The Best Walking Tours in New Zealand

New Zealand

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey with one of these amazing walking tours in New Zealand. Our extensive research has led us to uncover the finest journeys available, carefully analyzed from a diverse range of offerings from highly regarded travel companies. Every aspect, from pricing and guest ratings to service quality, destinations, and activities, has been taken into account. Whether you're an experienced explorer or venturing to new places for the first time, these thoughtfully selected walking tours promise an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand.


The Top 3 Tours:

  • 11 Days, $3719.00

  • 17 Days, $7135.00

  • 8 Days, $3305.00
New Zealand
The Best Walking Tours through New Zealand

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Cosmos 11 Days Auckland to Queenstown 9 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for walking tours in New Zealand.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 50
Price per Day: $324

This tour visits Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Queenstown, and Milford Sound.

  • Sightseeing
  • Family
  • Walking Tour
  • Fully Guided

By Cosmos
Cosmos is a budget-friendly sister brand of Globus, providing affordable guided tours with essential sightseeing and comfortable accommodations. They aim to make travel accessible while still including expert-led experiences and transportation, often appealing to value-conscious travelers.



$3,569
on TourRadar

Organized by AAT Kings 17 Days Christchurch to Auckland 11 Destinations
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 48
Price per Day: $420

This tour visits Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama, Picton, Wellington, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, and Auckland.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Walking Tour
  • Partially Guided

By AAT Kings
AAT Kings is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Australia and New Zealand. The tours offered by AAT Kings are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service.



$7,135
on TourRadar

Organized by AAT Kings 8 Days Auckland to Wellington 4 Destinations
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Local Culture: provides in-depth local experiences.

Great for:
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 48
Price per Day: $372

This tour visits Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, and Wellington.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Local Living
  • Walking Tour
  • Partially Guided

By AAT Kings
AAT Kings is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Australia and New Zealand. The tours offered by AAT Kings are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service.



$2,975
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 14 Days Christchurch to Sydney 6 Destinations
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

Great for:
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Animal Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $386

This tour visits Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Zoo
  • Boat
  • Walking Tour
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$4,699
on TourRadar

Why does New Zealand appeal to walkers?

New Zealand's scenic countryside, historic trails, and charming villages make it a walker's paradise. Fiordland National Park is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and Nelson are world-renowned for hiking, with gorgeous trails and stunning natural landscapes. New Zealand's well-maintained trails and diverse scenery make walking a delightful way to explore.

New Zealand


How much do walking tours in New Zealand cost?

The average daily price of Walking Tours in New Zealand is $375 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$375
Average Price Per Day
4
Tours Analyzed
4.8
Average Rating
3
Tour Companies
48
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer Walking Tours?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer walking tours in New Zealand. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

AAT Kings

AAT Kings is a smaller tour company that focuses on Australia and New Zealand. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. The tours offered by AAT Kings are usually luxurious, high-end, and provide a top-tier level of service. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, snorkelling, diving, dolphin watching, and island hopping.

See All Tours from AAT Kings

Cosmos

Cosmos logo Cosmos is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. A number of their tours visit destinations in Europe and North America. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Canada, Italy, and Argentina. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, cooking classes, and wine tasting.

See All Tours from Cosmos

Collette

Collette logo Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.

See All Tours from Collette


Walking Destinations in New Zealand

Wondering where walking tours visit in New Zealand? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

Wellington

Wellington is the small and vibrant capital city of New Zealand. It's located on the southern end of the North Island, and many visitors pass through it on their way from one island to the other. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and there are many beaches in the area.

Auckland

Auckland is a waterfront city that is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in New Zealand. It's spread out between the Manukau Harbour and the Waitemata Harbour, and there's a compact city centre with a number of landmarks and attractions. For many visitors, it's the point of arrival or departure to the country.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand's South Island. It's a nice city with amazing hikes and biking trails. There are beautiful outdoor spaces, parks, and gardens. Many visitors enjoy the city's rich English heritage, and punting along the Avon River is a favorite activity.

Queenstown

Queenstown is located on the banks of Lake Wakatipu near the Southern Alps in New Zealand. It is a high adventure destination with many activities for thrill seekers. There are also vineyards in the area, bungee jumping, and world class hikes. Whether you want to enjoy skiing in the winter or boating in the summer, there is no shortage of activities here.

More

Other popular destinations for walking tours through New Zealand include Bay of Islands, Franz Josef, and Omarama.


Walking Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons

When choosing between booking an organized tour or planning your own trip, consider the key factors of each travel style.

Pros
  • Some routes may not be well marked, so having a local guide is helpful for safety and accessibility.
  • Local experts know the best trails and they understand the regional weather conditions. This allows them to offer the best experience for walkers.
  • Stay on the best trails and find hidden spots.
  • All logistics like permits and equipment are handled.
  • Guides provide first aid and emergency support.
  • Travel with like-minded people for a social experience.
  • Group dynamic fosters motivation during the trip.
  • Discover places you might not find on your own.
Cons
  • Larger groups may have a variety of skill levels so it can be hard to meet the needs of all travelers.
  • Many group tours are limited on time, so some of the routes may feel rushed or impersonal.
  • Less solitude if you prefer to walk alone.


Pros
  • Independent travel allows you to move at your own pace, and choose trails that are appropriate for your skill level.
  • For many, walking is an activity that is best enjoyed in peace, which may not happen with a larger group.
  • Flexibility is key when it comes to the weather and skill levels. Many guided tours have set itineraries and don't allow for much freedom or flexibility.
Cons
  • Many walking trails are located far from public transit, so unless you have your own vehicle, you may have trouble reaching some of the best places.
  • Independent travelers may have to buy their own gear, some of which might be provided in guided tours.
  • Requires more research to find the best routes.
  • Risk of getting lost without proper navigation skills.
  • You may need to handle permits and bookings independently.
  • You may miss out on local insights or tips.
  • Safety concerns without a guide in case of emergency.


Which is cheaper?

Is independent travel less expensive than booking guided walking tours? The answer varies. Organized tours package essential services like accommodations, transport, meals, entrance fees, and activities into a single price, while independent travel involves booking each aspect separately. To assess which is more economical, compare the tour price with what you'd spend arranging everything yourself. If you prioritize budget options or premium experiences, the cost comparison could swing either way. Always review the details of what's included in the tour package to decide.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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