New Zealand has long earned its reputation as a world-class walking destination, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine natural environments and clean, well-maintained trails. With no snakes, large land predators or poisonous insects lying in wait, the local wildlife is far more likely to photobomb a picture than ruin a walk, although fast-changing weather and alpine conditions still deserve proper preparation. Experiences range from single day hybrid adventures that combine walking with helicopters, jet boats, wine, art and fine dining, to alpine crossings centred on the hike itself and the rugged landscapes encountered along the way.
Whatever your clients are looking for, New Zealand offers walks throughout the country for a wide range of abilities and experience levels. Here are some of the most popular options our product team has brought together.
Shaped by the dramatic 1886 eruption that destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces, this sacred mountain is now an extraordinary place to explore on foot. Kaitiaki Adventures Volcanic Crater Experience takes walkers across rugged volcanic terrain, along dramatic crater ridges and to spectacular viewpoints overlooking Rotorua’s lakes and the Bay of Plenty. For an added thrill, there’s even the opportunity to run down the loose volcanic scree into the crater!
The experience offers a deep connection to the land and the mountains cultural and spiritual significance to Ngati Rangitihi, its kaitiaki (guardians). Knowledgeable local guides share it’s fascinating history and cultural stories, bringing this remarkable landscape to life.
The half day option takes approximately 4.5 hours and with a return to Rotorua before 3pm, there’s still time to explore more of the region. Pair the experience with a scenic flight over the same landscapes from above with Volcanic Air, a visit to Te Puia, enjoy a Maori cultural dinner or unwind with a restorative bathing experience at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. For those with more time, the full day option ventures further into the landscape, including the Tarawera Dome above Lakes Rotomahana and Tarawera.
Suitable for anyone with a moderate fitness level, this is an adventurous alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.For those drawn to New Zealand’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, Mt Tarawera delivers rugged terrain, spectacular views and a memorable active experience, with time left to enjoy the region’s geothermal attractions or wellness experiences!
This product is perfect for those who want to experience a New Zealand Great Walk but do not have three days to spare.
After being collected from their Te Anau accommodation, the adventure on the Kepler Track starts with a short, scenic helicopter flight soaring over hidden lakes and the beech forests of Mount Luxmore, to land beside Luxmore Hut – the first hut on the Kepler Track. There is time to explore the alpine zone and the vast alpine tussock fields, a botanist’s paradise filled with unique plant life. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lake, and National Park provide an incredible backdrop.
The guided descent then winds through mountain and silver beech forest beneath towering limestone bluffs. Along the way, guides share insights into local conservation work, including the predator trapping programme the Trips & Tramps team helps maintain on the track. The day concludes with a water taxi from Brod Bay back to Te Anau (seasonal conditions permitting).
This is a genuinely flexible product. Walkers can choose their preferred level of effort on the day, and reviews consistently highlight the quality of the private guides as a key reason to book rather than attempt a self guided day walk.
Wilson's Abel Tasman - The Coastal Classic, Abel Tasman National Park
Discover the spectacular coastline of Abel Tasman National Park on the Coastal Classic – combining a scenic cruise with a rewarding walk along one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Cruise from Kaiteriteri to Medlands Beach, taking in golden beaches, granite headlands, offshore islands and the park’s crystal clear waters before setting off on foot.
The 10.6km walk to Anchorage Beach takes around four hours and showcases the very best of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Wander through lush native forest, cross impressive swing bridges and enjoy sweeping coastal views, with the option to detour to Cleopatra’s Pool or the Pitt Head Loop along the way. There’s also time to pause at Anchorage Beach for a swim or simply soak up the scenery before enjoying a scenic cruise back to Kaiteriteri, keeping an eye out for New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and other marine life along the coastline.
Wilson’s Abel Tasman are the park’s longest established operator and this is a wonderful way to experience the diversity of Abel Tasman in a single day, combining active exploration with plenty of time to enjoy the park’s stunning natural beauty.
Regularly cited as one of New Zealand's best single day walks, the Rob Roy Glacier Guilded Walk begins with a scenic drive from Wānaka through the Matukituki Valley, crossing several fords en route to UNESCO listed Mount Aspiring National Park. After a short walk to the trailhead and a swing bridge crossing over the Matukituki River, the track climbs through native beech rainforest before opening onto alpine herb fields overlooking the hanging Rob Roy Glacier and its surrounding icefalls.
