Best New Zealand Walking Tours 2025/2026

New Zealand's natural beauty will take your breath away more than the walking will.

Why do a walking holiday in New Zealand? Because where else can you spend the morning hiking up to a hanging glacier followed by wine tasting at a boutique cellar door? Where else can you walk through forests of sweet-smelling manuka trees to the song of bellbirds or listen to ancient Maori stories of how the mountains and rivers were created? From exploring secluded bays and natural pools in Abel Tasman National Park to discovering the stunning Marlborough Sounds on the Queen Charlotte Track, a New Zealand walking tour will show you why so many travellers fall in love with this country.

Our New Zealand walking trips

Map of Walk New Zealand's Fiordland National Park including New Zealand

New Zealand walking highlights

Beautiful Marlborough Sound landscape from Queen Charlotte track

Discover the Queen Charlotte Track

Nestled in the Marlborough Sounds where mountains meet pristine coastline, the Queen Charlotte Track highlights New Zealand's rugged beauty. Using boats, water taxis and your feet as transport, you'll discover untouched fern and beech forests, secluded coves, inlets and bays, and sweeping views across ancient river valleys. There'll be plenty of opportunities to see these lands from a different perspective whether it's heading out on the water to swim, kayak or float on a stand-up paddleboard, learn about the area’s Maori and European history, or taste some of Marlborough's finest sauvignon blanc.

Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track

Track winds around the coast in Abel Tasman National Park

Explore Abel Tasman National Park

Travellers come from far and wide to walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and it only takes a few steps to see why. The track is 60km in length and can be challenging at times, but every step is worth it when you arrive at idyllic coves, groves of native manuka trees and magical river cascades which are only accessible on foot. The Coast Track offers so much more than incredible views with opportunities to navigate the fast-changing tides of Awaroa Inlet, slide down moss-covered waterslides, and soak up the sounds and smells of New Zealand's wilderness along the way. 

Intrepid traveller samples wine in New Zealand

Sample the local wine

Thanks to fertile soils and a cool maritime climate with plenty of sunshine, New Zealand is home to a range of wine varieties that are loved by wine lovers around the globe. Whether you're beginning your trip in Marlborough or wrapping up in Nelson, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to boutique vineyards and award-winning wineries where the views are almost as delicious as the wine. Wet the whistle after a day of hiking with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sip on a refreshing Chardonnay with a grazing platter.

Walk New Zealand's Fiordland National Park

Travellers kayak up Falls River in Abel Tasman National Park

Swim in Falls River

If you work up a sweat while hiking Abel Tasman's Coast Track, but don't fancy getting sandy, there's no better way to cool down than a dip in one of the swimming holes along Falls River. This tree-fringed watercourse is one of the most idyllic spots for a swim and the freshwater is guaranteed to cool you right down. Continue exploring this enchanting forest by walking along the 47-metre suspension bridge across the river and boulder-hopping your way to more cascades.

Mountain landscape in Mount Aspiring National Park

Hike up to Rob Roy Peak

What better way to experience the beauty of Wanaka than hiking up to the hanging glaciers beneath the 2644 metre-high Rob Roy Peak. The hike takes roughly 5-6 hours return and includes a challenging 1300-metre climb – but it's totally worth it. You'll be treated to panoramic views of Mount Aspiring National Park, glistening lakes, waterfalls and snowfields which may take your breath away more than the exercise will! Make sure you watch and listen out for any shifting glacier movements from the viewing platform.

Lake Rotoiti sprawls across Nelson Lakes National Park

Hike in Nelson Lakes National Park

It might be just a one-hour drive from Nelson city centre, but Nelson Lakes National Park is the gateway to the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand. This natural playground is filled with rugged peaks, alpine lakes and heaps of native wildlife waiting for you to explore. There are trails for all fitness levels whether you fancy a pleasant day stroll through a moss-covered forest or you want to tackle one of the multi-day backcountry tramping trails. No trip to Nelson is complete without visiting this stunning national park.