Things to do in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Walking Tours

March 19, 2022 Viva Honore

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Nelson City Walking Tour - Guided

Nelson i-SITE, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Nelson is a stunning, unique city in New Zealand, so whether it’s your first time in Nelson or you’re a seasoned visitor (or local!), our 1.5-2 hour ‘Nelson in a Nutshell’ walking tour will bring this beautiful and diverse city to life. Your tour guide, Dianne, is a ‘born and bred’ Nelsonian, who knows all the hidden gems, and with a unique insight gives you a true flavour of the real Nelson. Discover Trafalgar Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Lord of the Rings Jeweller – Jens Hansen, Queen’s Gardens, Suter Art Gallery, the Centre of New Zealand and so much more in between. Prepare to be impressed!

Inclusions: Water bottles are available and there are refilling stations along the walk, Sun Screen available if required, Tour Guide, Tour commentary, Sanitiser, Disposable Face Mask if required

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

2. Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Southland 9818, New Zealand Real Journeys
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island and includes a visit to the historic whaler’s base at Prices Inlet and the hidden coves and unspoiled beaches of Paterson Inlet. Your guide provides informative commentary during the scenic cruise. While on board, keep a lookout for New Zealand fur seals and penguins. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.

Inclusions: GST (Goods and Services Tax), Catamaran cruise and island tour, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Picnic lunch (must contact operator directly after booking to purchase)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By fionanNZ

Wonderful full day of exploring Lake Manapouri & Doubtful Sound. The team are passionate about their work and their backyard and we saw so much because of their knowledge. The trip was adjusted based on the weather & what was around - the Dolphins were a special treat and beautifully managed. Our driver, Tony was very accommodating for the wide age group & special requirements. The facilities were very good considering how remote we were. This was so wonderful - PLEASE don't tell anyone about this! Keep it our secret of wonderfulness!

3. Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Real Rotorua
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5.0 based on 190 reviews

Glow-worms are the highlight of any night-time stroll in New Zealand, and when found in abundance they can be as breathtaking as our clearest night sky. Join our experienced guides on a trip into the native bush to witness this phenomenon for yourself. Learn about the life-cycle of this fascinating insect, experience New Zealand’s wildlife by night and top off this stellar evening by relaxing under the stars. An unique experience for all your senses. Highlights • Glow-worm, waterfalls, wildlife and star gazing. • New Zealand Native Forest - all by the cover of darkness. • Small group, relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Light refreshments

Exclusions: Nothing

Reviewed By triniboyinNZ

Stephen gave us a very knowledgeable, exclusive and friendly tour of major highlights around Rotorua. We were really appreciative of the information and the hot chocolate :-) It had amazing scenery , views of the lakes and great walks.

4. Ziplining Forest Experience - The Ultimate Canopy Tour Rotorua

Rotorua Canopy Tours, 147 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand Rotorua Canopy Tours
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5.0 based on 1,008 reviews

See New Zealand’s one and only cliff walk, built around a volcanic rock, floating staircases and a 400m tandem Zip-line that you can race your loved ones down…just to name a few! An amazing engineering feat that allows the exploration of an ancient indigenous forest! You will be taken to another world, full of ancient giants and lifeforms you can’t see anywhere else in the world! Since we opened in 2012 we have been protecting this special place and when you come along, you will be too! A portion of your entry goes straight back to our conservation project to help us continue to rescue and look after this magic place. We take photos for you and they are FREE after your tour via an email link.You are welcome to take as many videos and photos as you like too – you’ll be wanting to share this experience with everyone!!

Inclusions: Safety gear included, Amazing Kiwi guides, Shuttles included, Complementary photos, Snacks, All Fees and Taxes, Wet weather and warm gear (if needed)

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Reviewed By Jamie_ratlidge

Such a cool tour and so much fun! The different types a zip lines keep it interesting and different every time! You get to race people down and see some amazing views at the same time! Our tour guides Luke and Tenaya were so friendly and funny! They definitely made the experience that much better! I would absolutely recommend the ultimate tour to anyone and everyone!

