New Zealand · HIKING & TREKKING

The 15 Best Guided Walks & Hikes in New Zealand

47 tours  ·  from $19

From an hour on a boardwalk to a full day on ice. These 15 guided walks are graded by distance and effort, priced, and clear about what gear is supplied and what you carry yourself.

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - The helicopter flight over the Southern Alps
Franz Josef Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Franz Josef, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

1.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

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

Fly by helicopter onto Franz Josef Glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among blue ice, crevasses, pinnacles, and caves. Your guide handles the route and glacier safety while you use supplied boots, crampons, warm layers, and an ice axe. Groups are limited to 11, with guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Hannah leading recent trips.

“We had a fantastic time, we did go up 2hrs late because weather and clouds can change very quickly. Be prepared for delays or even cancellation. Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Highly recommend”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - Gearing up at Fox Glacier Guiding
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Heli Hike Fox Glacier

2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

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

Take a short helicopter flight from Fox Glacier onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, then spend up to three hours walking through changing ice formations with a guide such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, or Billy. Boots, socks, crampons, poles, and wet-weather gear are provided. Expect excellent views, careful safety work, and a real glacier walk rather than a quick photo stop.

“This was a fun trip to do. Keeley was our guide and looked after us really well. It’s just a short 4 minute helicopter ride to the glacier. It was fun to hike up it and into some caves - I imagine it’d be epic with more snowfall”

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Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton - Cruising from Picton through the Marlborough Sounds
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Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton

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

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

Cruise with Beachcomber Cruises from Picton through the Marlborough Sounds, then choose a 12.7-kilometer walk from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove or a 17-kilometer route from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. Expect skipper commentary, native bush, sound views, and a full day outdoors.

“excellent commentary on the boat. even managed to pickup some playful dolphins. nice 12k walk.”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - From Glacier Base to the helipad
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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

4.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

Fly from Franz Josef town onto the glacier, then spend 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide exploring crevasses, ice caves, ropes, and changing blue ice. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abby are praised for clear safety help and lively stories. Allow at least four hours, and build in extra days for weather.

“Well planned, the entire trip took 4 hours + including preparation, debriefing etc before heading out to the helipad and glaciers. The glaciers presented a moderate challenge, as we meandered through deep crevasses, engaging in some exhilarating climbing with the aid of sturdy ropes. From a physical standpoint, the demands were manageable, and the staff were exceptionally attentive, ensuring that everyone received the necessary assistance to navigate the terrain. The views were absolutely breathtaking, offering a visual feast that was undeniably worth every penny spent. The helicopter ride, in particular, served as an exhilarating aerial tour, showcasing the region's stunning landscapes from...”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - Starting at 44 Main Road in Fox Glacier
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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

5.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 spend up to three hours exploring ice caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels with guides such as Kate, Billy, or Keeley. You’ll return by helicopter after a safety-led hike on changing glacier terrain. Warm clothing, food, sunscreen, and gloves are still worth bringing.

“Super recommend, nice walking is the glacier.friendly staff”

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Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience - Waimangu and Rerewhakaaitu: useful context before the climb
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Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

6.Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

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

Travel from Rotorua into the volcanic country around Mt Tarawera with a professional Kiwi guide. Walk to the crater rim, hear the story of the 1886 eruption, enjoy 360-degree views toward Waimangu Valley, and optionally run down the loose scoria into the crater. Guides have included Dan, Jack, Jesse, Hauri, Chucky, and Deborah.

“Absolutely fantastic! Dan was incredibly knowledgeable, sympathetic and dedicated to creating a memorable experience for everyone!”

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Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+) - Why your riding ability matters here
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Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+)

7.Cardrona High Country Pub Trail Horse Riding Trek (Intermediate+)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 261 reviews · from $365

Ride 3.5 hours through Cardrona’s high country, across a working cattle farm and the Cardrona River, with chances to trot and canter. Your guide matches you with a suitable horse, shares gold-rush history, and leads you to the Cardrona Hotel for a complimentary drink. This is not a walking-only ride.

“We had a great day riding in the Cardrona Valley. Great staff, and beautiful horses. We are beginner riders and the staff was really helpful in picking out the right horses for us.”

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Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu - Starting at 587 Waimangu Road
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Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

8.Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

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

At Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua, you’ll follow self-guided trails through the world’s youngest geothermal system. Use the Wanderer Guide or free app to understand Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, Lake Rotomahana, and the Tarawera eruption. Choose a shorter or longer route, then take the internal shuttle back uphill.

