New Zealand · WALKING TOURS

The 15 Best Walking Tours in New Zealand

100 tours  ·  from $12

Old gold towns, harbour fronts, a movie set and a forest canopy. These 15 walks are priced by length, with a note on which involve real climbing and which are flat all the way.

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest - Starting at Shire’s Rest and riding into the set
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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 film set from Shire’s Rest with a professional guide, passing Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. The 2.5-hour visit includes a grounds shuttle and a complimentary Southfarthing beverage. Morning and afternoon departures are available, and the experience is wheelchair accessible.

“Probably the best tour we have ever been on, the place is stunning. The magic is real. Don’t want to give too much away, but if you have the opportunity, you have to visit (even if you don’t know or seen the films, it’s still magical.”

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Rotorua’s Ultimate Zipline: 6 ziplines, 400 m Tandem, Cliff Walk - Guides who make the height feel manageable
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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

Spend about three hours flying through Rotorua’s ancient native forest on six ziplines, including a 400m tandem run reaching up to 80 km/h. You’ll cross swing bridges, floating stairs, and a volcanic walkway 50m above the valley, with trained guides, safety gear, transport, and digital photos included.

“Incredible adventure, loved visiting the beautiful ancient forest. Felt super safe. Matt and lochi were amazing guides thank you.”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk - A guided tour adds stories the map cannot provide
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Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk

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

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

At Hell’s Gate, about 15 minutes from Rotorua, you walk a marked geothermal route with a map or join an English-speaking guide such as Liam, Tee, Zia, or Ngati. Then comes a 20-minute mud bath, sulfur spa, cool plunge pool, and optional Māori carving.

“We loved it. It’s something you can’t experience anywhere else.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks - The Milford Road is part of the attraction
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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

4.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, Jeff, Ross, and Michelle sharing local stories about Fiordland’s geology, plants, birds, and history. You’ll cruise to the Tasman Sea, eat a packed lunch, and take short forest walks and photo stops chosen around the weather.

“the guide Andrew was excellent,knowledgable and arranged thr whole trip perfectly. Stops and short walks were great. Boat on Milfor d was superb”

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Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau - Mirror Lakes and the first short walk
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Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

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

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

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound with Trips & Tramps in a small group of up to 15, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, and the Eglinton Valley. Guides such as Jacob, Geoff, Helen, and Hari add local stories, while the cruise reaches toward the Tasman Sea. Short forest and alpine walks break up the scenic drive.

“We travelled to Milford Sound with Geoff and his minivan yesterday and it was up there with the top highlights from our NZ trip. Travelling from Te Anau meant we could take our time there and back to stop off at different locations that were almost more impressive than Milford. Geoff's local knowledge, dad jokes and the beautiful scenery made for a brilliant road trip. The small size of the group (inc the small boat) was just what we were looking for as well. Thanks Geoff!”

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Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo - Kaiteriteri check-in and the start of the cruise
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Abel Tasman: Sea Shuttle Cruise and Walking Tour Combo

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

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

Cruise the Abel Tasman coast with English commentary, pass Split Apple Rock and Adele Island’s fur seals, then choose a self-guided walk through beaches and native forest. Options range from 7 to 10.5 km, with pick-ups timed from Anchorage or Medlands. Captain Will and other friendly crew members help keep the day on track.

“Location is beautiful. Cruise was very nice. Boat was on time. Well communicated. Fair pricing compared to locally available options.”

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Waiheke Island: Zipline And Forest Walk - Trig Hill gives you the first big view
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Waiheke Island: Zipline And Forest Walk

7.Zipline And Forest Walk

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

Take the 40-minute ferry from Auckland, then meet EcoZip guides at Waiheke’s Matiatia terminal. A small group of up to 12 rides three 200-meter ziplines over vineyards and native forest, followed by a guided bush walk. Guides such as Ben, Jessie, Poppy, and Helena have helped first-timers feel at ease.

“It was amazing. My friend and I loved the zip line, it was definitely worth it and thrilling. Would definitely recommend to others”

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Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk - Artisan products, chocolate, and a sweet pause
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Auckland: Flavours of our City Food Walk

8.Flavours of our City Food Walk

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

Meet your guide at 188 Quay Street for a relaxed 2:30pm walk through central Auckland. Expect several generous tastings, which may include seafood, chocolates, cheese, dumplings, Korean food, ice cream, and local wine or beer. Guides such as Laura, Sarah, Alex, Jono, and Kath add food knowledge, city history, and useful restaurant advice before finishing near Britomart.

“Great food, great mini city tour, and great hostess with the mostess!! Sarah was fantastic with city info and knowing food!! 😁”

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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka - What the jet-boat ride is really like
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Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

9.Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Tour from Wanaka

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

Travel from Wanaka into Mount Aspiring National Park by jet boat, racing over shallow river braids and spinning through deep pools before a 50-minute guided walk to forests, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. Local guides such as Ben and James share stories about the mountains and film locations. The four-hour trip suits people with moderate fitness.

