NEW ZEALAND · WALKING TOURS

Where to Walk: the 15 Best New Zealand Walking Tours

24 walks  ·  from $26 a head

Every trip has one free morning too few. These 15 new zealand walking tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide quickly and get back outside.

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest - From Shire’s Rest to the Hobbit Holes
Film and Literary Walking Tours, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

1.Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,577 reviews · from $74Our pick

Walk through Hobbiton’s 12-acre movie set with a professional guide, passing Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. Guides such as Dan, Georgia, James, Sam, and Aimee bring filming stories to life. The 2.5-hour visit includes shuttle transport around the grounds and a complimentary Southfarthing drink.

“Our tour guide Liam is very accomodating and knowledgeable. The great part is get in to a furnitured hobbit hole and experiencing the real hobbit life.”

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Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk - Bridges, stairs, and a cliff walk above the valley
New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Zip Lines

Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

2.Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,557 reviews · from $166

Spend about three hours flying through Rotorua’s ancient native forest on six ziplines, including a 400 m tandem line reaching up to 80 km/h. You’ll also cross swing bridges, floating stairs, and a volcanic cliff walk 50 m above the valley. Guides such as Jacob, Reuben, Mitch, and Sophia keep the mood warm and safety tight.

“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”

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Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour - Holdens Cavern and the story beneath Waitomo
Guided, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour

3.Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,249 reviews · 1h 30m · from $69

Walk through Ruakuri Cave with an English-speaking local guide such as Anna, Jayden, or Garth. Follow a spiral entrance and metal walkways past underground rivers, glowworms, stalactites, stalagmites, Holdens Cavern, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. Photography is allowed, and the cave is wheelchair and pushchair accessible.

“Garth was an incredible guide. We learned a lot and enjoyed the glowworms and cave formations! Great for all ages”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk - Start with the map or wait for a guide
Guided, Massage & Relaxation, New Zealand Walking Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

4.Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,140 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

Walk through Hell’s Gate’s steaming geothermal field with a map or guide, then try a 20-minute mud bath and sulphur spa. Guides such as Liam, Tee, Zia, and Ngati add Māori stories, geology, and humor. Māori carving, a cool plunge pool, and flexible self-guided touring round out this three-hour visit.

“Thank you very much for a great day out - LOVED the woodcarving activity!”

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Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo - The cruise from Kaiteriteri to the walking start
New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

5.Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 704 reviews · 1 day · from $74

Cruise Abel Tasman’s coast with English commentary, see Split Apple Rock and Adele Island fur seals, then walk through native bush between golden beaches. Choose a 7 km, 10.5 km, or 8.8 km route, with flexible afternoon pickup times. Bring lunch, water, sun protection, and warm layers.

“Liked boat trip round coast and hearing history, then dropped off to walk. Easy to do walk and added on optional hike for Pitt Head Loop. Easy to do in time and catch earlier ferry back,”

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Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk - Starting at 188 Quay Street
Food Walking Tours, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk

6.Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 371 reviews · from $127

Spend 2:30 to 5:30pm tasting Auckland with a local guide such as Laura, Sarah, Alex, Jono, or Kath. Expect artisan products, seafood, chocolate, cheese, dumplings, ice cream, and a local wine or beer sample, with easy city walking and Auckland history along the way.

“Lauren not only taught us about the food scene here, but she also taught us about the city itself and how it’s changed over the years. She ends the tour by sitting down with each party, asking them what else is on their itinerary, and giving them food recs for their other destinations.”

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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Starting in Marahau at 8:30 AM
Guided, New Zealand Walking Tours, Sailing, Self-Guided Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

7.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80

Sail from Kaiteriteri with an English-speaking skipper, passing golden bays, Split Apple Rock, and fur seals. After lunch at Anchorage Bay, walk 3.5 to 4 hours through native bush and along beaches to Marahau. Guides such as Inky, Claudia, Nick, and Jane are praised for friendly, clear commentary.

“Had a wonderful day’s touring including the catamaran and the walk through the park. Claudia who collected us from the Marahau car park and joined us sailing was knowledgeable and friendly. Very much enjoyed listing to the birds on Adele Island and watching the sea lions with pups at play. Our walk out was a bit longer than expected @ 4+ hours but picturesque.”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk - Why the hot waterfall matters
New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

8.Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 217 reviews · 1 hour · from $26Best value

Walk through Hell’s Gate, Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve, on a marked 2-kilometre route past boiling pools, steaming fumaroles, sulfur deposits, hot waterfalls, and New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano. Choose a self-guided walk or join an English tour at 10:30 AM or 2:30 PM, subject to availability.

“Our tour guide was Liam and I tell you what he was the best tour guide I have ever had. If I were to come back again I want Liam to be my tour guide again. He was very informative, friendly and humorous. Just a very lovely character.”

