Walking in New Zealand

19 days
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Small Group Tour
New Zealand is all about the great outdoors, exploring on foot brings you the best of this compact yet varied country. The North Island combines awesome natural beauty with a rich Maori heritage and the South Island is blessed with dramatic scenery. Milford Sound - Boat trip along the tranquil ford beneath towering mountains Mount Cook - Discover the so...
19%
$9,434
From$7,670
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Highlights

    • Dramatic landscapes including mountains, glaciers and fiords
    • Walks in stunning scenery
    • Visit Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand is all about the great outdoors, exploring on foot brings you the best of this compact yet varied country. The North Island combines awesome natural beauty with a rich Maori heritage and the South Island is blessed with dramatic scenery. Milford Sound - Boat trip along the tranquil ford beneath towering mountains Mount Cook - Discover the soaring landscapes of the Southern Alps Tongariro - Explore the spectacular volcanic and alpine scenery

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Alps
  • Auckland
  • Bar
  • Christchurch
  • Milford Sound
  • Mount Cook
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Tasman National Park
  • Tongariro National Park
  • Wellington

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Auckland

Our tour starts today in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, the cosmopolitan c...

Day 2 Travel south through the Waikato region to volcanic Rotorua

After breakfast this morning, we'll wave goodbye to Auckland and head south through the Waikato Region to Rotorua (around a three-hour drive), the North Island's most famous destination for overseas visitors and an important cultural centre. Don't worry, you'll soon a...

Day 3 Visit Waimangu Valley Geothermal Park and lake walk

This morning, we'll visit Waimangu Valley, a fascinating geothermal park of bubbling mud pools, hissing geysers and steaming lakes created in 1886 following the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera. We'll walk amongst the hot springs and steaming cliffs, with panoramas...

Day 4 Explore the Tongariro National Park on foot, including a section of the iconic Tongariro Crossing

Today we'll enjoy a combination of short walks and drives to see the best of Tongariro National Park. Exploring the diverse and dramatic terrain: steam vents, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and magnificent views. We'll depart from Whakapapa Village to hike to Taranaki...

Day 5 Explore Wellington

Today, our trip continues southward through the fertile farmlands of Levin to Wellington (approximately a four-and-a-half-hour drive). New Zealand's capital lies partially on reclaimed land at the harbour and the steep hillsides adjacent to the Cook Strait. Wellington...

Day 6 Cross the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sound to the South Island

This morning, we'll visit Te Papa Tongarewa, the modern National Museum, which gives a good insight into New Zealand history, M?ori Culture and Pacific culture. More than 20 galleries house imaginative exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore New Zealand's...

Day 7 Visit Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary. Walk along Queen Charlotte Track

This morning, we'll board a water taxi and cruise to Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary (a one-hour journey) where we'll enjoy an hour-long walk from the jetty to the lookout over Marlborough Sounds. Later, we'll be dropped off at Resolution Bay to walk part of the Que...

Day 8 Explore Abel Tasman National Park by boat and on foot

After breakfast this morning, we'll take the Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock, one of New Zealand's most delightful scenic drives. Winding past the Sounds' numerous bays, this bush-fringed road takes us to the head of Pelorus Sound and the seaside vil...

Day 9 Fossils, fur seals and Pororari River Track

Our journey today takes us inland through an unbelievably scenic region with excellent roads and minimal traffic. Rugged, green and wild, the West Coast was one of the busiest and richest areas in the nineteenth century, when gold drew men from all over the world. ...

Day 10 Walk in glacial valley

Leaving Greymouth behind us today, we'll take a short drive to our next stop, Hokitika, known as New Zealand's Greenstone capital. Most of this precious stone is found in this region and then turned into beautiful pieces of jewellery. We'll pass the forgotten gold min...

Day 11 Experience Gondwanaland. Drive to Wanaka

This morning (weather permitting), we'll go for a walk around Lake Matheson, which could give us an excellent opportunity to take that perfect photo of Mount Cook with its mirrored reflection on the lake's calm water. We'll then continue our trip through Westland Nati...

