NEW ZEALAND · HIKING & TREKKING
Distances here run longer than the map suggests, so a day out has to be worth the petrol. Below: 15 walks & tramps, what each costs and how long it takes door to door.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike review: fly over the Southern Alps, walk blue ice caves, and learn what to expect from this weather-dependent adventure.
“This is a must-do experience if traveling to South Island/Franz Josef! We luckily stayed for two nights so when our first flight was cancelled due to weather, we were rebooked the next morning and it was such a beautiful hike and experiencRead more”
Review of Fox Glacier’s heli hike, with helicopter flights, guided ice walking, gear details, price advice, weather limits, and booking tips.
“Brontë was a brilliant guide and we saw so many amazing glacier features! The tour was very well-organized with getting us gear on and the helicopter ride was so cool! I highly recommend this trip!”
Cruise from Picton to Ship Cove, then hike the Queen Charlotte Track through native bush, coastal views, and historic Marlborough Sounds.
“Excellent boat trip and good instructions about the walk and pick up points. Really recommend doing this as a way to see the Queen Charlotte Sound and learn about the area. The walk itself was lovely - especially as we had amazing weather and great views of the turquoise water through the trees. Not to be missed!”
Review of Franz Josef’s heli hike: a scenic helicopter flight, 2.5-hour glacier walk, ice caves, safety tips, costs, and weather advice.
“Wow wow wow! One of the most incredible things I''ve ever done! Sarah our guide was brilliant and Ellen helped us switch to an earlier booking which I am so so grateful for, otherwise our experience would have been cancelled due to low cloud! I cannot recommend this enough, the helicopter flight was amazing and everything was so smooth. The hike over the glacier was nothing I'll ever experience again. If you can afford it, do it!! You won't regret it!”
Walk Fox Glacier after a scenic helicopter flight, exploring ice caves, arches, and crevasses with expert guides and full gear provided.
“We had a fantastic day. They did everything they could to make sure we had a memorable experience. Toa and Flin were the perfect guides. We’d highly recommend this experience”
Hike Mt Tarawera from Rotorua with a guide, crater views, Māori stories, 4WD transport, and an optional scree run.
“The colors were breathtaking. A beautiful juxtaposition of lime green aside rust red. The sun made the experience warm, while the mountain top breeze kept it refreshing. Our guide, Daniel, made this a once in a lifetime experience. He was warm, personable, grounded, and knowledgable. We felt extremely connected to the land, it's history, and it's spirituality. We felt like we could have spent all day there. The hike was manageable, but required physical skill. Our tour had only 5 people in it, which really aided the personal aspects of the hike. The "run" down into the caldera was awesome! We were picked up at a nearby coffee shop, and…”
Ride Central Otago’s mountain trails, cross rivers, canter through high-country farms, and enjoy a drink at the Cardrona Hotel.
“Ashleigh did an outstanding job giving us a wonderful experience through the beautiful landscape and farming sections. Horses were in terrific condition and a joy to ride! Lots of areas where we could trot and canter.”
Walk Waimangu Volcanic Valley at your own pace, seeing steaming lakes, Inferno Crater, native bush, and more for $46.54.
“the weather was great just the right time of year for the vents steam to be seen in full activity the walk was so peaceful”
Walk on New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier, explore blue ice formations, and enjoy two scenic helicopter flights beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook.
“We had the most amazing time viewing the blue caves and heli hike on the glacier. Highly recommend.”
Review of Mount Cook’s 3-hour Tasman Glacier heli hike, with helicopter views, guided ice walking, costs, weather tips, and practical advice.
“Thankful for the pilot and guides who did their best to make a successful heli-hike. We were super blessed to have such perfect weather for it. Once in a lifetime experience and it was truly memorable for our honeymoon. Should definitely have this activity in your itinerary to add excitement to it!”
Review of Adrift Tongariro’s 9-hour guided Alpine Crossing, with volcanic craters, Emerald Lakes, winter gear, safety advice, and value tips.
“That was my first hike ever. It was not easy, especially getting down. I had no equipment and at some point i was the last in the row. A nice lady from Minesota gave me her walking sticks and with the guide whose name i do not recall, helped me multiple times. He gave me some proper snacks to handle the fatigue. Although i was super exausted in the end, it was worth every single breath!”
Review the Bay of Islands Cruise and Island Tour for wildlife, Roberton Island, snorkeling, the Hole in the Rock, price, and practical tips.
“Very professional, on-time yet personable and friendly tour operator. A very pleasant tour, great local knowledge and genuine passion for their location.”
Ride through Cardrona’s gold-rush country, cross streams, climb mountain tracks, and enjoy sweeping Lake Wānaka views on a small-group trek.
“Was a great walk on the horses around the paddock and up over the mountains into the fields. The instructor made us all feel very safe on the horses at all times. Steps and techniques are kept simple for beginners which is what I chose. I hRead more”
Cruise Lake Wakatipu, enjoy tea at Walter Peak, and take a gentle guided horse ride with Remarkable mountain views.
“Scenery is incredible, it's a slow leisurely pace so you do not need any experience, horses well-groomed and cared for. The Earnslaw and the afternoon tea an added bonus.”
Review of Nelson’s Abel Tasman hiking and cruise tour, with forest trails, golden beaches, lunch, small groups, guides, pricing, and practical tips.
“My walking tour with Al was fantastic! It was great not having to worry about navigating Abel Tasman, getting to the correct ferries on time, etc. Al was so knowledgeable and shared really interesting details about the park, wildlife, and local culture. The views were stunning, this tour is a must-do for anyone traveling through the area!”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
