Walking in New Zealand
Overview
Highlights
- Dramatic landscapes including mountains, glaciers and fiords
- Walks in stunning scenery
- Visit Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown
What's this trip about?
Details
Destinations
Attractions
Itinerary
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 c...
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 a...
This morning, we'll visit Waimangu Valley, a fascinating geothermal park of bubbling mud pools, hissing geysers and steaming lakes created in 1886 following the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera. We'll walk amongst the hot springs and steaming cliffs, with panoramas...
Today we'll enjoy a combination of short walks and drives to see the best of Tongariro National Park. Exploring the diverse and dramatic terrain: steam vents, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and magnificent views. We'll depart from Whakapapa Village to hike to Taranaki...
Today, our trip continues southward 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...
This morning, we'll visit Te Papa Tongarewa, the modern National Museum, which gives a good insight into New Zealand history, M?ori Culture and Pacific culture. More than 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore New Zealand's...
This morning, we'll board a water taxi and cruise to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary (a one-hour journey) where we'll enjoy an hour-long walk from the jetty to the lookout over Marlborough Sounds. Later, we'll be dropped off at Resolution Bay to walk part of the Que...
After breakfast this morning, we'll take the Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock, one of New Zealand's most delightful scenic drives. Winding past the Sounds' numerous bays, this bush-fringed road takes us to the head of Pelorus Sound and the seaside vil...
Our journey today takes us inland through an unbelievably scenic region with excellent roads and minimal traffic. Rugged, green and wild, the West Coast was one of the busiest and richest areas in the nineteenth century, when gold drew men from all over the world. ...
Leaving Greymouth behind us today, we'll take a short drive to our next stop, Hokitika, known as New Zealand's Greenstone capital. Most of this precious stone is found in this region and then turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery. We'll pass the forgotten gold min...
This morning (weather permitting), we'll go for a walk around Lake Matheson, which could give us an excellent opportunity to take that perfect photo of Mount Cook with its mirrored reflection on the lake's calm water. We'll then continue our trip through Westland Nati...
Wanaka is a hiker's paradise thanks to its beautiful environment. The tranquil township lies directly on the shores of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. It reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park whose dominant feature is impressiv...
After breakfast this morning, we'll traverse the Crown Range Road and take the opportunity to visit the partially restored and well-interpreted Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This is a quiet reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese gold miners and b...
After breakfast today, we'll make our way to Te Anau, known locally as 'the walking capital of the world'. Some of the most wild 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 la...
Today we'll drive to one of New Zealand's natural icons - the majestic Milford Sound. Our route there (as we pass between Te Anau and Milford Sound) will take us through one of the most scenic alpine drives in the world. Watch in awe as broad grassy flats, dense rainf...
After passing by Lake Wakatipu and through the rocky Kawerau Gorge and Cromwell village, the road winds upward to Lindis Pass where we can take a short walk to the viewpoint. The plains of the Mackenzie highland lie before us. On the left are the mountains of the Sout...
This morning, we'll drive to Mount Cook village to enjoy the unique environment of different alpine plants and flowers and the panoramic vista of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (3,724 meters/12218 feet). Walks may include Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake. Bl...
This morning, we'll drive to the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of Good Shepherd set on the shore surrounded by mountains. Built in the 1930's in memory of the local pioneers all the materials for the church were sourced from within a five-mile ra...
Our tour 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 p...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Angela
Apr 2024
Walking in New Zealand
The highlight of my trip are the little extras that our tour guide Vaughn provided
Sarah
Mar 2024
Walking in New Zealand
Hard to pick one thing but the trip out on Milford Sound was definitely A highlight. We arrived just after heavy rain and the rock faces were literally covered with ...
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Very helpful and efficient
Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 18
- Dinner : 1
- Lunch : 1
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