Walking in New Zealand

Walking in New Zealand

3,115 Views
19 Days From

$7620

$7391

Walking in New Zealand

19 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch

Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Waimangu, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui, Abel Tasman National Park, Paparoa National Park, Fox Glacier, Wānaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Twizel, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Akaroa, Christchurch

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

WZN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 15

Physical rating:

None

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English
From: $7620 $7391 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$229

NB: Prices correct on 14-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

New Zealand is all about the great outdoors, exploring on foot brings you the best of this compact yet varied country. The North Island combines awesome natural beauty with a rich Maori heritage and the South Island is blessed with dramatic scenery.

Milford Sound - Boat trip along the tranquil ford beneath towering mountains
Mount Cook - Discover the soaring landscapes of the Southern Alps
Tongariro - Explore the spectacular volcanic and alpine scenery

Highlights

  • Dramatic landscapes including mountains, glaciers and fiords

  • Walks in stunning scenery

  • Visit Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel, Copthorne - Auckland (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

Our trip starts in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland offers a great introduction to New Zealand. Depending on your arrival time you could take a short city tour of Auckland before we all meet for a briefing this evening.



We don't provide arrival transfers on this tour, but information on how to reach the hotel will be provided in your final documentation.

Day 2: Travel South Through Waikato Region To Volcanic Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel, Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we depart Auckland and travel southwards through the Waikato Region to Rotorua, the North Island's most famous destination for overseas visitors and an important cultural centre. You'll soon adapt to the distinctive sulphur smell, which comes from many vents to the underground thermal region. The region is known for its many geysers, steaming lakes and streams, and mud and hot mineral pools known for their curative properties. On arrival we will explore Rotorua town or take an optional walk in the area before we check in.



This afternoon there are optional walks include around Blue Lake / Lake Tikitapu, and a trail through the magnificent Redwood and Douglas Fir trees of Whakarewarewa Forest . For those interested in walking your tour leader will recommend the most suitable walk for the weather and accompany the walkers. In the evening we get to experience a Maori 'hangi' dinner - cooked using heated rocks in a pit oven.



Today's optional 5.5 kilometre/3.4 mile walk around Lake Tikitapu is expected to take around 1 hour 30 minutes and the optional 3.5 kilometre/2.2 mile

walk in Whakarewarewa Forest is expected to take around 1 hour.

Day 3: Visit To Waimangu Valley Geothermal Park. Lake Walk

Location: Waimangu

Accommodation: Hotel, The Park Ruapehu (or similar)

Accommodation Name: The Park Hotel Ruapehu

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we visit Waimangu Valley, a fascinating geothermal park of bubbling mud pools, hissing geysers and steaming lakes created in 1886 following the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera. We walk amongst the hot springs and steaming cliffs, with panoramas over the valley and the Southern Crater. We take the steps up to inferno Crater which erupts to 8 metre/26 feet high, every 38 days.



Leaving Rotorua we travel through an important forested area via the picturesque Huka Falls to Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Later we drive to Tongariro National Park where there is a choice of several short walks.



Our 2 kilometre/1.2 mile sightseeing walk today in Waimangu is expected to take around 1 hours on a marked trail.

Day 4: Explore The Tongariro National Park On Foot, Including A Section Of The Iconic Tongariro Crossing

Location: Tongariro National Park

Accommodation: Hotel, The Park Ruapehu (or similar)

Accommodation Name: The Park Hotel Ruapehu

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll enjoy a combination of short walks and drives to see the best of Tongariro National Park. Exploring the diverse and dramatic terrain: steam vents, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and magnificent views.



We depart from Whakapapa Village to hike to Taranaki Falls, crossing scrubland to enter the beech forest. The path passes Cascade Falls and over Wairere Stream to the waterfall. There are views on a clear day to Ngauruhoe's cone (aka Mount Doom), keep an eye out for native birds in the diverse forest. Returning from the walk we take a scenic drive along Bruce Road for spectacular views over the Whakapapaiti Valley and to Tawhaii Falls (Gollums Pool).



