Hiking & Trekking

NEW ZEALAND

15 Best Hiking & Trekking Tours In New Zealand

New Zealand's best.

New Zealand's 15 most popular hiking & trekking tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.

15 Best Hiking & Trekking Tours In New Zealand

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - Checking in at Te Ao Marama: gear, safety talk, and your first glacier minutes

1.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

Most Popular★ 4.5

Helicopter to Franz Josef Glacier, then a guided crampon hike through ice caves and crevasses with warm gear and expert ice-guides.

“A unique experience not to be missed. We were blessed with a sunny day which enhanced the experience. From the moment we arrived at the assembly area, everything went perfectly. Reception, explanations and equipment, everything was excellent. The flight to and from the glacier was safe and smooth and the crew paid close attention to…”

618 reviewsFrom $506.01by Franz Josef Glacier Guides

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier

Heli Hike Fox Glacier - From Fox Glacier Base to the Helicopter: How It Starts

2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★ 5.0

A heli-hike on Fox Glacier: short helicopter flights, up to 3 hours walking on the ice with crampons, plus panoramic views and guide-led safety.

“This is an amazing experience . Helicopter ride together with hiking at glacier . They provide all the equipment, clothes n shoes plus gloves . We did this is summer so only near to wear some merinos layers n perhaps another thick layer. LovelRead more”

563 reviewsFrom $477.37by Fox Glacier Guiding - Glacier Tours & Adventures

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Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton

Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton - Choosing between 12.7 km and 17 km: pick the version that matches your energy

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - From native forest to helipad: why that short walk sets the tone

4.Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★ 4.7

A helicopter ride and guided walk onto Franz Josef Glacier. Gear included, stories from experts, and close-up ice features in one half-day.

“An amazing bucket list activity!! Thoroughly enjoyed every second. From briefing, ‘majestical’ walk to heli, heli to glacier, our guide (pocket rocket, Ruby), shimming through crevasses, crawling through pockets in the ice and fellow travellers an awe inspiring experience.”

322 reviews4 - 8 hoursFrom $475by Franz Josef Glacier Guides

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - Two helicopter rides over Fox Glacier: why the view is part of the deal

5.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★ 4.9

Helicopter into Fox Glacier for up to 3 hours of guided crampon hiking, ice caves, arches, and icefalls, with expert commentary.

“We did the helicopter hike here and had an absolutely amazing experience. We got lucky with the weather and were able to spend the entire 3 hours on the glacier, but the guides were very prepared for all weather scenarios. Before we even got into the helicopter, we got a very thorough briefing of the…”

309 reviews4 hoursFrom $448by Fox Glacier Guiding

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Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience - Stop 2: Waimangu Volcanic Valley Views That Make the Geology Click

6.Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

★ 5.0

Guided Mt Tarawera crater hike from Rotorua with hotel pickup, Waimangu Valley views, and an optional scree run for fit hikers.

“A great experience! The guides are professional and friendly. BUT... the hike is pretty hard at times. It requires reasonable fitness. If you are scare of height this tour isn't for you.”

283 reviewsFrom $121.01by Kaitiaki Adventures Aotearoa

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Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+)

Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+) - Entering the Central Otago gold-rush story at The Cardrona

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu - Check-in, the Wanderer Guide, and how to plan your route

8.Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

★ 4.5

Self-guided hike through Rotorua’s Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Steam vents, Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater Lake with shuttle return.

“Very scenic and very steep trail through native woodland adjacent to numerous steaming lakes, brooks, and fissures. Timed entry so you wont be tripping over other visitors. We found this much more interesting than sitting in a mud bath Read more”

248 reviewsFrom $46.54by Waimangu Volcanic Valley

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - Aoraki/Mount Cook From the Air: Those Two 15-Minute Helicopter Segments

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Mount Cook airport to the glacier: the flight portions and views

10.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★ 4.7

Soar over Aoraki, land on the Tasman Glacier, and hike 2 hours with crampons for an unforgettable Mount Cook heli adventure.

“Highly enjoyable, brand new experience walking on a safe section of glacier, professional service from start to finish, you know you’re in good hands, our guide Maddie took good care of everyone every step of the way, even the heli pilots had tonnes of information to share en route, this is a must do!”

218 reviews3 hoursFrom $564by The Helicopter Line Mount Cook

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike - Starting at Adrift Tongariro: the morning rhythm at 53 Carroll Street

11.Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

★ 4.6

Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro with crater views, Emerald Lakes, and safety gear. 9 hours.

“I had wonderful experience on the crossing -it was amazing to see Mt Doom and Mordor being a Lord of the Rings fan. Our tour guide Hannah was very lovely too, who ensured that everyone was safe and looked after throughout the entire journey. I would highly recommend to anyone who wishes to complete the…”

189 reviews9 hoursFrom $254by Adrift Tongariro Guiding

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Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife - Cruising among 144 islands: the part where you learn what to watch

12.Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

★ 5.0

4.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise with Roberton Island walk, Hole in the Rock, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing on a small-group boat.

“Very punctual on time and informative, nice for something quick and easy. Love the scenic view on one of the islands that we got to stop at, but bring your comfortable shoes. Would you like more time at the island to be able to swim?”

177 reviewsFrom $104.88by Island Getaway Tours

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Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua - The Mt. Ngongotaha Trails: Farmland, Bush, and Uneven Ground

13.Guided Horse Trekking from Rotorua

★ 5.0

Guided horse trek through Mt. Ngongotaha foothills with Lake Rotorua views, helmets included, beginner-friendly pace, and small groups.

“Amazing experience loved it. My boyfriend hadn’t ridden before and it was totally fine for him. Lovely views and well behaved horses.”

159 reviewsFrom $68.26by Adventure Playground Rotorua Limited

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Llama Trek (Half-day) – Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony - Ohau Point Seal Colony: what you’re doing and why it’s special

14.Llama Trek (Half-day) – Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

★ 5.0

Meet your llama on Kaikoura’s beaches, then spot New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point with history and earthquake stories included.

“Our time with Hero and Joey, our new llama friends, was amazing. During our time on trek, we learned so much about llamas and the history of Kaikoura. Understanding the world through the llama’s eyes was educational and becoming a part of their company was heartwarming. A delightful way to spend time in Kaikoura.”

157 reviewsFrom $154.52by Kaikoura Llama Trekking

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Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular! - Getting started at 2125 Cardrona Valley Road (and why timing matters)

15.Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

★ 5.0

Ride the Gold Discovery Trail in Cardrona Valley near Wānaka. Beginner-friendly 2-hour horse trek with views, farms, and gold-rush stories.

“Beautiful trek with an amazing guide and extremely friendly horses - a great way to get to know a bit about the landscape, the history of the region and just to enjoy the scenery with a bit of fun - highly recommend it! Many thanks to all”

151 reviewsFrom $309.67by The Cardrona

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