Hiking · NEW ZEALAND
The 15 best new zealand hiking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it takes on foot and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason, so start there.
Fly onto Franz Josef Glacier for a guided ice hike through caves, crevasses, and pinnacles, with gear supplied and weather flexibility.
“…. With our guide Maya! Not too hard, a superhike in Winterwonderland. The helicopters is great and feels supersafe.”
Review of Fox Glacier’s heli hike: helicopter views, up to three hours on the ice, expert guides, gear, costs, tips, and booking advice.
“The Fox Glacier Heli-Hike was an incredible experience from start to finish! Everything ran like a well-oiled machine — from check-in to the helicopter ride to the hike itself. Big shoutout to our guide, Toa, who was not only super knowledgeable and fun but also rescued my phone after I accidentally dropped it into a crevasse (legend!). The helicopter ride was amazing — we even got to rearrange seats on the way back so the girls could sit up front, which was a really thoughtful touch. The group organization was also great — not sure if it was intentional, but our group was a bit younger and more active, which…”
Review of Beachcomber Cruises’ Queen Charlotte Track hike from Picton, with route choices, boat tips, fitness advice, timing, and value.
“selfish guide walk on a nice part of the beautiful Queen Charlotte track. the transfer Tour on the boat was comfortable.”
Assess the Franz Josef heli hike, with glacier walking, ice caves, helicopter views, safety details, weather risks, and value at $475.
“dDd the helicopter hike today, our guide kirk was brilliant, very informative about the glacier, and most of all was very helpful when needed. I couldn't recommend this activity enough!!”
Review of Fox Glacier’s four-hour heli-hike, with helicopter transfers, ice caves, expert guides, costs, fitness needs, and booking advice.
“Fantastic experience. Company was smooth to work with and super laid back, but loved to show you all the cool stuff.”
Review of Mt Tarawera’s guided crater hike from Rotorua, with practical advice on fitness, transport, views, guides, gear, and value.
“We really enjoyed our hike up Mount Tarawera Our guides were great fun and informative I would certainly recommend this trip for something a little different and to gain a greater understanding of the local landscape totally influenced by the volcano erupting in 1873 Especially enjoyed scree running into the crater”
Ride Cardrona’s high-country trails, cross rivers, hear gold-rush stories, and stop for a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.
“Guide was excellent and made sure we had the appropriate horse for our level of experience! The route we rode on was lovely and had good views of the Cadrona Valley!”
Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley on foot, with steaming lakes, Inferno Crater, native bush, guide notes, and a free shuttle back uphill.
“Absolutely loved this walk! The scenery on this walk was unlike anything I'd every come across before! It was stunning! I found the information provided very insightful and interesting to learn about the history and geography of the surrounding areas. The boat trip was also fabulous with stunning views across the lake!”
Walk on New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier, explore blue ice formations, and enjoy two scenic helicopter flights beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook.
“It was a great experience! I did it with my husband and parents and we all enjoyed ourselves! It was well organised and we were well informed prior to our smooth helicopter ride. Our guide, Liam, was amazing and managed the group really well! We all had a turn in the glaciers and crawling in the ice. Amazing experience, 100% recommend.”
Review of Mount Cook’s 3-hour Tasman Glacier heli hike, with helicopter views, guided ice walking, costs, fitness needs, and practical tips.
“Excellent Guide very engaged and helpful.. Guide noticed one of our group fatiguing and actioned immediately to ensure they were able to complete the tour .... Recommend to all”
Ride beside New Zealand’s Waimakariri Canyon on a small-group horse trek with mountain views, friendly horses, and options for beginners.
“We had an amazing time. For beginners and more experienced riders. Lots of beautiful views and Chris is an amazing guide. Thanks!!”
Review of Adrift Tongariro’s 9-hour guided Alpine Crossing, with volcanic views, winter gear, practical tips, costs, and route limits.
“The weather was terrible, so our hike had to be modified. About 30 minutes in, I started throwing up. Our guide was great, and when it became clear that I couldn’t continue, he arranged for Robin to pick me up. She drove me back to my accommodations and made sure that I had everything I needed. Caring and excellent service!”
Review of Bay of Islands Cruise and Island Tour, with wildlife, Roberton Island, Hole in the Rock, snorkeling, swimming, and practical tips.
“one of the best excursions we’ve had in New Zealand!! Adam and Cass were excellent guides! Very informative, responsive to any needs and very informative”
Review of Queenstown’s Walter Peak horse trek and Lake Whakatipu cruise, with pricing, itinerary, riding tips, and honest advice.
“Awesome family fun activity. Everyone love the ride and our guides are so lovely. Thoroughly enjoy the whole experience.”
Ride gentle horses through Cardrona Valley with expert lessons, mountain views, and small-group trails for beginners and confident riders.
“Amazing tour! Definitely worth booking even if you’re a beginner like me. I went for my birthday and it was such a beautiful experience. Highly recommend! Hannah our instructor was the best, so calm and encouraging 😊”
By the kind of day you want, or the country you are standing in.