This afternoon we head up the Mangatepopo Road to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for a return hike up to Soda Springs. The main track gently climbs through the valley alongside a stream and around the edges of old lava flows with views to Mount Tongariro.



Today's morning 6 kilometre/3.7 mile walk to Taranaki Falls is expected to take around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The afternoon's 6 kilometre/3.7 mile walk on the Tongariro Crossing is expected to take around 2 hours. The terrain is boardwalks and well-trodden mountain paths.

Day 5: Explore Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel, West Plaza (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Bay Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip continues southward through the fertile farmlands of Levin to Wellington (approximately 6 hours drive). New Zealand's capital lies partially on reclaimed land at the harbour and the steep hillsides adjacent to the Cook Strait. Wellington has been the capital city since 1865 and as such is also the country's political centre. We take a city sightseeing tour and drive to Mount Victoria from where we can enjoy a beautiful view over the city. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore.

Day 6: Cross The Cook Strait And Marlborough Sound To The South Island

Location: Picton

Accommodation: Hotel, Jasmine Court Motel (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Jasmine Court

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we visit Te Papa Tongarewa, the modern National Museum, which gives a good insight into New Zealand history, Maori Culture and Pacific culture. More than 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore New Zealand's unique natural environment, dynamic art heritage, fascinating history and the vitality of Maori culture. In the afternoon, we say farewell to the North Island and board the Interisland Ferry to cross Cook Strait and cruise through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, an area of 'drowned' valleys, which resulted from the geological sinking of a mountain range. Today the Sounds are a maze of deep channels, sheltered waterways and secluded bays, encompassed by verdant bush-clad hills. After an approximately 3 hour journey often described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world we reach the idyllic harbour town of Picton.

Day 7: Visit Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Walk Along Queen Charlotte Track

Location: Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui

Accommodation: Hotel, Jasmine Court Motel (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Jasmine Court

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we board a water taxi and cruise to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary (1 hour) where we enjoy a short hour's walk from the jetty to the lookout over Marlborough Sounds. Later we are dropped off at Resolution Bay to walk part of the Queen Charlotte track. This 67 kilometre/41.6 mile coastal walking track stretches from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, and enjoys a temperate climate which allows good year-round walking conditions. Today we are walking from Resolution Bay to Endeavour Inlet. The verdant, subtropical native bush is home to many of New Zealand's native birds. In the late afternoon, we reach Endeavour Inlet, and board the water taxi again to cruise back to Picton.



Today's 11 kilometre/6.8 mile walk is expected to take around 3 hours and 30 minutes with an ascent and descent of 300 metres/984 feet on a marked coastal trail.

Day 8: Explore Abel Tasman National Park By Boat And On Foot

Location: Abel Tasman National Park

Accommodation: Hotel, Palms Motel (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Harbourside Motor Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we take the Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock, one of New Zealand's most delightful scenic drives. Winding past the Sounds' numerous bays, this bush-fringed road takes us to the head of Pelorus Sound and the seaside village of Havelock. Once a thriving gold-mining town, Havelock is New Zealand's primary producer of Greenshell mussels. We then continue on to Keiteriteri, (approximately 3 hours drive), where we take a water taxi in Abel Tasman National Park to Onetahuti. We will pass several offshore islands that provide a protected habitat for native wildlife including Tonga Island famous for its seals.



From Onetahuti we walk along the Abel Tasman Coast Track downto Bark Bay with beautiful goldan beaches and stunning coastal views. The return boat transfer from Bark Bay takes us to Nelson, the town with the most sunshine hours in the country. Many years ago New Zealand's first roadside cafe opened here and today the town is home to craftsmen and artists.



Today's 5.5 kilometre/3.4 mile walk is expected to take around 2 hours with an ascent and descent of 230 metres/755 feet along a marked coastal trail. The walk is shorter at low tide.

