Hiking Tours in New Zealand

Enjoy world-class hiking in Aotearoa's National Parks

Our hiking tours stop at 7 of New Zealand's National Parks along the road, each with its own unique flora, fauna and scenery that show the best of our natural, cultural and historic heritage. Walks are unguided but your experienced tour guides will give you all the information you need for any of the treks so you can be safe and have an amazing trip.

How our New Zealand hiking tours work

Our hiking and camping tours offer you a full immersion into the beauty of New Zealand's landscape. From hiking, cycling or simply enjoying the view from our private tour bus during the day to star gazing around the campfire at night. With this guide, learn more about how our hiking tours work and how to be be fully prepared to embrace the journey of a lifetime. 

Personalise your hiking tour

Each day of your adventure holiday offers walking tour options ranging from a short stroll through the bush to a gorgeous waterfall, cycling through native forest to a multi-day hike in New Zealand's South Island along the Routeburn Track. All walks are optional, so if you are not feeling up to it there is no pressure -- relax by the bus, play cards, catch some sun, read a book or grab a coffee while the others enjoy the bush. 

What to pack 

It’s important to ensure you're equipped with all the appropriate food and equipment on any of the New Zealand walks. Weather is subject to great fluctuation and it's always advisable to be prepared. We advise you to wear layers on your hikes, and the packing list for travellers wanting to do lots of hiking should include a pile/fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, lightweight fleece top/woollen jersey, t-shirts, polypropylene top, waterproof seam-sealed pants, shorts (which can actually be better when raining), polypropylene bottoms, woollen socks, hat, gloves and a lightweight towel. Finally, a good pair of hiking boots can be a lifesaver; you may be crossing rivers and will often be traversing slippery surfaces so good boots are a great investment. 

Explore New Zealand with Flying Kiwi

From the top of the North Island to Stewart Island in the south there are an incredible array of opportunities to explore NZ. Whether you prefer a guided walking tour, casual walks through the bush or breaking out on your walking adventure there are many ways to discover the best of New Zealand's landscapes.

Join us on an all-inclusive New Zealand hiking tour this year and revel in the beauty of this fair country. Flying Kiwi take you off the beaten track into remote areas where your small group size will make all the difference to your experience. Camp, cycle and hike through more National Parks than any other tour.

Check out our New Zealand adventure tours and itineraries on our Tours page

New Zealand's Great Walks

Whilst there are many beautiful tracks and trails to hike all across NZ, there are a few that carry more prestige than the others - the crème de la crème if you will. These are known as New Zealand's Great Walks. These iconic walks are a collection of 11 premier New Zealand hiking tracks that wind through some of the country's best landscapes. They are well-maintained trails that showcase breathtaking scenery, ranging from rugged coastlines, pristine beaches and dense native bush to towering mountains and glacial valleys.

North Island Great Walks

• Lake Waikaremoana Track:Located in the Hawke's Bay region here you walk through ancient forest, past waterfalls, and around the serene lake.
• Tongariro National Park: Our central North Island gem is a one-day walk through the epic volcanic landscape with active volcanoes, alpine lakes, and unique geothermal features.
• Whanganui Journey:This is a journey by river rather than a walk. It's important to note kayaking your way along the Whanganui River on this epic journey not for the faint-hearted. It is best to join a guided tour for those with less experience.

South Island Great Walks

• Abel Tasman Coast Track: Located in the Tasman region, on the South Island's northern coast. It's a coastal walk along golden beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible wildlife-spotting opportunities
• Heaphy Track: Located in the Golden Bay region, on the South Island's western coast. Journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to rugged coastlines.
• Hump Ridge Track: Located in Fiordland National Park, this is a challenging track but you're rewarded with stunning views of Fiordland National Park.
• Kepler Track: Also in Fiordland, this loop track takes you through a range of terrain and highlights breathtaking views of Lake Te Anau.
• Milford Track: World-renowned Fiordland track with dramatic scenery, including towering mountains and cascading waterfalls surrounding Milford Sound.
• Paparoa Track: On the West Coast of the South Island is less challenging than many in Fiordland and one of our newest. Travel through the rainforest, past limestone cliffs, and the stunning Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
• Rakiura Track: Stewart Island's highlights are best discovered on foot in this a. This remote area of the coast of the South Island is fantastic for witnessing kiwi call in the wild.
• Routeburn Track: One of the most famous South Island scenic tracks as well as one Flying Kiwi recommends to add to your hiking tour.

Planning ahead

Planning ahead is crucial for experiencing these incredible walks. Some tracks, like the South Island's Milford and Routeburn, require booking huts and campsites well in advance, especially during peak season. We are more than happy to help guide you through how to book and where to go when you're planning an adventure tour with us. 

New Zealand walking tours with a difference

The best thing about planning a trip to New Zealand is scouring the internet for travellers' experiences. Our guides and guests provide unique personal insights about what they enjoyed and how they personalised their tours in our blogs anything from what it's like to hike on a glacier to what are the most beautiful walks in New Zealand