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Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour - From the waterfront to Auckland’s oldest streets
Food Walking Tours, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour

9.Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 202 reviews · 3 hours · from $122

Walk Auckland’s downtown from the waterfront toward its oldest streets while tasting local cheeses, Kiwi classics, restaurant dishes, artisan chocolate, and a cold local drink. English-speaking guides such as Sarah, Jono, Alex, Clare, and Laura blend food with city stories and practical dining tips. Expect a generous meal’s worth of tastings, but bring good shoes.

“An easy walk, so suitable for all ages, you get to meet people from all over, enjoy a diverse array of food, and a few drinks. Our guide Sarah was very knowledgeable about the city, landmarks, the places we went to and the food, including places we didn't stop at, but were recommended as a must try. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

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Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats - Queen Street and the start at Queens Arcade
New Zealand Walking Tours, Small-Group Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats

10.Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 182 reviews · from $67

Start at Queens Arcade at 10 a.m. for a three-hour Auckland walk with a maximum of 10 people. Guides including Liz, Jo, Joe, Nina, and Debbie lead you through central lanes, parks, landmarks, shops, and Britomart, with coffee, a local tasting, and practical food tips included.

“Excellent walking tour of Auckland. Liz was a fantastic guide and extremely informative. Visited some wonderful Auckland locations.”

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Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide - The first steps through old rainforest
Guided, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

11.Fox Glacier: Half Day Walking & Nature Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 170 reviews · 3h 30m · from $65

Spend 210 minutes walking through Fox Glacier’s old rainforest and moraine with a local guide such as Cliff, Mel, Sophia, or Jake. Expect a gentle climb, glacier and Mt Tasman views, native plants, geothermal features, and a hot drink with a biscuit. Rain gear, boots, poles, and child carriers are available.

“Totally worth it! Great for kids who are able to walk long walks and enjoy nature at the same time! Cliff was highly knowledgeable, friendly and kind. Definitely recommended activity!”

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Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise - Stepping ashore on Ulva Island
Guided, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

12.Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 2h 30m · from $86

Spend 150 minutes cruising Paterson Inlet and walking Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Your English-speaking guide points out native birds, trees, and history, with possible sightings of weka, robins, saddlebacks, yellowheads, seals, penguins, and seabirds. The walk is gentle and informative, not a strenuous hike.

“There was interesting historical information about the area given on the boat (by Jens?), and once we got to Ulva Is we were able to walk around at a leisurely pace and Britt pointed out lots of plants and birds to us (which we would not have noticed if we had wandered around by ourselves). Britt was tuned in to all the different bird calls and could identify them and show us where the birds were.”

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Lake Te Anau: 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Guided Walk - Leaving Te Anau wharf for the South Fiord
3-Hour Experiences, Guided, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Lake Te Anau: 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Guided Walk

13.Lake Te Anau: 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 164 reviews · 3 hours · from $86

Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard Faith, a 1935 motor yacht, with Captain Adam and crew members such as Megan, Jackie, or Nina. You will hear the boat’s story, walk for about 40 minutes through Fiordland National Park to the Hidden Lakes, and enjoy canapés, tea, coffee, wine, beer, and other drinks. The small group and chance to help with the sails make this feel personal.

“We all enjoyed our Yacht trip on Faith. We were very well looked after and enjoyed the walk to the Hidden Lake, and the afternoon tea, the Bagpipes, and the very friendly atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.”

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Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk - Starting beside Full of Beans Cafe
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Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

14.Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier Lookout Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 161 reviews · 3 hours · from $65

Walk Franz Josef Glacier Valley with guides such as Sophia, Mel, Tyler, or Cliff, learning about rainforest plants, birds, geology, and glacial change. Expect a small group, a public glacier viewpoint, optional off-track sections, river scenery, and hot drinks. Rain gear, boots, poles, transport, and tea are available when needed.

“Kath is a great guide. She is very knowledgable and her explanations of animals and plants were very interesting. It was good to be taken to places not available to unguided walks. The rest place scenery was breathtaking. We were up close to the rainforest, a rare experience. Tash was helpful in finding is a suitable day. Thanks to Cliffe to picking us up from our accommodation.”

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Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk - What makes the lake crossing worthwhile
2-Hour Experiences, New Zealand Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

15.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 160 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Cruise Lake Wānaka aboard the white catamaran Dual Image, then land on Stevensons Island for a guided 10-minute walk rising 50 metres to a superb viewpoint. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories and points out plants, wildlife, and high-country scenery. Tea, coffee, and a biscuit are served on the return cruise.

“A very informative and enjoyable cruise which was good value for money”

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New in New Zealand Walking Tours

★ 5.0Auckland Food Walking TourFrom $13573 reviews
★ 4.9Rotorua: 6 Ziplines, 400m Tandem, Cliff Walk & Swing BridgesFrom $15293 reviews
★ 4.9Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te AnauFrom $11697 reviews

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