Day 9: Fossils, Fur Seals And Pororari River Track

Location: Paparoa National Park

Accommodation: Hotel, Ashley Greymouth (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Ashley Hotel Greymouth

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey today takes us inland through an unbelievably scenic region with excellent roads and minimal traffic. Rugged, green and wild, the West Coast was in the nineteenth century one of the busiest and richest areas, when gold drew men from all over the world. On the way to Westport we'll travel through Murchison, where we can learn about the earthquake of 1929. At Hawks Crag we'll drive under a spectacular overhang, where the road has been cut out of solid rock. Just past Westport is Cape Foulwind, where we will take the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony Walk (20 minutes) to have a close encounter with a colony of New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat.



From Westport, we journey to Punakaiki, where visit the famous Pancake Rocks with dramatic blow holes during high tides and take a walk along the Pororari River Track; this track follows a magnificent limestone gorge with two main features - a river with huge rocks in deep pools, and beautiful forest featuring subtle changes from sub-tropical to temperate. Tonight we stay in a motel, with simple apartment style rooms and private facilities. It's ideally located on the West Coast Road.



Today's 7 kilometre/4.4 mile walk is expected to take around 2 hours. The duration of the walk will depend on the weather and time available, but will be up to 2 hours.

Day 10: Walk In Glacial Valley

Location: Fox Glacier

Accommodation: Hotel, Lake Matheson Motel (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Sunset Motel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Greymouth behind us we take a short drive to our next stop, Hokitika, known as New Zealand's Greenstone capital. Most of this precious stone is found in this region and then turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery. We pass the forgotten gold miners' towns of Hari Hari and Ross on our way down the West Coast to Westland National Park making a stop at Okarito lagoon. The lagoon is home to more than 76 species of native birds including the white heron and royal spoonbills. Here we have 2 short walks available depending on time, weather and interest, a wetland board walk or up to the Okarito Trig viewpoint overlooking Westland Tai Poutini National Park.



In the afternoon we reach the spectacular Southern Alps and the region of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Unfortunately at present the glaciers are in a state of retreat and as such we cannot walk to either of the terminal faces. We will however make our planned walk in the valley as the receding glaciers have carved out an impressive landscape which is fascinating to explore. If the weather is good then we will be able to view the glaciers from a distance. To get a closer view there is also the option, weather permitting, to take a scenic flight which offers a bird's eye view of the glaciers and surrounding landscape. Please speak with your tour leader who can help you arrange this activity locally.



This morning's wetland walk is expected to take around 30 minutes, the alternative 4 kilometre/2.5 mile Trig Hill walk is expected to take around 1 hours and 30 minutes. The afternoon 3 kilometre/1.9 mile walk through the glacial valley is expected to take around 1 hour. The exact walks will be decided upon by your tour leader dependant on the day's weather conditions.

Day 11: Experience Gondwanaland. Drive To Wanaka

Location: Wānaka

Accommodation: Hotel, Wanaka (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Wanaka Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning (weather permitting), we will go for a walk around Lake Matheson, which could provide us with an excellent opportunity to take that perfect photo of Mount Cook with its mirrored reflection on the lake's calm water. We then continue our trip through Westland National Park, a World Heritage Park. The rainforest is very impressive and has subtropical character. Here we undertake a walk through the coastal brainforest to reach the seldom-visited Monro beach, which once joined part of Gondwanaland. Your tour leader will explain the different species of native trees, such as Rimu, Kahikatea and Beech. We continue driving via Haast Pass towards Wanaka, in Aspiring National Park, with breathtaking views of the surrounding snowy peaks and the glacier lakes Hawea and Wanaka.



The 2.5 kilometre/1.6 mile walk around Lake Matheson is expected to take around 1 hours and 30 minutes and the 5 kilometre/3.1 mile walk to Munro Beach is expected to take around 2 hours.