“Great self guided walk. We absolutely loved it. The only critic I have is that our appt was at 3 PM and they told us the last bus stopping at bus stop 3 leave at 4:35 which cut our experience short as we had to rush our walk to make sure we make it to the bus. They should keep it running till 5.”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - The 45-minute briefing at Mount Cook Airport
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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

9.3-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 site, then follow guides such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori across blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and caves. You get boots, crampons, warm layers, and two scenic helicopter flights, with up to two hours on the glacier when weather allows.

“We had the most amazing time viewing the blue caves and heli hike on the glacier. Highly recommend.”

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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Check-in at Mount Cook Airport
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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

10.3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

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

Take a helicopter from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, then spend two hours exploring its uneven ice with a professional guide, glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket if needed. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have helped make this a careful, informative outing. The return flight passes close to Aoraki’s huge Hochstetter Icefall.

“A very well organised, friendly and informative trip up with a lovely walk-around the glacier. Wwe lucked out with cleat blue skies and a great view of Mount Cook. The clouds did come down the mountains very quickly though, but thankfully sat on the mountains and didn't come down further.just a reminder of how exposed we can be to the elements. Thoroughly recommend!”

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Rubicon Valley Horse Treks - 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek - Following the river toward the Waimakariri Canyon
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Rubicon Valley Horse Treks – 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek

11.Rubicon Valley Horse Treks – 2 Hour River Trail Horse Trek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · from $91

Chris leads this two-hour ride from a sheep farm near Springfield, guiding up to six riders through the high country to Otarama lookout. You’ll see the Waimakariri Canyon, Torlesse Basin, Southern Alps, farmland, terraces, and a stream crossing. Beginners get calm instruction, while experienced riders may trot or canter when conditions allow.

“We're beginners & only did couple of horse treks in the past. This 2 hr ride across the beautiful Springfield through the sheep farm, up & down the small hills and across the water stream was amazing. Controlling horse yourself (& they've theRead more”

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike - Starting at Adrift Tongariro in National Park
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

12.Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

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

Join Adrift Tongariro for a 9-hour guided crossing through volcanic craters, Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and native bush. Guides such as Stu, Hiro, Kayla, and Ty adjust the route to weather and group fitness. Summer and winter trips differ greatly, with crampons and ice axes supplied when needed.

“It was very well organised and felt very safe with such knowledgable guides. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing self guided as weather and conditions so changeable and they were very reassuring.”

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Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony - Meeting Kevin and getting comfortable with your llama
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Llama Trek (Half-day) – Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $154

Guide Kevin introduces you to a well-cared-for llama before leading a small group along Kaikoura Bay, beaches, boardwalks, and the peninsula coast. Your llama carries belongings in saddle bags while you learn about llama behavior, local history, whaling, and the 2016 earthquake. A seal-colony stop, cake, and a hot or cold drink are included.

“The whole experience was fantastic. We learnt so much , not just about the Llamas , but also about Kaikoura. Our guide was very knowledgeable, as we would recommend this experience to anyone”

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Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise - Crossing Lake Whakatipu by historic ship or modern catamaran
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Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

14.Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $134

Cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, then join an English-speaking guide for a gentle 40 to 45 minute horse trek at Walter Peak. Small groups of up to six riders, tea, coffee, scones, and muffins are included. Minimum age is 7, height 120 cm, and weight 95 kg.

“Ferrie ride was great. We did the Walter Peak Horse Ride. Looked after us as we had not been on a horse many years. The afternoon high tea was delicious.”

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Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona - Most popular! - The first ride: simple instruction for beginners
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Gold Discovery Trail Horse Trek Cardrona – Most popular!

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 151 reviews · from $309

Ride from Cardrona through farms, streams, mountain lanes, and old gold-rush country on a two-hour guided trek. You’ll meet the horses, learn basic steering and stopping, and ride at a pace suited to your ability. Guides such as Phoebe and Val add local stories, horse tales, and photo stops. No riding experience is required.

“I don’t really write reviews but I’m making an exception for The Cardrona team as they were exceptional! The scenery was epic, and Phoebe kept us entertained with all funny anecdotes of the horse drama and the history of Cardrona. AngRead more”

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