With New Zealand famed for its breathtaking landscapes and dramatic scenery, we asked one of our PTMs to share her experience trekking through this incredible destination, and here’s what she had to say.
From short city strolls, like the Writers Walk in central Wellington to the epic Te Araroa Trail, a 3000km walk from the top to the tip of New Zealand, New Zealand has a walk for you!
For multi day walks, I choose guided walks with locals, they know the region. For me, a guided walking holiday is more than walking. Operators often incorporate great food & wine (or gin) experiences, visits to local producers, or an option to take a day off walking and go paddling like this day in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Some of the guided walks include luggage transfers, so you only carry a day pack. Others you might have to carry your belongings in a backpack, practice packing lightly.
A guide will bring the local history, flora, fauna to life. For example, kawakawa is a native New Zealand herb used in traditional Maori medicine but also a key ingredient in a delicious pesto paired with barbecued lamb.
Native Birds are often busy chattering in the New Zealand bush. Our Guide stopped to point out where the beautiful Tui birdsong was coming from, high in treetops. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re listening to, listen to the Tui.
Another highlight of guided walking holidays is the people you meet, the chats along the way. There’s an instant connection when everyone loves walking. This was a particularly beautiful day in the Abel Tasman National Park, it’d been a mid morning start as we waited for low tide to cross the Awaroa Inlet.
If joining a group doesn’t appeal, many operators offer private guided groups, usually a for a minimum of 4 people – perfect for gathering a group of friends together.
Self-guided walks offer flexibility. You decide how far to walk, how fast to go and where to stop for a rest or scenic tea breaks.
New Zealand’s short walking trails are well marked for self guided walkers. Popular options include Meads Wall Trail at the Whakapapa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu (known by Lord of the Rings fans) or it’s a short drive from Picton to Anakiwa, the start of the Queen Charlotte Track for a beautiful walk beside the Marlborough Sounds.
Self-guided has the flexibility to walk as far (or not) and as fast (or slow) as you like, stop to soak in the surroundings for as long as you want to. If the weather’s not great you don’t have to go outside.
Multi day self guided require more planning. You’ll need to book huts, campsites or lodges on the NZ Department of Conservation website here ( book early!)
Self drive itineraries are an opportunity to incorporate short day walks. On a South Island self-drive road trips, every day there are opportunities to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with that Aotearoa fresh air. The spectacular Lake Matheson 5km walk is just 10 minutes from Fox Glacier Township, a popular stop on the West Coast Drive with stunning reflections on a clear day.
A cruise around New Zealand provides walking opportunities at every port. When the Ship docks in Lyttelton, you might head for the hills for great views from the Bridal Path, follow the coastline ‘around the bays’, or explore Lyttelton’s history on the Historic Walk route.
Keeping kids engaged can be a challenge on a New Zealand road trip. On our family trips to New Zealand, a two hour drive can easily turn into a full day with short walks and adventures. On the drive from Christchurch to the West Coast, climbing the rock formations at Castle Hill is always a hit – especially on a sunny day.
If you like walking there’ll be a walk to suit your fitness and ability in New Zealand.
Poles or no poles? Your choice, I’m in the “poles” camp, maybe it’s an age thing
In New Zealand it’s wise to pack for four seasons in one day. I always start with a layer of merino (top & bottom), a merino jumper, a t shirt / long sleeved shirt and a rain jacket.
It common, and practical, to see hikers in New Zealand wearing shorts over their merino long johns, ready for all conditions.
Essentials include a beanie (wool is best), sun hat, water bottle (or maybe a thermos of coffee for a scenic morning tea), food, sunscreen, antiseptic spray and insect repellant. Sandflies can drive you crazy in New Zealand, I carry a kawakawa spray sandflies seem to hate.
For multi day walks, comfortable hiking/walking boots are essential. If you’re new to walking holidays, choose lightweight boots with space to wriggle your toes, good socks (I choose merino) and do multiple walks before your leave. Purchase boots from a retailer with multiple brands to compare.
Blisters are a nightmare on walking holidays. I carry ‘walkers wool’, a New Zealand invention, natural wool wound around toes works wonders.
Consider hiring a personal locator beacon if you’re undertaking multi day self guided hikes in New Zealand. The Tour Operators will carry these on the guided hikes.
For day hikes, mobile coverage may be limited, always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back!
For accommodation on New Zealand’s trails, these range from basic Department of Conservation campsites & huts to luxury lodges. You might choose Bay of Many Coves perched on the waters edge on the Queen Charlotte Track or Awaroa Lodge is in the middle of Abel Tasman National Park, access on foot, boat or helicopter.
The memories from a walking holiday in New Zealand stay with you long after you’re back home – whether it’s soaking in a hot tub surrounded by native bush or hiking to a remote high country hut here
By Helen Rolton, Personal Travel Manager.
If walking and cruising in New Zealand is something you would like to add to your next holiday, talk to our Personal Travel Managers who can guide you every step of the way.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
