New Zealand · WALKING TOURS

The 15 Best Walking Tours in New Zealand

40 tours  ·  from $21 a head

The 15 walks below cover film sets, cave systems, city streets and geothermal boardwalks, priced by length, with a note on the ones that involve genuine hills or a wetsuit.

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest - Seeing inside a furnished Hobbit home
Hobbiton Movie Set 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 Shire with a professional guide, passing Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. The 2.5-hour tour includes shuttle transport around the grounds and a complimentary Southfarthing beverage. Morning and afternoon departures are available, and the route is wheelchair accessible.

“Absolutely wonderful experience…can’t say enough about it. If you love Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, or even just know about the movie/book, the tour and the delightful tour guides (in our case Taylor) will fill you with wonder and wanting to read the books or see the movies all over again. The Hobbit holes are great fun and the stories behind the movie set fascinating. Beautiful grounds (100s of acres) and lots of picture-ready opportunities. We even got to go into a fully imagined and decorated Hobbit Hole. Just wonderful. We took the evening tour and it was great because it wasn't too hot and the lights and…”

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Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk - Bridges, stairs, and the 50 m cliff walk
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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

You’ll spend about three hours flying across six ziplines in a protected Rotorua forest, including a 400 m tandem line reaching up to 80 km/h. Guides such as Jacob, Reuben, Mitch, and Nina handle the safety work while you cross swing bridges, floating stairs, and a volcanic walkway 50 m above the valley. Transport, gear, and digital photos are included.

“Had a total blast!! Whole family loved it. Incredible views, fabulous staff and guides. We rented the GoPro they offered and got some great videos. This is was so much fun.”

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Waitomo Caves: Ruakuri Glowworm Cave Guided Walking Tour - The spiral entrance sets the tone
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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 guide such as Anna, Jayden, Garth, or Jetta. Expect a spiral entrance, limestone shawls, stalactites, underground water, and glowworms close enough to see their fine fishing threads. Small groups, photo-friendly stops, and wheelchair access make this a gentle alternative to more active Waitomo cave trips.

“Amazing cave with beautiful rock formations, glowworms and a river. Great experience overall, our guide was stellar! It is a bit pricey, but worth the money. As a note, definitely do check out the Ruakuri Bush Walk nearby (it's free) - it takes you through a beautiful fores, inside a large cavern with river and some waterfalls .”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk - Why the cultural stories matter
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Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

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

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

At Hell’s Gate, 15 minutes from Rotorua, you can walk a marked geothermal route with a map or join an English-speaking guide such as Liam, Tee, Zia, or Nati. See steaming pools, mud vents, plants, and a waterfall, then try Māori carving, a 20-minute mud bath, sulfur spas, and a cool plunge pool.

“The experience was authentic. We started out on guided tour but ended up going out on our own halfway in so we could have a semi private mudbath. If you prefer to be in mudbath and Sulphur spa alone. If you do the guided tour, you will be in there with everyone.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks - The Milford Road is part of the experience
Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Te Anau, Train Experiences, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Te Anau

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

5.Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 845 reviews · 1 day · from $164

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15 with guides such as Geoff, Olivia, Ross, and Phil. The day combines a narrated drive, short forest walks, scenic stops, a picnic lunch, and a two-hour small-boat cruise toward the Tasman Sea. Expect changing weather, waterfalls, wildlife, and a full day in Fiordland.

“From the first minute to the last everything was excellent. Olivia was a fountain of knowledge and very informative. The added stops to and from Milford Sound were a real bonus. If you are going to visit the sound use this company in Te Anau, and don't be tempted to travel all the way from Queenstown. Trips and tramps thank you for a day we will never forget.”

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Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau - Homer Tunnel and the road into high country
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Te Anau, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Te Anau

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

6.Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 712 reviews · from $192

Spend about nine hours with Trips & Tramps traveling Milford Road from Te Anau. Guides such as Jacob, Geoff, Helen, and Hari share local stories, then take you on a small-boat cruise toward the Tasman Sea, short nature walks, and photo stops. Lunch, pickup, and drop-off are included.

“Wonderful! Rohann was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable, friendly and personable. The views were amazing.”

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Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo - Starting at Kaiteriteri Beach
Abel Tasman National Park Tours, Airport Transfers, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Nelson, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Nelson

Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

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

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

Spend a full day with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles, cruising past Split Apple Rock and Adele Island before walking between beaches and forest. Choose a 7 km, 8.8 km, or 10.5 km route. The boat crew gives English commentary, handles the beach transfers, and keeps the return connection clear.

“The tour was good combination of cruise and walking … saw the whole Abel Tasman coastline. Great crew who kept pick up times as agreed.”

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Waiheke Island: Zipline And Forest Walk - Three lines, with a gentle start
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Waiheke Island: Zipline And Forest Walk

8.Zipline And Forest Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 483 reviews · from $92

Meet your guide at Waiheke’s Matiatia ferry terminal for a minivan tour, three 200-meter zipline flights, and a gentle forest walk. Guides such as Ben, Jessie, Poppy, and Helena are praised for clear safety briefings and warm humor. Allow about three hours, plus the 40-minute ferry from Auckland.

