Top 10 Mountain Hikes in New Zealand

1.Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

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

Travel from Rotorua by 4WD to Mt Tarawera, then hike volcanic trails to the crater rim and, if you wish, slide down the scree into the crater. Guides such as Dan, Jesse, Hauri, and Chucky add geology, Māori history, and steady encouragement. Allow 4.5 hours and bring proper hiking shoes.

“This was wonderful. Guides are professional and made everything wonderful. Highly recommend. Wear good hiking shoes!”

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

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

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking through blue ice, moulins, caves, and changing formations with a guide such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori. Your gear is supplied, and a second helicopter flight returns you beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook.

“Brilliant tour. Couldn't be better. Torri our guide was wonderful, the guy who did an internet safety etc was passionate about his job, would do it again. Completely recommend it to anyone.”

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3.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

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

Fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the Tasman Glacier, and spend two hours exploring ice formations with a small group of up to 10. Your guide fits glacier boots and crampons, explains safe movement on the ice, and may lead you to caves or seracs when conditions allow.

“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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4.Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $750

Leave Queenstown at 6:30 am for a small-group journey through Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, and the Mackenzie Basin. At Aoraki Mt Cook, take two helicopter flights to the Tasman Glacier, use supplied boots and crampons, and hike with a guide such as Ryan. Weather can cancel the flight.

“We had a terrific guide, Rich, who ensured we had a wonderful experience!! It was a beautiful Blue Bird day!! Cheers!”

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5.From Queenstown: Mount Cook Heli-Hike and Bus Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 42 reviews · 12 hours · from $723

Travel from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook with guide Mati and a small group, then take two helicopter flights onto the Tasman Glacier for a guided ice hike. Expect mountain weather, substantial walking, scenic stops, snacks, and a long but rewarding 12-hour day.

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6.Rangitoto Island: Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 31 reviews · from $144

Paddle from St Heliers Beach across Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto, Auckland’s youngest volcano. After a one-hour summit hike, enjoy a barbecue lunch, hot and cold drinks, and possibly a swim before kayaking back, with guides such as Tony, Ben, Daniel, and Eric leading recent trips.

“Amazing day, challenging kayaking conditions but perfect by the time we reached Rangitoto. Also delicious lunch and very knowledgeable guide”

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7.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $601

Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice at 1,200 meters, and spend about two hours hiking with a guide. Boots, crampons, poles, wool socks, and waterproof clothing are provided. Weather may cancel the flight or ice-cave visit.

“Amazing experience. Scott was the most patient and knowledgeable guide. The whole experience was unforgettable! Thank you”

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8.Rotorua: Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Guided Hike Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 9 hours · from $200

Spend a full day with Kaitiaki Adventures, pairing a guided Mount Tarawera crater hike with 14 rapids on the Kaituna River. Local guides such as Jesse, Caruzo, and Ben have helped make this a safe, lively outing. Expect 4x4 transport, full river gear, Maori stories, and Tūtea Falls.

“We had Ben as a guide, the whole experience was fantastic”

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9.Mount Cook: Glentanner High Country Heli Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 3h 30m · from $295

Take a 3.5-hour helicopter and hiking trip from Glentanner Holiday Park. Fly over the Southern Alps, land on private station land, hike 7 km with a guide such as Brian, visit a restored field hut, and stop for tea, a snack, and local stories.

“What a fantastic tour! The scenery was stunning, and our guide, Brian, was exceptional! He was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything to us. We were very lucky to have learned so much from this tour. The other family who joined the tour were also wonderful people, making the experience even more enjoyable!”

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10.6 Day Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook & Milford Sound Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · from $1,241

Travel privately from Christchurch to Queenstown with a guide, WiFi, and flexible sightseeing. Walk at Castle Hill, Franz Josef, Lake Matheson, the Hooker Valley, and Milford Road, with time for Queenstown, Wanaka, Mount Cook, and Lake Tekapo.

“I recently had the pleasure of booking a Queenstown trip through nature’s trail, the customer service was top-notch and perfectly organized. Every activity—from the scenic gondola ride to the breathtaking cruise on Lake Wakatipu—was well-Read more”

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