The guided return walk takes four to five hours and covers around 10 kilometres. A picnic lunch is served at the best vantage point beneath the glacier, where walkers often report hearing and seeing chunks of ice calving from the face. Eco Adventure Wanaka's locally based guides are also known for weaving the region's conservation work into the experience, including the company's tree planting initiatives on nearby Mou Waho Island.
This is Wānaka's benchmark walking product, accessible to walkers with reasonable fitness and dramatic enough to be a genuine highlight.
The Siberia Experience is a fly–walk–jet boat combination that has become one of the South Island's most enduring must do products. Departing from Makarora, around 45 minutes from Wānaka, adventurers board a Southern Alps Air aircraft for a 25 minute scenic flight over the Southern Alps within Mount Aspiring National Park. Unobstructed window seat views take in glaciers and waterfalls before the aircraft lands on a remote grass airstrip in the glacially carved Siberia Valley.
From there, an approximately 7 kilometre, 3 hour walk leads walkers through native beech forest and across Siberia Stream into the Wilkin Valley. Wilkin River Jets then collects them for an exhilarating run down the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers back to base. The full experience takes around four hours.
The appeal lies in the sheer variety of flying, walking and jet boating within a single half day package amongst some of New Zealand’s most spectacular, unspoilt remote alpine environment, backed by the credibility of a genuinely long running, family owned operator. Natural, pristine, ancient and extraordinary!
Deep within UNESCO listed Fiordland National Park, in an extraordinary wilderness location near the remote Martins Bay Spit, Waitai Lodge offers guests the rare chance to stay overnight in a part of New Zealand accessible only on foot or by helicopter. The fully inclusive, two day Fiordland Escape combines the scale and drama of the Hollyford wilderness with the comfort of a hosted lodge experience, creating an appealing option for those who want more than a day trip to Milford Sound.
Guests are collected from Queenstown or Te Anau and travel by private coach to Milford Sound before taking a scenic helicopter flight to Martins Bay and Waitai Lodge. The lodge has eight private ensuite rooms and provides all meals, refreshments and a selection of premium New Zealand beverages. Time at the lodge can be active or relaxed, with options including a guided walk along the coast, a jet boat journey across Lake McKerrow followed by a walk through ancient podocarp forest, or time relaxing beside the fire or in the outdoor wood fired hot tubs beneath Fiordland’s unpolluted night sky,. The return journey includes a helicopter flight along the West Coast to Milford Sound and a premium lunch cruise aboard the luxurious Fiordland Jewel.
The appeal is the combination of wilderness immersion and comfortable fully inclusive accommodation without the demands of a multi day track. The small guest numbers keep the experience personal, while the mix of helicopter transfers, guided exploration, lodge hospitality and Milford Sound cruising delivers many of Fiordland’s signature experiences within one seamless itinerary..
If Fiordland is for travellers seeking remoteness, Aoraki/Mount Cook is for those who want the postcard view without complicated logistics. Within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s most iconic short walks, taking walkers deep into the spectacular alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Following the Hooker River through the valley, the easy, well formed track crosses three swing bridges and winds through rugged mountain scenery, with ever changing views of towering peaks, glaciers and the Southern Alps.
The highlight is reaching Hooker Lake, where icebergs can often be seen floating in the water beneath the dramatic backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook. With its combination of accessible walking, incredible alpine scenery and a rewarding viewpoint at the end, the Hooker Valley Track is a must do experience for those wanting to experience the grandeur of New Zealand’s highest mountain up close.
No North Island walking portfolio is complete without New Zealand's most famous day hike. The classic Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an approximately 20 kilometre track that climbs the Mangatepopo Valley passing Soda Springs to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The steep climb known as the Devil’s staircase takes walkers to South Crater before climbing again to Red Crater. The highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing at 1886m. Walkers then descend on loose volcanic scoria rock to the vivid Emerald Lakes and then on to the Blue Lake. Finally zig zagging their way down past the Ketetahi Hut through the natural alpine garden finishing with a final 45 minutes cathartic walk through NZ native forest to the end where Adrift Tongariro transport is waiting.
Adrift Tongariro’s guides continuously monitor weather and track conditions and adjust pickup times accordingly, while sharing the park's geography, geology, flora and fauna along the way. There are half and full day options available with clothing and equipment available for hire.
For walkers wanting to experience New Zealand’s dramatic alpine environment on foot, this iconic one day walk delivers a remarkable combination of scenery, geology and adventure without the need for a multi day trek.