Day 12 Free day to explore Wanaka

Wanaka is a hiker's paradise thanks to its beautiful environment. The tranquil township lies directly on the shores of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand's fourth-largest lake. It reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park whose dominant feature is impressiv...

Day 13 Discover Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. Explore Queenstown

After breakfast this morning, we'll traverse the Crown Range Road and take the opportunity to visit the partially restored and well-interpreted Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This is a quiet reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese gold miners and b...

Day 14 Walk part of the Kepler Track

After breakfast today, we'll make our way to Te Anau, known locally as 'the walking capital of the world'. Some of the most wild and most dramatic scenery in New Zealand can be found in Fiordland, in the southwest corner of the South Island. Fiordland is one of the la...

Day 15 Boat cruise on Milford Sound

Today we'll drive to one of New Zealand's natural icons - the majestic Milford Sound. Our route there (as we pass between Te Anau and Milford Sound) will take us through one of the most scenic alpine drives in the world. Watch in awe as broad grassy flats, dense rainf...

Day 16 Scenic drive to Twizel through the Lindis Pass. Free afternoon

After passing by Lake Wakatipu and through the rocky Kawerau Gorge and Cromwell village, the road winds upward to Lindis Pass where we can take a short walk to the viewpoint. The plains of the Mackenzie highland lie before us. On the left are the mountains of the Sout...

Day 17 Walking in the shadow of Mount Cook

This morning, we'll drive to Mount Cook village to enjoy the unique environment of different alpine plants and flowers and the panoramic vista of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki Mt Cook (3,724 meters/12218 feet). Walks may include Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake. Bl...

Day 18 Drive to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

This morning, we'll drive to the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of Good Shepherd set on the shore surrounded by mountains. Built in the 1930's in memory of the local pioneers all the materials for the church were sourced from within a five-mile ra...

Day 19 Trip ends in Christchurch

Our tour ends this morning at our hotel in Christchurch. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Christchurch at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We don't p...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,670
Price per day$404
Last Updated: 4/24/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
04 Nov 2024
22 Nov 2024
$7,670
$1,820
7 spots left
25 Nov 2024
13 Dec 2024
$7,670
$1,820
11 spots left
06 Jan 2025
24 Jan 2025
$7,670
$1,970
15 spots left
13 Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025
$7,670
$1,970
15 spots left
03 Feb 2025
21 Feb 2025
$7,670
$1,970
10 spots left
10 Mar 2025
28 Mar 2025
$7,670
$1,970
15 spots left
03 Nov 2025
21 Nov 2025
$7,800
$2,040
15 spots left
24 Nov 2025
12 Dec 2025
$7,800
$2,040
15 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
A

Angela

Apr 2024

Written on

Walking in New Zealand

The highlight of my trip are the little extras that our tour guide Vaughn provided

S

Sarah

Mar 2024

Written on

Walking in New Zealand

Hard to pick one thing but the trip out on Milford Sound was definitely A highlight. We arrived just after heavy rain and the rock faces were literally covered with ...

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

Walking in New Zealand

It waa a very fun and informative trip. My first tour group. Our guide was very knowledgable of both islands. Plants, birds, cities, trails. Things to see and do on ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Ferry,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Ferry
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
New Zealand: From 1 October 2019, travellers must have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to travel to NZ as well as having to pay an INTERNATIONAL VISITOR CONSERVATION AND TOURISM LEVY (IVL). You will be able to obtain these from July 1st 2019 onwards via the mobile ETA app or the immigration.govt.nz website ETA - The cost of the ETA is NZD$ 9 via the mobile app or NZD$ 12 via the Immigration New Zealand website. IVL - The cost of the IVL is NZD$35. Visitors pay the IVL when they apply for a visa or ETA either on the ETA App or immigration website. We recommend you to allow at least 72 hours for processing Once issued the these are valid for 2 years or until your passport expires and can be used for multiple visits. Travellers should allow 72 hours for processing. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing required. Tetanus recommended Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 18
  • Dinner : 1
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-WZN

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