Day 12: Free Day To Explore Wanaka

Location: Wānaka

Accommodation: Hotel, Wanaka Hotel (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Wanaka Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wanaka is a hiker's paradise because of its beautiful environment. The tranquil township lies directly on the shores of beautiful Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth largest lake. It reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park whose dominant feature is impressive Mt Aspiring, towering above a magnificent glacier-sculpted wilderness. The area boasts a great variety of walking tracks. Today is free for exploring.

Day 13: Discover Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. Explore Queentown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel, Heartland Queenstown (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we traverse the Crown Range road and take the opportunity to visit the partially restored and well-interpreted Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This is a quiet reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese goldminers and business people to the region's goldmining, cultural and business history. We then continue on to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. In the afternoon, you can take an optional walk to Ben Lomond before returning down to explore the town.

Day 14: Walk Part Of The Kepler Track

Location: Te Anau

Accommodation: Hotel, KG Hotel Te Anau (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Kings Gate Hotel Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we make our way to Te Anau, known locally as 'the walking capital of the world'. Some of the most wild and dramatic scenery in New Zealand can be found in Fiordland, in the southwest corner of the South Island. Fiordland is one of the largest National Parks in the world and a World Heritage area. Here the power of nature stuns the enthralled visitor - from its waterfalls tumbling hundreds of metres/mile into virgin, forested valleys and lonely fiords, to endless stretches of shimmering lakes and granite peaks. Today we walk part of the Kepler Track, one of the great walks of New Zealand, to Rainbow Reach.



Today's 9.5 kilometre/5.9 mile walk is expected to take around 5 hours. The track is gently undulating and wanders through mountain beech forest with some great river views.

Day 15: Boat Cruise On Milford Sound

Location: Te Anau

Accommodation: Hotel, KG Hotel Te Anau (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Kings Gate Hotel Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we'll drive to one of New Zealand's natural icons - the majestic Milford Sound. Our route there (as we pass between Te Anau and Milford Sound) will take us through one of the most scenic alpine drives in the world. Watch in awe as broad grassy flats, dense rainforest and towering mountains pass by, giving way to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. No other road in Fiordland offers such a diverse glimpse into New Zealand's alpine zone.



We'll take a 90-minute boat trip on the Milford Sound, which is dominated by the mighty cone of the Mitre Peak, towering steeply up out of the water. We'll have lunch here (included) before heading back to Te Anau.



Time permitting, we might also be able to complete one of the many optional hikes in the area before or after our trip to Milford Sound.

Day 16: Scenic Drive To Twizel Through The Lindis Pass. Free Afternoon

Location: Twizel

Accommodation: Hotel, Mackenzie Inn (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Mackenzie Country Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After passing by Lake Wakatipu and through the rocky Kawerau Gorge and Cromwell village, the road winds upward to Lindis Pass where we can take a short walk to the viewpoint. The plains of the Mackenzie highland lie before us. On the left are the mountains of the Southern Alps that we will continuously see whilst we drive to Twizel.

As we travel through old gold settlements and small towns there are some optional stops on route according to the group's interest and conditions. There are a number of vineyards which can be visited including one of New Zealand's premier winemakers Cloudy Bay cellar Door near Cromwell (there would be additional charge for wine tasting) or take an hour's walks along the Clay cliffs at Waitaki.



The afternoon is free for your tour leader and driver; you can independently explore the area or relax.

Day 17: Walking In The Shadow Of Mount Cook

Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook

Accommodation: Mackenzie Inn (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Mackenzie Country Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we drive to Mount Cook village to enjoy the unique environment of different alpine plants and flowers and the panoramic vista of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (3,724 meter/12218 feet). Walks may include Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake. Blessed with a marvellous view of the surrounding peaks we overnight again close to the Mount Cook National Park.



