New Zealand · HIKING & TREKKING

The 15 Best Guided Walks & Hikes in New Zealand

35 tours  ·  from $19 a head

Guided beats self-guided here whenever the track needs a boat, a hut booking or a weather call. These 15 cover the Abel Tasman, Tongariro, the glacier valleys and the Fiordland day walks, priced with transport included or not made clear.

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - The 10-minute helicopter flight
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

1.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506Our pick

Fly from Franz Josef village to the glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among crevasses, ice caves, pinnacles, and seracs with a small group. Guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Abby combine glacier science with Maori stories. Gear is supplied, but you need good fitness and flexible plans for weather.

“Absolutely loved this trip. From start to finish so well organised. Our tour guides Tom and Hannah were great and kept us all safe. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely do this experience again! Thank you”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - Fox Glacier Guiding at 44 Main Road
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Fly by helicopter from Fox Glacier onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, then spend up to three hours walking through ice caves, crevasses, arches, and blue ice. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy lead the route and cut fresh steps as the glacier changes. Gear is supplied, but warm layers, balance, and flexible plans are essential.

“It is spectacular, we had an amazing experience. Would absolutely recommend and do it again! I normally get motion sickness, but was completely fine on the helicopter ride. I felt very safe the entire time and really enjoyed the heli ride and the hike. Make sure you dress warm and you’ll love it! They provide wet weather gear, shoes, crampons - they are very organised and the quality is excellent. The staff are all amazing, cannot recommend this experience and guiding company more highly.”

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Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour - The short walk through bush and gorge
Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Waitomo, Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tours

Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour

3.Waitomo’s Hidden Gem: Small-Group Off the Beaten Track Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 431 reviews · from $135

Join Ash and the Down to Earth team for a rugged three-hour Waitomo cave trip on private farmland. Walk through native bush, wade shallow streams, scramble over rocks, and explore the Mangarongapu Cave system by headlamp. Warm clothing, caving gear, photos, and tea or coffee are included. You need good mobility and a sense of adventure.

“Once in a lifetime experience! Ash was very knowledgeable and answered all questions we had. He was attentive and informative”

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Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton - Ship Cove and the Captain Cook connection
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 383 reviews · 8h 30m · from $66

Cruise from Picton with Beachcomber Cruises to Ship Cove, then choose a 12.7 km walk from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove or a 17 km route from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. Expect skipper commentary, native bush, sound views, and a waterside meal or drink at the finish.

“A really good day the walk was a bit challenging in some parts but mostly fairly good and the scenery was fantastic. Our captain I think Lachlan?? Was friendly and informative. A really great day and would recommend it to anyone interested. Cheers, Mark”

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Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails - The shuttle from 103 Ardmore Street to Lake Hawea
Cycling Tours, Cycling Tours in Wanaka, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking & Trekking in Wanaka, Tour Reviews, Tours in Wanaka

Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

5.Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 346 reviews · from $80

Start in Wanaka, ride by shuttle to Lake Hawea, then cycle back through river trails, Albert Town, and Lake Wanaka. Choose a regular bike or e-bike. James, David, or another nzbiketrails team member gives you a route briefing, safety advice, and a test ride before you set off. Return bikes by 4pm.

“Good experience and a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Wanaka. I must say we got turned around more than once despite the map and instructions, which was a bit stressful.”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - The four-minute flight is short, but scenic
Airport Transfers, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

6.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef town to the ice, then spend about 2.5 hours hiking across changing glacier terrain with a trained English-speaking guide. Expect crevasses, blue ice, ropes, and possible ice caves. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Abbey, and Tom add local stories and glaciology, while all key gear is provided.

“After a rain out before the day began, them a second rain out after we arrived the next day for attempt 2, the third time was the charm for us, though sadly our hike was cut short again due to weather. However the helicopter rides were smooth, the views gorgeous, and the hiking an absolute blast for all ages. Rosa, our guide, was excellent.”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - From 44 Main Road to the glacier
3-Hour Experiences, Airport Transfers, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly onto Fox Glacier, fit crampons, and follow a local guide through ice caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels for up to three hours. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa are praised for clear glacier explanations and steady support. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your Fox Glacier stay.

“The Heli-Hiking was the highlight of our New Zealand vacation and truly one of the best experiences in my life ! Definitely a Must Do in any trip to New Zealand. You get insights into the life of the glacier, see characteristic elements of the compression zone and have the opportunity to take marvelous pictures. Our guide Kate was awesome! She was highly motivated, enthusiastic and extremely qualified even though being quite young - made it even more impressive ! Don’t miss this experience, it’s amazing !”

