Hiking Tours · NEW ZEALAND HIKING TOURS

The 15 Best New Zealand Hiking Tours

23 tours  ·  from $47 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a walking friend: 15 new zealand hiking tours worth the money, each with its price, its distance and the one thing to know before you commit.

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - What the 2-hour 15-minute ice walk feels like
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

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 ice caves, pinnacles, and crevasses. Your guide supplies crampons, boots, and warm layers. Small groups, guides such as Sarah and Angus, and Māori stories add depth, but good fitness and flexible plans are essential.

“We were meant to do a heli hike but weather meant we only did a short encounter. Totally ok and understand you can’t control the weather and we were given an option to delay to the next day. We were a little cramped in the helicopter and Read more”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - Caves, crevasses, and ice stairs
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

2.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

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

Fly from Fox Glacier village onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, walk up to three hours through changing ice caves, crevasses, arches, and blue ice, then return by helicopter. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy are praised for clear instruction, good pacing, and creative photo stops.

“Extremely well run organization that clearly takes safety as very important. Communication is very good and as long as you read what they send you, things will go smoothly. We did our tour in the summer (December 31st) and we didn’t neeRead more”

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Queen Charlotte Track: Cruise & Self-Guided Hike from Picton - Historic Ship Cove and Captain Cook’s anchorage
Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Guided Day Hikes, Guided Day Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

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 from Picton with skipper commentary, pause at Historic Ship Cove, then choose a 12.7 km hike from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove or a 17 km walk from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. Expect native bush, sound views, possible dolphins, and a lodge stop for food or drinks.

“The walk was easy to find and follow. There's a bit of a steep climb at the start, but it gets easier towards the middle/end. The views were stunning - even on a grey day. The route could do with a few more picnic tables at some of the stopping points. There weren't many of us walking but they quickly filled up. Our boat connection was very efficient.”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - What the 2.5-hour hike feels like
Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

4.Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

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

Take a short helicopter flight from Franz Josef over rainforest and rugged peaks, then spend 2.5 hours on the glacier with an English-speaking guide. Expect crampons, ice caves, crevasses, ropes, and changing routes. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abbey are praised for clear explanations and calm support.

“We enjoyed the trip and guide very much. Incredible scenery and experience.”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - Your first 35 minutes: briefing, boots, and safety
3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

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 into Fox Glacier, strap on crampons, and spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa explain the glacier as you go. Weather controls the schedule, so flexibility matters.

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

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Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience - From Rotorua to the mountain by 4WD
Guided, Hiking Tours, Mountain & Summit Hikes, Mountain Hikes in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Volcano Hikes

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 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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Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu - The downhill route through forest and geothermal country
Guided, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

7.Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

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

Follow Waimangu’s self-guided trails through forests, wetlands, and geothermal country. Your Wanderer Guide explains Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, Lake Rotomahana, the Tarawera eruption, and the lost Pink and White Terraces. Choose a shorter walk or continue downhill, then ride the shuttle back.

“An inexpensive, yet a great place to visit. You can watch the geyzers and take photos at your own pace.”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - The first helicopter flight to Tasman Glacier
3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, Hiking Tours, Mountain & Summit Hikes, Mountain Hikes in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

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

8.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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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - The 15-minute flight to the Tasman Glacier
3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, Mountain & Summit Hikes, Mountain Hikes in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

9.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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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike - What the nine-hour schedule really involves
Guided, Guided Day Hikes, Guided Day Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

10.Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike

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

Join Adrift Tongariro for a demanding 9-hour guided crossing between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. Your English-speaking guide leads you past red craters, Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake, and native bush, with transport, safety support, and winter equipment included when needed.

“This was one of my highlights of our trip. Our guides, Kayla and Ty, were outstanding. Particularly impressive was learning about Mauri culture from Ty. Beautiful and amazing!”

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Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour - Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife - Roberton Island and the Twin Lagoons
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hiking Tours, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

11.Bay of Islands Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel, Hike,Swim,Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $104

Spend 4.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands with guides such as Hamish, Adam, Cass, Nick, or Blair. Stop at Roberton Island for its lookout, visit the Hole in the Rock when seas allow, then swim or snorkel from a sheltered island cove. Bring lunch, a jacket, and sturdy shoes.

“Great experience with amazing views. Staff were super friendly and kind, would definitely do it again :)”

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Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk - What makes Lake Wanaka special from the water
2-Hour Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Hiking Tours, Nature Walks, Nature Walks in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

12.Stevensons Island 2-Hour Cruise and Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 160 reviews · 2 hours · from $50

Cruise Lake Wanaka aboard the white catamaran Dual Image, then follow your guide up Stevensons Island for sweeping views. The walk takes about 10 minutes and climbs 50 metres. Guides such as Cam, Toby, Rion, Tim, and Reon add local stories before tea, coffee, and biscuits on the return trip.

“Bring out on the water, especially on such a glorious day. But also nice for variety to do the little walk up the hill on the island. Cam was a very knowledgeable guide.”

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Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk - The 30-minute cruise across Lake Wanaka
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hiking Tours, Lake & Lagoon Hikes, Nature Walks, Nature Walks in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

13.Lake Cruise & Mou Waho Island Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $176

Cruise 30 minutes across Lake Wanaka with a local guide, then walk to Mou Waho’s island lake and panoramic Southern Alps views. Guides such as Michael and Chris share local nature stories, while tea, snacks, and native tree planting add a thoughtful touch.

“The Mou Wahu Island Nature Walk was awesome! Our guide, Michael, welcomed us at the Wanaka Marina. He is friendly and answered our questions about places to visit around Lake Wanaka. We enjoyed the conversation on the relaxing boRead more”

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4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary - Walking into Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary
Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking Tours, Lake & Lagoon Hikes, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

14.4-hour Lake Mapourika Kayak and Hike adventure, with Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · from $104

Spend four easygoing hours kayaking Lake Mapourika and walking through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary near Franz Josef. Guides such as Farrah, Sydney, Max, and Pickles explain local plants, wildlife, Māori culture, and rainforest history. Gear, hot drinks, and souvenir photos are included.

“Our guides (Farrah, Briar and “Pickles” were friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna. The paddle trip was fun; the hike was incredibly interesting and informative. Overall, the entire adventure was very well organiRead more”

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Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau - A jet boat ride with room for both speed and silence
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hiking Tours, Nature Walks, Nature Walks in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

15.Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 97 reviews · 2 hours · from $116

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet takes you by bus to the Waiau River for a 75-minute ride toward Lake Manapouri, with spins, trout spotting, local stories, and a 15-minute forest walk. Guides such as Alex, Jade, Sean, and John are known for mixing humor, safety, and solid knowledge of the area.

“The whole experience was fantastic. Enjoyed the humor and storytelling from the guide. He also made it a priority to engage with the small kids on our ride (not my kids) and Make it a great experience for them. We had a lot of fun doing the spins too.”

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New in New Zealand Hiking Tours

★ 5.0From Queenstown: Franz Josef Glacier Hike & Scenic FlightFrom $1,01525 reviews
★ 5.0Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Kayak, & Hike TourFrom $4179 reviews

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