Discover dramatic landscapes and some of the most stunning scenery in the world on our walking holidays in New Zealand. Comprising North Island and South Island and more than 700 smaller islands, this dynamic country is a magnificent destination to explore on foot. From sprawling national parks and world-class beaches to the zestful Māori culture, you’ll set off on an epic journey through some of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Challenge yourself with a trek through the clouds to a volcanic crater or walk along the rugged coastline and soak up uninterrupted views across the Pacific Ocean. Our range of guided group holidays lets you take it all in with an expert guide who steers you to hidden treasures along the road-less-travelled. Imagine hiking through a Jurassic rainforest, along a giant glacier or to the rim of a volcanic crater – every day is unique adventure.
At Exodus, walking and trekking is in our DNA. With humble beginnings over 40 years ago, we now offer the best range of walking holidays worldwide. Our trekking leaders are some of the most experienced on the planet today, meaning you’ll learn about the culture and history and lesser-known facts about each destination you visit in New Zealand. Our walking tours are as diverse and interesting as the landscapes themselves and our itineraries are packed with adventures. On our Trekking in New Zealand trip you’ll explore the beaches of Abel Tasman, hike through Mt Aspiring National Park and walk along the rugged peaks of Mt Cook National Park.
New Zealand Walking Holidays
19 Daysfrom£ 7749
Guided Group (Excl. Flights)
Explore New Zealand's incredible landscapes, predominantly on foot
Whirinaki Forest Park: Spanning an incredible 60,0000 hectares, Whirinaki Forest Park is known for its mighty podocarp trees. Owing to its Jurassic-like landscape, the forest was used as a location when filming the BBC series ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’. It’s a strange but incredible feeling as you step back in time and hike among giant ferns and trees that are buzzing with rare wildlife. This is one of the world’s last prehistoric rainforests and learning about the history and diverse habitats is just fascinating.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Found inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you on a remarkable journey through a lunar-like volcanic landscape. Follow a meandering track that leads up to the Mt Tongariro’s craters and see the lava flow and ash fields en route to the Red Crater. The scenery on this hike is unlike anything else you’ve witnessed before and while certain sections are demanding, the views are the only reward you need for your efforts. Cradled by jagged peaks, the geothermal Emerald and Blue lakes of Tongariro are breath-taking and provide the perfect spot for enjoying the views.
Abel Tasman National Park Coastal Track: Situated to the north of South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is famous for its untouched natural beauty with a coastal trail that winds along golden beaches and the ridges of Wainui and Marahau. Discover verdant forests along the coast and walk over the suspension bridge that crosses Falls River as you pass between beautiful bays where sun-bleached sands and ocean views unfurl. Although the entire trail runs for 60km, even just walking a section will introduce you to some of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes. Anchorage is particularly scenic and it’s worth spending some time on the beach to enjoy the views.
Rob Roy Glacier: Wrapped inside Mt Aspiring National Park, the Rob Roy Glacier has a setting like no other. Starting from Raspberry Flat, the trail guides you over a suspension bridge and between soaring mountains, river valleys and pretty alpine lakes to reach this impressive glacier. Along the way you’ll climb through beech forest that fringes the Rob Roy Stream and eventually opens out onto an alpine meadow with a spectacular view of the giant glacier. Look out for the kea, a species of mountain parrot indigenous to the alpine regions of New Zealand’s South Island.
Kepler Track: The awe-inspiring Kepler Track is filled with drama and intrigue and takes you on a journey of discovery through the UNESCO World Heritage area of Fiordland National Park. Walk among the exceptionally diverse wilderness made up of mountain peaks, native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys. Because much of the area is dominated by water, a temperate rainforest has flourished here. Explore the lakeside before hiking through the forest and up to the limestone peaks where views of the Fiordland, Kepler mountains and glistening lakes roll into the distance.
If you are reading this review because you are thinking of going on this Exodus trip, I have to say I’m quite jealous of you! If you decide to go you have an amazing holiday ahead of you. This is an opportunity to see some of the best this beautiful country has to offer in a relatively short period of time. Yes, it was exhausting because we packed so much in, but what a rollercoaster of fun and experience. And most days there was time to relax and recharge in the vehicle.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know a beautiful country and to enjoy probably the best one-day trek in the world, the Tongagriro Alpine Crossing. The scenery is incredibly varied, the walking is challenging at times but always enjoyable. The organisation of the entire trip was faultless and the guides were full of enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s an intense and busy three weeks, with a lot of travel involved between walks but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The group were such fun, too, which made it all the better.