“Ben is a very knowledgable and gifted skipper. You are in for a real treat on this trip!!!! We had a blast with beautiful scenery, great jet boat ride and walk in a serene beech forest. Would definitely do this again when in Wanaka!”

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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

10.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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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk - Start in Marahau, not Kaiteriteri
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Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

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

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

Start with a skippered catamaran sail from Kaiteriteri, passing Split Apple Rock, golden bays, islands, and New Zealand fur seals. After lunch and a swim at Anchorage Bay, follow the marked coastal track back to Marahau for 3.5 to 4 hours. Guides such as Inky, Claudia, Nick, and Frank provide local nature and park insight.

“Perfect combination, small group and a very authentic skipper. We got a lot of information and enjoyed the time on the water. The track was easy to walk and surprised with nice beaches for swimming 😃”

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Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk - Meeting at Adrift Tongariro in National Park Village
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Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk

12.Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk

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

Walk the 20-kilometre Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a qualified guide from Adrift Tongariro. You’ll cross volcanic craters, climb the Devil’s Staircase, pass the Emerald Lakes, and descend through changing alpine scenery. Winter equipment, local transport, and some clothing are included. Guides may include Kenny, Richard, Wayne, Hazel, or Cami.

“Grâce à une météo favorable, nous avons pu faire la totalité de la marche. Grace à un effort physique, le panorama était époustouflant !!!!”

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Rotorua: Hell's Gate Geothermal Walk - The mud volcano, hot waterfalls, and forest contrast
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Rotorua: Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

13.Hell’s Gate Geothermal Walk

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

Spend about an hour walking through Hell’s Gate, Rotorua’s most active geothermal park. Follow the map on your own or join an English guided walk at 10:30 AM or 2:30 PM, subject to availability. Expect boiling pools, steaming fumaroles, sulfur deposits, a large mud volcano, hot waterfalls, and an optional Māori carving activity.

“Self guided tour. But it was a great place. The contrast or sceneries was beautiful. A must see.”

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Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour - The route from Quay Street to the older city
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Auckland: Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour

14.Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour

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

Walk Auckland’s central streets with a local English-speaking guide such as Sarah, Jono, Clare, or Alex. Over three hours, taste local cheese, Kiwi classics, restaurant dishes, artisan chocolate, and a cold local drink while learning the city’s story. The walk covers downtown highlights and includes enough food for lunch.

“Elle was great. The locations were incredibly tasty and the sights were lovely.”

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Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats - Albert Park and Auckland’s higher ground
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Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats

15.Auckland Small-Group Walking Tour with Treats

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

Walk 3 to 4 kilometres through central Auckland with a guide such as Liz, Jo, Debbie, or Nina. See Queen Street, Albert Park, the Town Hall, Art Gallery, Queens Arcade, Britomart, and the Ferry Building, with time for coffee, a local tasting, and practical food and shopping tips. Groups are limited to 10.

“Wow! What a wonderful tour! Our guide, Debbie, was very informative, interesting, and considerate. Truly delightful in every way! We learned so much about Auckland, its history and development, neighborhoods and hidden gems — exactly what we were hoping for. We also came away with great recommendations for day trips, and some needed shopping tips. The small group tour makes a world of difference. Definitely exceeded 5 stars!”

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New in Walking Tours

★ 4.5Cruise, Walk, and Sail in Abel Tasman National ParkFrom $12729 reviews
★ 4.5Deco Napier, Te Mata Peak, Garden Walk and Wine Tasting TourFrom $9292 reviews
★ 4.5Anchorage Walk and SailFrom $9110 reviews
★ 4.5Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel TasmanFrom $8232 reviews
★ 5.0Southern Duo kayak & walk tourFrom $11723 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak & Pitt Head Nature Loop – Guided Kayak & Unguided Walk – New ZealandFrom $1645 reviews
★ 4.5West Coast Tower Zipline & Treetop Walk ComboFrom $7419 reviews
★ 4.5Explore Hokitika Gorge and Tree Top Walkway30 reviews
★ 5.0Cruise & Rainforest Walk – Franz Josef GlacierFrom $9289 reviews
★ 5.0Self-Guided Milford Track Day Walk – Milford SoundFrom $4617 reviews
★ 4.5Heritage Dunedin City Walking Guided TourFrom $4048 reviews
★ 5.0Heritage Highlights WalkFrom $3114 reviews
★ 5.0Private Christchurch Walking TourFrom $9328 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Private Guided Crater Rim Walk on Banks Peninsula30 reviews
★ 5.0Christchurch Secret Inner City Walking Tour and Hidden GemsFrom $804 reviews

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