5. Off the Beaten Track - Glowworm Caving Adventure Tour in Waitomo

1199 Oparure Road, Te Kuiti 3985, New Zealand Glowing Adventures
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5.0 based on 154 reviews

The top rated, most intimate, and most personalised glow worm cave tour in Waitomo. Our awesome Waitomo adventure is tucked away “off the beaten track” on our family farm and we LOVE it that way and so do our guests. Our “Glowing” Highlights • Amazing glow worm displays! • Just the right amount of adventure • Away from the crowds • Small group sizes • Cameras welcome • Authentic eco experience • Family owned and operated • Photos, tea, coffee and biscuits included • #1 Trip Advisor rated tour in the Waitomo District

Inclusions: See the caves just as nature intended. All caving equipment and warm clothing including: thermal top, thermal pants, fleece top, shorts, gumboots, socks, helmet and headlamp. A local guide with a deep connection to the caves and a wealth of information to share. Tea, coffee, and a snack. An email with awesome photos of your adventure. Proper Kiwi hospitality!

Exclusions: We can not pick up or drop off. There is no public transport so you will need to have your own transport to 1199 Oparure Road.

Reviewed By 407clareb

Our personalised tour was one of the highlights of NZ! Learned a lot about the biology of the caves and the glow worms themselves - nature is amazing! Ash was very friendly, hilarious and informative and made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!

6. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise

Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20-22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand Trips & Tramps
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5.0 based on 217 reviews

Enjoy a friendly, small group (maximum 15 people) day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, including a small boat cruise along the full length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed timetable ensures plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy short walks, photographic stops and exploration with the nature guide. Plus, from November to April guests can select 2 ½ hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Track to Key Summit.

Inclusions: Afternoon or morning tea, Local driver/guide, Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off (if advised), Sightseeing boat cruise, Guided and Self-Guided Walking tours, Modern air conditioned minivan (max 15)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Queenstown pick ups - the tour departs from Te Anau

Reviewed By mike61119

Fabulous trip to Milford Sound today. Andrew's commentary and knowledge of the area was outstanding. Would definitely use Trips and Tramps again. Highly recommend for those looking to book in Fiordland. ????????????????????

7. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 23 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By lauramareehay

Mark was an excellent tour guide with a lot of local knowledge. The bird sanctuary was eye opening to the number of native bird species and we even saw a morepork which was a first for us! We absolutely love Lord of the rings and we're happy that the tour could be altered to our interests slightly to incorporate a few more Lord of the rings spots. These additions did not add to much time to the overall travel time which was good! The Mavora lakes area was a highlight and had so many hidden filming spots. We appreciated having exploration time at each point for photos and to soak in the scenery to truely picture what is was like to film in these areas. We were thrilled to get our pictures taken in Amon Hen although it would have been better if we were able to get photos together. Some more in depth knowledge for Lord of the rings super fans would have been awesome like more behind the scenes facts unique to these locations. It was an awesome opportunity to actually walk through Fangorn forest, an activity not usually in the tour. Overall we loved the tour, it introduced us to some areas that we will have to return to!

8. Full Day Queen Charlotte Kayak and Walking Tour from Picton

1 London Quay, Picton 7220, New Zealand Wilderness Guides - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 18 reviews

This adventure combo is without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the Marlborough Sounds. On your full day kayak and walking tour you will experience some of the iconic activities of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound. Spot rays and sea birds while learning about the lush native bush. You will encounter amazing beaches and spectacular views. We have small group sizes with 1 guide per 8 people kayaking

Inclusions: Local guide, Lunch, All necessary equipment included, boat ride back to Picton Waterfront after your walk

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By gordond898

Four of us did the three day , walk , bike and kayak trip . Everything was expertly organised , and we had an incredible time . Beautiful scenery and wildlife , and would thoroughly recommend

9. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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4.9 based on 153 reviews

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking

Reviewed By tinanU2049PP

Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!

10. Punakaiki Blow Holes & Pancake Rocks Scenic Tour

Greymouth i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, 164 MacKay Street, Greymouth 7805, New Zealand Explore West Coast
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4.9 based on 17 reviews

Tour with our local knowledgeable guides to one of the World's Top 10 Coastal Scenic drives and visit the famous Punakaiki Blow Holes and Pancake Rocks. One of the regions key icons and a must do when visiting the South Island.

Inclusions: Admission ticket

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Reviewed By JohnnyUK7

TREE TOP WALKWAY - This is an amazing tree top walk on an excellently built structure and easy to access. Part of the way along the walkway there is also a tower which is about 40 metres above ground level and by climbing up this you get an even greater view of the native forest and you can look out upon Lake Mahinapua. Lots of birds in the trees and back on the ground we saw several Weka's which were amazing to watch. Beautiful countryside and so peaceful.

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