“The experience exceeded our expectations We felt so safe and comfortable during the time from all staff. The views were amazing and the entire island stunning from the wharf to the transport”

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Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk - What the tasting sequence can include
City Tours, City Tours in Auckland, Food, Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Auckland, Tour Reviews, Tours in Auckland, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Auckland

Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk

9.Flavours of our City Food Walk

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

Spend 2:30 to 5:30 tasting Auckland with guides such as Laura, Sarah, Alex, Jono, and Kath. Expect artisan products, seafood, chocolate, cheese, dumplings, Korean food, ice cream, and a local wine or beer stop, with city history and restaurant tips along the way.

“Laura was enthusiastic and gave lots of background about NZ culture and food. Cool venues with great variety.”

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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - Why the jet boat is more than a fast ride
Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat Rides, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Wanaka, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Wanaka

Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

10.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 259 reviews · from $215

Travel from Wanaka into the Matukituki Valley by shuttle and jet boat, with spins, mountain views, and stops in deep pools. A 50-minute guided walk leads through beech forest to waterfalls and glacier-fed streams. Guides such as Ben and James share local knowledge. The easy-to-moderate outing lasts about four hours.

“We have had a number of excellent, exciting experiences on this trip to NZ... but far and away, this was the best so far. Fun, beautiful, fabulous boat driver, knowledgeable and concerned with everyone's comfort and safety. If you do only one excursion ... make it this one.”

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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 $46

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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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Marahau pickup and the morning transfer
Abel Tasman National Park Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, National Parks, Sailing, Sailing in Nelson, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nelson, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Nelson

Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

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

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

Sail from Kaiteriteri along Abel Tasman’s golden coast, passing Split Apple Rock and New Zealand fur seals, then leave the catamaran at Anchorage Bay for a self-guided walk to Marahau. Skippers such as Inky, Claudia, Frank, and Nick have led outings with friendly, well-informed commentary. Bring lunch, water, layers, and sturdy walking shoes.

“Great day in Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic ‘guides’ Nick and Claudia, very personable and knowledgable, and a great laid back atmosphere on board. I highly recommend this trip.”

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Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk - The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, from volcanic slopes to Emerald Lakes
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Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk

13.Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 221 reviews · from $270

Walk New Zealand’s Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a qualified guide from Adrift Tongariro. Expect an 8 to 9-hour, roughly 20-kilometre hike past volcanic craters, Emerald Lakes, and Mt Ngauruhoe. Transfers, winter gear, and up to NZD60 of extra clothing or footwear are included, with guides such as Kenny, Richard, and Wayne leading groups.

“Incredible day spent walking the Tongariro crossing. We loved our day and would recommend to anyone that enjoys hiking and great views. Don’t let the devil’s staircase scare you out of doing this hike! The guides set a good pace and the entire time, made sure everyone was ok. A highlight of our trip to NZ.”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk - Boiling mud, fumaroles, and hot water lakes
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Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

14.Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

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

Explore Hell’s Gate, about 15 minutes from Rotorua, on a self-guided one-hour walk or a 1.5-hour English tour at 10:30 AM or 2:30 PM. See the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfalls, New Zealand’s largest active mud volcano, fumaroles, sulfur deposits, and hot lakes. Guided walks, carving, and the mud foot pool depend on availability.

“Great opportunity to see things that we have never seen before.”

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Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour - Why the restaurant stops matter
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Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour

15.Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour

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

Spend three hours walking Auckland’s city centre with guides such as Sarah, Jono, Clare, Alex and Laura. Sample local cheese, restaurant dishes, Kiwi classics, artisan chocolate and a local drink, while hearing stories about Auckland’s past and getting practical dining tips. The route begins near the Railway Station and ends close by.

“Amazing tour! Very informative and the food and drinks were delicious. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and kind.”

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New in Walking Tours

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★ 5.0Waiheke Island Bush & Beach WalkFrom $26048 reviews
★ 5.0Waiheke Island Double Headland Coastal WalkFrom $26036 reviews
★ 4.5West Coast Treetop WalkFrom $24131 reviews
★ 5.0Ōtautahi: Christchurch Small-Group Inner City Food Walking TourFrom $13385 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic around Godley HeadFrom $186147 reviews
★ 5.0Auckland Food Walking TourFrom $13573 reviews
★ 4.6Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature WalkFrom $50160 reviews
★ 4.9Mou Waho Island: 3-Hour Cruise and Guided Nature WalkFrom $10166 reviews
★ 4.5Self-Guided Milford Track Day WalkFrom $44114 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Crater Rim Walk with Coastal SceneryFrom $14056 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Routeburn Track Key Summit Guided Walk from Te AnauFrom $19224 reviews
★ 4.5Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel TasmanFrom $8334 reviews
★ 5.0Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and PicnicFrom $18657 reviews

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Two islands, end to end

Pick a coast, a summit or a cellar door.

The set pieces

HobbitonGlowworm CavesMaori EveningsLarnach CastleRail Journeys

On the water

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In the air

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Slow days

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