New Zealand · WALKING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 walking tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of Hobbiton from Shire’s Rest, with set details, guide tips, pricing, accessibility, timing, and advice on who should book.
“Probably the best tour we have ever been on, the place is stunning. The magic is real. Don’t want to give too much away, but if you have the opportunity, you have to visit (even if you don’t know or seen the films, it’s still magical.”
Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline links six ziplines, a 400m tandem ride, cliff walk, bridges, forest views, guides, and free photos.
“This magical experience was so much fun! Ziplining high above the forest and through the lush trees was breathtaking. It was a truly immersive adventure. Our guides Mason & Sophia were brilliant, so fun & friendly, but also full of knowledge Read more”
Explore Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve, soak in mud and sulphur pools, and try Māori carving for $68.
“The experience was authentic. We started out on guided tour but ended up going out on our own halfway in so we could have a semi private mudbath. If you prefer to be in mudbath and Sulphur spa alone. If you do the guided tour, you will be in there with everyone.”
Cruise Abel Tasman’s golden coast, see seals at Adele Island, then walk forest tracks and beaches on a flexible full-day combo.
“Really enjoyed our trek through Abel Tasman! Such a varied walk and the weather came through towards the middle/end which was fantastic for when we got to Anchorage because we could go in the sea!”
Zip through Waiheke’s treetops, cross a vineyard and forest valley, then walk native bush with expert guides on this small-group Auckland outing.
“It was really nice, just very short. Would have been nice if there was more than just 3 slides. The girls who assisted us where really cool, enjoyed them, very professional.”
Taste Auckland’s best small food spots on a three-hour walk with wine, beer, sweets, seafood, dumplings, and local history.
“Sarah was a wonderful guide and the food was AMAZING ! Great variety and Sarah was so knowledgeable. I even have booked a food tour in Wellington.”
Ride the Matukituki River by jet boat, then walk to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams in Mount Aspiring National Park from Wanaka.
“Fabulous tour! Had a blast on the jet boat and walk. Loved the Captain - very interactive. Highly recommended tour!”
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”
Sail past seals and Split Apple Rock, then walk from Anchorage Bay through Abel Tasman National Park to Marahau for $80.
“The boat was enjoyable and hosts and skipper were great. It was not overbooked so room to move around the boat easily. The walk back was easy and mostly shaded with access to beach stops. Would recommend”
Review the Premium Tongariro Crossing guided walk, with expert guides, winter gear, transport, volcanic scenery, costs, and practical tips.
“The hike is 20 kms in total and is not hard per se, the peak is at km 8 and the way down could be slight-medium challenging - but in general the hike is an actual path (wooden or ground) that is flat for some parts, slopes (still ok) and Read more”
Explore Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve, with boiling pools, mud volcanoes, hot waterfalls, Māori carving, and a self-guided walk.
“Self guided tour. But it was a great place. The contrast or sceneries was beautiful. A must see.”
Taste Auckland’s local cheeses, Kiwi classics, restaurant dishes, chocolate, and a drink while exploring the CBD with a local guide.
“This was a really well planned food tour. The tour guide was knowledgeable and made the effort to get the group to gel. We got introduced to some great food venues within a small part of the CBD, giving us the confidence to scratch beneath the surface ourselves. There was enough food to cover us for lunch but not so much that we didn't have room for dinner. We took away some top tips that we used later in our holiday. A great tour.”
Explore Auckland’s lanes, landmarks, Māori and European history, coffee, chocolate, and local tips on this intimate three-hour walking tour.
“Our guide Nina was very knowledgeable about Auckland and went into great detail about the citys history and the Maori. At times, some of her history went a little too deep and lenghty, but over all it was enjoyable and very informative.”
Explore Fox Glacier rainforest with a local guide, mountain views, geothermal stops, hot drinks, and practical rain gear for $65.
“Our guide Bella was very knowledgeable and ensured the pace was good for everyone. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.”
See Napier’s Art Deco quarter, watch the 1931 earthquake film, and learn how the city rebuilt on an easy 90-minute guided walk.
“Good walking tour (with short introductory movie to start). Headsets included. Plenty of info regarding the devastating earthquake in Napier in the 1930s, the impressively quick rebuild, and the many examples of art deco architecture across the city centre. Knowledgeable guide too. I do think it'd be better to have a slightly lower maximum number of guests on the tour, though, as it did feel that the group was at times in the way of other people trying to get past, and it was tough for the guide to keep the group together.”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
