New Zealand · HIKING & TREKKING
From a two-hour boardwalk to a full day over an active volcano. These 15 are sorted by distance, ascent and transport, because on most New Zealand walks the shuttle to the trailhead is the part that needs booking.
Review of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike, with flight details, fitness advice, weather risks, gear, price, and booking tips.
“An amazing tour and experience! Knowledgeable guide and the hike was well planned out. Totally worth it and highly recommend!”
Fly over Fox Glacier, then walk its ice caves, crevasses, and arches with expert guides on this weather-dependent four-hour heli hike.
“Visiting Fox glacier is a must. It is a unique experience. They are professional, friendly and knowledgeable.”
Review of the Queen Charlotte Track cruise and hike from Picton, with route choices, costs, fitness advice, timing, wildlife, and practical tips.
“We missed out on the 5 day Queen Charlotte walk as it was full but the one day walk from Furneaux lodge to Punga Cove was 14 kms and a great compromise as we now have more time to explore the South Island. Communication was excellent and the staff were very attentive.”
Review of Franz Josef’s heli hike, with glacier caves, scenic flight, gear, fitness needs, weather tips, price value, and booking advice.
“The best part for us was climbing through the glaciers. We loved our trip but if we had to change one thing it would be to have a smaller group to help the hike flow a bit better.”
Walk through Fox Glacier’s blue ice caves after a scenic helicopter flight, with expert guides, quality gear, and up to three hours on the ice.
“My partner and I booked the Heli-Hiking tour and it was a wonderful experience. Fox Glacier Guiding did a wonderful job with arranging the day. Our initial day was going to be cancelled due to weather and when we spoke to them the day prior they were able to move us to the following day with better weather. Our tour guide was great and the team working to arrange the Helicopter did a great job. We’d recommend this to others!”
Review of Mt Tarawera’s guided crater hike near Rotorua, with volcanic history, 360-degree views, scree running, transport, costs, and fitness tips.
“I went to go Mount Tarawera walking enjoy good fun Jonathan. I like to Mount Tarawera walk good Jonathan”
Ride Cardrona’s high-country trails, cross rivers, hear gold-rush stories, and stop for a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.
“Guide was excellent and made sure we had the appropriate horse for our level of experience! The route we rode on was lovely and had good views of the Cadrona Valley!”
Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua on a self-guided hike with steaming lakes, Inferno Crater Lake, shuttle buses, and forest trails.
“Wonderfully rich experience of flora, fauna and geothermal activity in a spectacular historic and dynamic landscape”
Walk on Tasman Glacier, explore blue ice caves, and fly beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook on a small-group heli-hike from $537.
“The receptions and the staff were nice to us and provided a very clear introduction and briefing to us prior to the beginning of the events. They have all sorts of equipment that we could borrow, including Rain coats, backpacks, etc. My guides, Hunter and Kirby, are friendly and professional.”
Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier for a guided two-hour heli hike among ice caves, peaks, and Southern Alps scenery.
“It was our first helicopter ride and it was an amazing and unforgettable experience. We felt really safe during the hike. Max, the guide was fun and caring. The hike as such could have been longer tho.”
Review of Adrift Tongariro’s 9-hour guided Alpine Crossing, with volcanic craters, Emerald Lakes, winter gear, safety, price, and practical tips.
“This was the best thing I have ever done! Such an adventure!”
Review of Bay of Islands Cruise and Island Tour, with snorkeling, wildlife, Roberton Island, Hole in the Rock, price, tips, and drawbacks.
“Loved the cruise. Hamish and Bluebelle very insightful and friendly. Weather was amazing but still cold so needed a jacket for sure.”
Ride through Rotorua’s Mt. Ngongotaha foothills on a beginner-friendly horse trek with lake views, safety gear, and a small group.
“Enjoyable trek up to a great view. Guide was a good teacher for us, considering it had been a couple decades since our last time.”
Trek Kaikōura’s beaches with your own llama, spot fur seals, hear local stories, and enjoy cake and a drink on this half-day outing.
“Great way to learn about llamas , Kevin was very informative about animals and region. Would highly recommend you do it”
Ride through Cardrona’s gold-rush country, cross streams, climb mountain trails, and enjoy a small-group horseback adventure near Wānaka.
“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”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
