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New Zealand's 'best kept secret' walks

Hike the quieter trails of NZ that go beyond any guidebook

Looking to walk the very best of New Zealand's landscapes away from busier trails? From hiking in the Southern Alps to trekking in remote high country tussock hills, our expertise in finding the paths less travelled translates to unique NZ walking experiences that you won’t find in any New Zealand guidebook.

On our walking trips in New Zealand – guided and self-guided – you will be taken along off-the-beaten-track routes that steer clear of tourist crowds.

Of course, we make sure that you still hike on the most spectacular sections of the famous Great Walks to provide you with a complete experience. This way you can choose from a range of New Zealand walking trips that are made just for those who appreciate a well thought out walking itinerary. 

All of our New Zealand walks are designed by walkers for walkers. If you're looking to explore NZ on foot, so you can really soak in its natural wonders, stunning landscapes and magnificent wildlife, check out the various New Zealand hiking tours below. There are options to suit different levels of experience and fitness.

Top New Zealand walking trips

Picture postcard scenery along the Queen Charlotte - a photographer's dream |  <i>Kaye Wilson</i>

Combine the classics with the remote

On the Fiordland, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails, travel to the edge of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, passing through wetlands and ancient native forests to revel in jaw-dropping landscapes. In Milford Sound, avoid the busy trekking routes away from the crowds. There's also a helicopter ride over Milford Sound before trekking along three sections of New Zealand's Great Walks: Hollyford, Routeburn and Kelper.

The Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman trek is great for beginners. This trekking holiday provides an impressive blend of remote and iconic walks on the upper South Island, including the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula Walk and the finest sections of Queen Charlotte Track for an exciting ridge top walk above the Marlborough Sound.


Rex Simpson hut |  <i>Autal Farkas</i>

Go truly remote on our signature trek

On the Best of the Southern Alps Trek get exactly what it says on the tin. This New Zealand trek will begin on paths where everyone else stops, hiking in some of the most secluded ridges in the Southern Alps.

This exhilarating 6-day hike boasts dramatic backdrops of New Zealand's highest peak: Aoraki, or Mount Cook. Trek along ridgelines up to around 2000m, which overlook the Hooker Glacier, the spectacular Mt Sefton with its rumbling avalanches of ice and rock, and Lake Wanaka. The trek's finale will take your breath away, flying over the remote Siberia Valley to explore on foot and by jet boat.

Trekking in this remote part of New Zealand rivals some of the walking trips in the Himalayas.




Hiking along the ridge line to the top of Ben Lomond |  <i>Colin Monteath</i>

High country hiking for uninterrupted vistas

Step into some of New Zealand's best country scenery of golden alpine tussocks, beech forests and rugged river valleys without a person in sight. Our backcountry hikes to Ben Lomond offers an exclusive trekking experience on a private station that extends along razorback ridgelines high above the Shotover River. Spend a night wilderness camping, enjoy an upriver jetboat ride or heli-hike on the sub-alpine summit of Mt Gilbert (1787m) – a definite high point of the adventure.

You'll also explore abandoned gold mining relics, learn about NZ high country life and summit Ben Lomond (1748m) with views over Lake Wakatipu.




Deception Valley |  <i>Janet Oldham</i>

Challenge yourself on the 'ultimate' multi-activity adventure

Want to mix things up on your next walking adventure? Journey from coast to coast on a magnificent human-powered challenge cycling, hiking and rafting traversing over 200 kilometres over 4 days on the South Island.

Beginning from the Tasman Sea pedal along the West Coast Wilderness Trail, hike over the Southern Alps via the iconic Goat Pass and take on the mighty Waimakariri River Gorge to the shores of the Pacific Ocean on the east.

You'll discover NZ's most diverse and remote landscapes through dense rainforests, over rocky mountains, between towering gorges on this classic Kiwi challenge.





Travel at your own pace: great for solo & independent walkers

Self-guided walks with Great Walks Of New Zealand

Our Great Walks of New Zealand division will introduce you to the finest selection of self-guided as well as guided walking holidays in New Zealand.

From the secluded bays in the Marlborough Sounds to the snow-capped peaks of Canterbury; the South Island's rugged West Coast to the aptly named Fiordland, they've curated an unrivalled selection of affordable & flexible self guided walks that are as diverse as Aotearoa itself. 

On their self guided walks you can expect all logistics to be taken care of for you – character filled accommodations, the tricky luggage transfers, most meals, as well as the detailed route mapping.  


Explore New Zealand on a self guided walk with Great Walks of New Zealand


When is the best time to walk in New Zealand?

Travel between November and February to experience the true essence of New Zealand's natural wonders rich with wildlife in the country's warmer months of the year. The end of Spring and Summer season makes it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, including scenic multi-day walks.

Why walk with us in NZ?

Made by walkers for walkers: With over four decades of tailoring exciting and innovative treks around the world, we go well beyond the standard popular trails to the very heart of the wild and mysterious frontiers of a destination. Our knowledge of the routes and secret New Zealand wilderness spots are second to none while our local and knowledgeable logistics team make sure you enjoy a seamless trip.

Widest range of active NZ holidays: While some of our hiking itineraries include the best sections of the more famous walking tracks, we thrive on creating engaging hikes in spectacular surroundings that provide travellers with the excitement that only real off the beaten track opportunities provide. We offer a comprehensive range of quintessential Kiwi destinations to explore both islands and everything in between.

All-inclusive value: By including essentials, such as hearty 3-course meals, national park fees and camping equipment, your trip cost allows you to better budget for your big adventure. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that enhance your experience. We only utilise high quality services and have a strong focus on your safety and enjoyment, all at affordable prices.

Make friends in smaller groups: Meet like-minded travellers who are keen to seek new experiences and adventures. For the solo traveller, it's an opportune way to be involved in things you otherwise thought you couldn’t do on your own. A smaller group means you can go at your own pace and push personal boundaries in a fun, supportive and nurturing environment.

Thoughtful travellers: We reduce the environmental impact of our travel by restricting group size, using fuel efficient vehicles, minimising the use of aircraft, recycling, composting, avoiding consumerism, using minimal impact huts and bulk buying food supplies. Curious to find out more about this? Read about it in the Responsible Travel section on this website.

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