There are different short walk available and one will be chosen by your tour leader depending on the weather. One of the regular walks is 3 kilometres/1.9 mile and takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Day 18: Drive To Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

Location: Akaroa

Accommodation: Akaroa Criterion Motel (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Bealey Quarter

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we'll drive to the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of Good Shepherd set on the shore surrounded by mountains. Built in the 1930's in memory of the local pioneers all the materials for the church were sourced from within a five-mile radius and the builders were instructed not to disturb the site so rocks were incorporated into the walls. We'll then continue our drive to the largest city on the South Island - Christchurch. On arrival, we'll take a city tour before enjoying our last evening together in New Zealand.



Driving time today is approximately four hours.

Day 19: Trip Ends In Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Christchurch. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at anytime.



We don't provide departure transfers on this tour, but information on how to reach the airport will be provided in your final documentation.

What's Included

  • Meals

    18 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinners

  • Accommodation

    17 nights comfortable hotels / 1 nights simple hotel

  • Fully Guided

    Explore Tour Leader / Driver Local Guide(s)

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

    Bus, boat and ferry

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

Meals

Breakfasts: 18
Lunches: 1
Dinners: 1

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes, an Explore Tour Leader plus Local Driver Guide(s)

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    This trip is only suitable for those aged 16 years & over.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    20kg. One main piece of baggage and a daypack. A backpack or soft holdall preferably with wheels may prove more convenient due to the variety of transport used on this trip. You will be required to carry your luggage to/from on/off coaches, trains and ferries. A 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    You should be able to walk up to 10km per day. Walks on 11 days for between 1 and 3.5 hours. The walkways though usually clearly defined are dirt/gravel tracks, they can have puddles or roots growing out of them, uneven and a little steep in places. We have graded the trip as easy. The daily walking descriptions are an indication of the planned walks, the length and hours are a rough guide only.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    During this tour we use a mixture of hotels and motels, usually centrally located and perfect for exploring New Zealand's mixture of interesting towns and stunning nature. Motels are simple apartment style rooms with private facilities, often with self catering facilities including a fridge and tea and coffee making provisions.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Anne  

Walking in New Zealand

Fantastic trip. Thank you Explore.

Fantastic trip. Thank you Explore.

Susan  

Walking in New Zealand

This trip is the vacation of a lifetime. New Zeala

This trip is the vacation of a lifetime. New Zealand is beyond description and unforgettable. The fact that this trip provides the traveler with substantial experience on both the North and South Islands is extraordinary. Having Sean as our tour guide made our experience even more special because of his enthusiasm and passion for his country combined with his sincere desire that every member of our group have a memorable and remarkable experience. Amazing experience!!

Jeanmarie  

Walking in New Zealand

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was very well l

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was very well led by Gunther Hammer and we were a small group thatt on very well and we had great fun

Sally  

Walking in New Zealand

It was a 'holiday of a lifetime' for us. It lived

It was a 'holiday of a lifetime' for us. It lived up to it's expectations in every respect and left us wanting to return to the country to explore further areas

Pauline  

Walking in New Zealand

It was an excellent trip and we have some great me

It was an excellent trip and we have some great memories.

Simon  

Walking in New Zealand

This was the most expensive (by far) holiday I've

This was the most expensive (by far) holiday I've ever taken and it exceeded expectations. We were fortunate that the group of 7 + guide allt along very well together. There's a comment on your website from a previous trip that there wasn't enough walking, and this was a concern for me in advance, but looking back I think it was just right for me. The members of the group had different walking capacities, and our guide ensured we were each able to achieve our respectiveals.

Nuala  

Walking in New Zealand

Highly recommend

Highly recommend

Peter  

Walking in New Zealand

I thought it was an excellent trip and would recom

I thought it was an excellent trip and would recommend to anyone interested in visiting the country.

Anthony  

Walking in New Zealand

Just a brilliant holiday. Both all guests and lead

Just a brilliant holiday. Both all guests and leaderst on very well. Well matched!

Jeanmarie  

Walking in New Zealand (14-Dec-2019)

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was very well l

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was very well led by Gunther and we were a small group that got on very well and we had great fun

Read all 10 reviews

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  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

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