New Zealand · HIKING & TREKKING
The famous tracks need permits and months of planning. These 15 do not: guided day walks in Fiordland, Abel Tasman, Tongariro and the Southern Alps, priced with real distances and honest grades.
Review of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike, with helicopter views, a guided ice walk, gear details, fitness advice, weather risks, and value tips.
“A decent level of fitness is definitely needed, be aware can be cancelled up to the last minute if weather changes, they do however offer a full refund or change day. Staff are amazing and extremely well trained. We had Sarah as our guide who was superb.”
Fly over Fox Glacier, then hike its changing ice caves, arches, and crevasses with expert guides on this memorable four-hour adventure.
“Absolutely brilliant experience and company. I had guide Charlie who was fantastic. I made a booking error (totally my fault) and they fixed it up for me no dramas. 10/ 10 recommend .”
Cruise from Picton to Ship Cove, hike the Queen Charlotte Track through native bush, and return by water for a full day in Marlborough Sounds.
“Great walk although a long day for my poor feet! Beautiful scenery all along the way. FYI there is a small shop at Resolution Bay, selling icecream, coffee and cake. Yes, cake! BYO keep cup for free tea/coffee on the boat. Cups bot provided as they kept blowing off the boat into the pristine Sound! The beer at Furneaux Lodge at the end was the perfect end to an excellent NZ outdoor experience.”
Fly from Franz Josef to a changing ice world, then hike crevasses and caves on a guided 2.5-hour glacier adventure.
“We hiked a glacier in Alaska and it was mainly a flat hike. This experience was totally different and provided us a completely unique experience. It was up and down, we went through two tight crevasses and an ice cave! We had to use ropes and even a ladder at one point. You definitely need to be fairly fit. We loved the experience from the training, helicopter ride and guided hiking. This is a must do for those who want a unique and challenging experience. Even though we had to unfortunately cut the hike short due to weather, we still had more than sufficient time on the hike and appreciated…”
Walk Fox Glacier for up to three hours after a scenic helicopter flight, with ice caves, crampons, expert guides, and weather-tested planning.
“Campbell and Oliver were great guides who were so well informed, despite our 100 questions, and led us even in poor weather. The flight itself was scenic and well handled, with the hike well laid out and suitable for everybody.”
Hike Mt Tarawera from Rotorua to a volcanic crater with Māori stories, 360-degree views, guided support, and an optional scree run.
“Awesome experience, a special place steeped in history. Frank and Dan were friendly, fun, knowledgeable and patient. I would love to have spent the whole day up there and walked further.”
Ride through Cardrona’s high country, cross the river, learn gold-rush history, and stop for a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.
“This was such a great trip! My daughter’s (20 and 11) and I did this trek and it was great. My 11 yr old and I have never been on a horse, Emily was so helpful and careful with my daughter. She was scared to keep going after the first time we startRead more”
Walk Waimangu Volcanic Valley at your own pace, seeing steaming lakes, Inferno Crater, native bush, and Lake Rotomahana with a shuttle back.
“Was a lovely area Lil disappointed I couldn’t do the full walk or boat due to renovations but what I did was mesmerising. Thankful the bus journey back up and the lil tour guide chat from the driver as I went in to explore areas he’d spoken about”
Walk on Tasman Glacier, explore blue ice caves, and fly beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook on a small-group heli hike from $537.
“We got extremely lucky with weather. Sunny skies and no wind so visibility was great and ride was super smooth. Anna was our guide for the hiking portion and she was an exceptional guide, considerate of everyone's needs. They supplied boots, crampons and down shells and water proof jackets. 6 people to copter, front two seats were probably extra and had better view that was probably worth the difference.”
Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier for a guided two-hour ice hike beneath Aoraki and Mount Tasman.
“It was our first helicopter ride and it was an amazing and unforgettable experience. We felt really safe during the hike. Max, the guide was fun and caring. The hike as such could have been longer tho.”
Ride through a Canterbury sheep farm beside the Waimakariri Canyon, with Southern Alps views, small groups, gentle horses, and optional faster riding.
“It was a very beautiful experience. We enjoyed the scenery immensely. Chris is someone who takes tremendous care of his horses.”
Review the guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with volcanic craters, Emerald Lakes, winter gear, safety support, and practical booking advice.
“the staff wonderful people, friendly and enthusiastic from the beginning to the end of the tour”
Walk Kaikōura beaches with your own llama, spot fur seals, hear local earthquake history, and enjoy cake and a drink for $154.52.
“Highly recommend! Super unique, educational and warm experience trekking with our llama pals Archie & Harry. Kevin was a superb guide! He shared interesting insights, helped us to understand the llamas through their lens and made us fRead more”
Ride across Walter Peak farmland, cruise Lake Whakatipu, and enjoy tea on a 3.5-hour Queenstown outing for all riding levels.
“Ferrie ride was great. We did the Walter Peak Horse Ride. Looked after us as we had not been on a horse many years. The afternoon high tea was delicious.”
Ride through Cardrona’s gold-rush country, cross streams, climb mountain trails, and enjoy wide views with a friendly small-group guide.
“Activity provider refused to provide any service after a 30 mins late, at meanwhile they also refused to provide any refund or reschedule which seems illegal”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
