New Zealand · WALKING TOURS
Small cities, harbour edges and a lot of recent history to explain. These 15 walks cover Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, priced by length, with a note on the ones that involve real hills.
Review of the Hobbiton Movie Set tour from Shires Rest, with itinerary, price, guides, practical tips, accessibility, and honest value advice.
“A lovely afternoon spent with Hobbit geeks and others like us that took lots of pictures for our grandchildren. The tour was very nice, with a nice beer at the end. The attention to detail throughout the Shire was incredible!”
Review of Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline, with six ziplines, a 400 m tandem ride, cliff walk, forest views, prices, tips, and practical details.
“Four of us, retired people ages 68- 80, went on the Ultimate Zipline trip with Mitch and Harry in late October. I, at 75, was seriously terrified and went only to confront the fear and because every else was. My review is that I am so glad that I went. Mitch and Harry helped me (us) and encouraged us at every step with a confident, competent, and kind assistance. I have to admit to some necessary hand holding! Their people skills are amazing and the work they do on an experience like this is heavy-duty and physical, too. They did not rush us and their only goal seemed to be…”
Explore Ruakuri Cave near Waitomo on a 90-minute guided walk with glowworms, striking limestone formations, local stories, and wheelchair access.
“This was the most AMAZING experience. From the very first moment Jetta our guide was informative, friendly and very accommodating. The entry into the cave itself was spectacular. Walking through the cave, we saw the most amazing formations and we got up very close with the little glowworms. The best part about this cave is that you get to photograph the entire way through. We definitely rate this a five star experience and Jetta made it extra special answering all our questions and giving us time to take as many photos as we wanted.”
Review of Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate geothermal walk, mud bath, sulfur spa, Māori carving, practical tips, value, and what to expect.
“The experience was authentic. We started out on guided tour but ended up going out on our own halfway in so we could have a semi private mudbath. If you prefer to be in mudbath and Sulphur spa alone. If you do the guided tour, you will be in there with everyone.”
Review of Abel Tasman’s sea shuttle and walking combo, with route choices, beaches, wildlife, timings, hiking tips, and value advice.
“The walk was lovely, the boat trip too long. The boat trip was boring, only a taxi boat. Not what we thought it woud be. The hike was really really great. The view so lovely, the swimming when we reach the next bay was also great. We would recommend a short trip on the boat and a long walk through the Abel Tasman park.”
Review of Waiheke Island’s EcoZip adventure, with three ziplines, forest walking, ferry costs, safety details, and practical booking advice.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the zip lines lead by Kaylee and Lucia. These young ladies made us feel very at ease in terms of safety of the experience as well as being very informative and fun. We did the zip lines in the pouring Read more”
Taste Auckland’s multicultural food scene on a three-hour small-group walk with local samples, city stories, wine, beer, and ice cream.
“Great food, great mini city tour, and great hostess with the mostess!! Sarah was fantastic with city info and knowing food!! 😁”
Review of Wanaka’s jet boat and wilderness walk, with Matukituki River thrills, Mount Aspiring scenery, practical tips, price, and value.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
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”
Sail Abel Tasman’s golden coast, spot fur seals, then walk from Anchorage Bay to Marahau on this flexible 8-hour outing.
“Great day in Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic ‘guides’ Nick and Claudia, very personable and knowledgable, and a great laid back atmosphere on board. I highly recommend this trip.”
Review of the guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing from Ohakune, with gear, transport, fitness advice, itinerary details, value, and booking tips.
“Amazing views and amazing guide. One of the best experiences ever. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an adventure. I will definitely be back sometime soon.”
Review Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk near Rotorua, with bubbling mud, hot waterfalls, Māori carving, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Our tour guide was Liam and I tell you what he was the best tour guide I have ever had. If I were to come back again I want Liam to be my tour guide again. He was very informative, friendly and humorous. Just a very lovely character.”
Taste Auckland through local cheeses, restaurant dishes, Kiwi classics, and chocolate while learning the city’s story on a 3-hour food walk.
“An easy walk, so suitable for all ages, you get to meet people from all over, enjoy a diverse array of food, and a few drinks. Our guide Sarah was very knowledgeable about the city, landmarks, the places we went to and the food, including places we didn't stop at, but were recommended as a must try. I would definitely recommend this tour!”
Review of Auckland’s small-group walking tour with coffee, local treats, Māori and European history, hidden lanes, and practical food tips.
“Leisurely paced tour. Small group. Excellent leader. Treats and drinks. I am not usually one for organized tours but I would do this one anytime. Well worth it.”
Review of Fox Glacier’s gentle rainforest walk, glacier views, local guide, hot drinks, gear, pricing, weather, and who should book.
“Jerome was such a nice guide. He told us interesting facts about the glacier and the nature around it. He even gave us three different plants to taste! We enjoyed the activity a lot.”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