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Otago Central Rail Trail One Day Wonder Cycle tour - Poolburn Gorge delivers the day’s big scenery
1-Day Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking & Trekking in Queenstown, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Queenstown, Train Experiences

Otago Central Rail Trail One Day Wonder Cycle tour

8.Otago Central Rail Trail One Day Wonder Cycle tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 300 reviews · from $99

Start in historic Clyde, get fitted with a Merida bike, then ride from Auripo through Poolburn Gorge, across the Poolburn Viaduct, and on to Omakau and Chatto Creek. Your driver provides route advice and commentary, while you ride at your own pace. Choose a café stop, Ophir, and a later finish in Clyde if energy allows.

“No better way to see and experience the Central Otago region - the team at BikeItNow were brilliant, the bikes were all set up perfectly and ready to go. Couldn’t ask for a better day. Thanks to Lisa and all the crew.”

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Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience - Waimangu Valley puts the volcano in context
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking & Trekking in Rotorua, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

9.Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 283 reviews · from $121

Travel from Rotorua by 4WD to Mt Tarawera, then hike with a local guide along volcanic trails to the crater rim and into the caldera. Expect steep, loose scree, wind, wide views toward Waimangu Valley, and stories about the 1886 eruption. Guides have included Jesse, Hauri, Chucky, Deborah, Jack, Dan, and Daniel.

“Amazing view and great workout :). Much more adventurous and fun than we expected. The guides are cool and funny. Dress properly as it can be windy and cold.”

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Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Intermediate level+) - The ride up through farm and mountain country
Drinking Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking & Trekking in Wanaka, Horses, Tour Reviews, Tours in Wanaka

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 269 reviews · from $433

Ride into the Cardrona mountains with a small group of up to seven, crossing rivers and passing cattle, deer, sheep, and gold-rush sites. The pace includes walking, trotting, and cantering, so you need solid riding skills. Guides such as Summer, Emily, Kelly, and Marley match horses to ability. Your reward is a drink at the historic Cardrona Hotel.

“I was surprised that we were going to ride in the drizzle and was a little nervous but Emily was great. She offered me some waterproof clothes, helmet and off we went. She was a great equestrian and excellent communicator. Took a real interest in us and I was very grateful because I hadn't been on a horse in years!”

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Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu - Frying Pan Lake and the Valley’s Active Waters
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking & Trekking in Rotorua, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Rotorua

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

11.Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 248 reviews · from $46Best value

Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley independently with a Wanderer Guide and optional free app. Follow trails past Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, steam vents, native bush, and Lake Rotomahana. The walk usually takes about two hours, and an internal shuttle returns you uphill. Food, drinks, and transport to Waimangu are extra.

“Definitely it was marvellous. The weather was perfect, the driver and the plane were perfect and it was so marvellous the views the pictures we took. A must !”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - Starting at Mount Cook Airport
3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mount Cook

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

12.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote Tasman Glacier landing, then spend up to two hours walking through ice caves, moulins, and changing blue ice with a trained guide. Leather boots, socks, crampons, poles, and jackets are supplied. Guides such as Hunter, Anna, and Tori are praised for safety and photos. Weather controls the schedule.

“Well organised, everyone had a view either there or back. Guide was knowledgeable and the scenery spectacular”

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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Check-in at Mount Cook Airport
3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mount Cook

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

13.3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking with a professional guide. You’ll wear glacier boots and crampons, explore changing ice formations, and fly near Aoraki’s 1,000-meter Hochstetter Icefall on the return. Small groups are limited to 10.

“Scott the guide was amazing, ton of knowledge and fun, he also was a professional guide and photographer at the same time. The crew was also excellent fast check-in and provided very clear instruction Very worth of money”

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike - Leaving National Park at 53 Carroll Street
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

14.Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 189 reviews · 9 hours · from $254

Join Adrift Tongariro for a 9-hour guided crossing past volcanic craters, Mt Ngauruhoe, Emerald Lakes, and Blue Lake. Your English-speaking guide sets the pace, explains the terrain and Māori culture, and adjusts the route for weather. Summer and winter trips differ greatly, with crampons and ice axes supplied when needed.

“Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand. It is for sure not an easy hike and very weather dependable. We were very lucky that once we reached the summit it cleared out to reward us with amazing views. Our guides were just fantastic, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend!”

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Timber Trail - Ongarue to Pureora Shuttle 2 Day Ride - From Ongarue to Pureora by shuttle
2-Day Experiences, Airport Transfers, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Timber Trail – Ongarue to Pureora Shuttle 2 Day Ride

15.Timber Trail – Ongarue to Pureora Shuttle 2 Day Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 186 reviews · from $52

Ride the full Timber Trail from Pureora to Ongarue over two days, using a shuttle from the secure Ongarue base. Hire a Trek mountain bike or e-bike, receive helmets and spare tubes, and arrange a halfway stay at Timber Trail Lodge. Shuttle staff including Peter and Pierre help with timing, equipment, and trail advice.

“Friendly shuttle drivers with lots of advice on what to expect, clean buses, good quality well maintained bicycles. Drivers stayed with us until we were on the trail to make sure equipment was in good order and riders were comfortable. A great couple of days.”

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