siberia Experience
Wanaka
Experience NZ’s best half day New Zealand wilderness adventure with Southern Alps Air. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat amongs ...
Gibbston Valley Half Day Tour
Queenstown
Our Gibbston Valley tour is an awesome introduction to the sport of canyoning and suitable for all ages and abilities. ...
Super Cruise Combo - The Cream Trip including Hole in the Rock
Paihia, Northland
See it all and do it all on our super cruise combo combining the best of the The Cream Trip and the Hole in the Rock Cru ...
Napier Prison Self Guided Audio Tour
Hawkes Bay
A visit to Napier Prison offers you the chance to connect with the story of our past. Built in 1861, Napier Prison playe ...
Cave Stream- Lets go caving
Christchurch, Canterbury
Discover two of Canterbury’s natural wonders- Go caving and explore Castle Hill /Kura Tawhiti. Your local guide will e ...
Wild Hills Off Road Safari
Wanaka
Words fail to describe how utterly spectacular this 4WD adventure through West Wanaka High Country Station is. Wild and ...
Walking tour- Packhorse Hut from Chrsitchurch
Christchurch, Canterbury
A guided scenic drive & day walk to Packhorse Hut - Visiting 4 historic stone "rest houses" that were once ...
Kepler Track Day Walk Boat Transfers
Te Anau, Fiordland
Explore some of the best day hiking in Fiordland with a Kepler Track Day Walk!
Waiheke Island Art Walk
Waiheke Island, Auckland
Waiheke supports a lively creative community – on this walk you’ll visit galleries, sculpture parks, artist studios ...
Lochmara Day Trips
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough
Cruise to Lochmara, one of Marlborough's most popular destinations, taking in the surrounding beautiful Queen Charlotte ...
Kayaking
Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough
Why not try one of our kayaking trips to experience the sounds of nature in our tranquil Marlborough Sounds? The Marl ...
Best Abel Tasman Day tour
Abel Tasman
A small group personalized 6 hour daytrip, exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park's coastline aboard a comfor ...
8 Line Wilderness Zipline Adventure
Queenstown
Paradise Ziplines provides a wilderness adventure like no other. Our 8-line zipline course takes you on a very diverse j ...
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Transport Ketetahi Shuttle
Mt Ruapehu & Tongariro
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the best one-day trek in New Zealand. It is 19.4 km (12 mile) through volcanic alpine ...
Half Day Cruise & Island Tour - Cruise, Snorkel, Paddleboard, Hike, Explore!
Bay Of Islands, Northland
Discover the Bay of Islands on a small group tour. Scenic cruise through 144 sub-tropical islands. Stopover on Roberton ...
Walking and Hiking activities to See and Do in New Zealand
New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the world. From leisurely walks along the coast to challenging mountain treks, the country caters to every level of outdoor enthusiast. Here’s an overview of some key hiking and walking experiences in New Zealand:
1. Great Walks
New Zealand's "Great Walks" are a set of premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery. These include:
Milford Track – Known as one of the finest hikes in the world, it takes you through the heart of Fiordland National Park with enormous waterfalls and panoramic views.
Abel Tasman Coast Track – Offers stunning coastal views with opportunities to kayak and encounter marine wildlife.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing – A challenging one-day trek that traverses a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts and spectacular views, including the famous Emerald Lakes.
2. Day Walks
For those looking for shorter, more accessible hikes, there are countless options:
Roys Peak in Wanaka – Provides panoramic views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring/Tititea, and surrounding peaks.
Rangitoto Island Summit Walks – A short ferry ride from Auckland, this walk offers a climb to the summit of a volcanic island with a unique landscape and views of Auckland city skyline.
3. Multi-Day Treks
For more committed hikers, multi-day treks offer an immersive experience into New Zealand’s wilderness:
Routeburn Track – Combining elements of the Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks, this trek offers majestic forests, alpine flora, and birdlife.
Heaphy Track – Located in the Kahurangi National Park, this track features diverse landscapes, from beech forests and tussock highlands to lush forests and the rugged West Coast.
4. Seasonal Considerations for Hiking and Treks
Hiking in New Zealand does require some planning, especially considering the seasons:
Summer (December to February) is ideal for most walks, offering the warmest weather conditions and longest daylight hours.
Winter (June to August) sees some tracks, especially in mountainous areas, becoming impassable due to snow and ice, although some, like the Tongariro Crossing, offer spectacular winter hiking experiences when properly equipped.
5. Guided Walks
For those who prefer guided experiences, there are numerous operators that offer added insights into the local ecology, history, and culture. Guides can enhance your experience, ensuring safety and offering information you might miss on your own.
6. Conservation Efforts
Hikers are encouraged to respect the local environment. Practices like cleaning boots to prevent the spread of tree diseases, sticking to marked paths to avoid disrupting native flora, and carrying out all waste help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of New Zealand’s landscapes.
Hiking in New Zealand can be as varied and rewarding as the landscapes themselves. Whether you're looking for a casual stroll or a serious trek, New Zealand’s trails provide an incredible way to explore the natural beauty of this unique country
Due to New Zealand's unique landscape, opportunities for all kinds of adventures are at your fingertips, and there are so many exciting things to do in every region. If you're looking for a thrilling, memorable activity, then browse through the selection at See and Do NZ.
New Zealand has an extraordinary landscape built for exploring. From canyoning to hiking the Wanaka high country, New Zealand has provided everything! Check out this wilderness zipline in Queenstown for a thrilling activity or something a little more subdued, have a look at this luxury picnic! In Rotorua, there is a fantastic volcano hike and a thrilling zipline over the canopy! Explore all the wondering activities at SeeAndDo.co.nz.
Frequently Asked Questions about Walking and Hiking Activities
1. Where are the best places for Walking and Hiking in New Zealand?
New Zeland has an extraordinary landscape built for exploring. The biggest hikes in New Zealand is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Roy's Peak Track and Hooker Valley Track.
2. Which great walk in NZ is the best?
The biggest hikes in New Zealand is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Roy's Peak Track and Hooker Valley Track. The Milford Sund track is also a great place to get exercise with great views!
3. Which is better Milford or Routeburn?
Routeburn for its varied vistas is a great option. You may hike the Routeburn Track in both ways as well, which is an added bonus. The Milford Track, however, runs through the centre of Fiordland National Park on its route to Milford Sound.