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Hiking & Walking

Hiking & Walking Vacations

Hiking & Walking Vacations

Separated from the rest of the world for millions of years, New Zealand retained ancient forests and unique birds. Couple this to the most spectacular scenery on earth, and it is time to get off the beaten track.

Private guides can introduce you to the wonders of New Zealand's walking trails or simply stroll alone in the lodge grounds before dinner. Whether you want to disappear into the bush for an overnight walk or hike one of the famous tramping trails the Lodges can introduce you to some of the finest walking in the world.

…. on the road less travelled

Discover New Zealand Hiking & Walking Tracks

Bay of Islands walking
The Bay of Islands offers numerous opportunities to explore historic and natural New Zealand on a variety of walks ranging in duration from half an hour to a full day. Visit ancient Maori pa sites and those of the early European settlers including the first mission settlements in New Zealand. Wander through mature and regeneration kauri forests. View waterfalls, and spectacular coastal scenery. These walks are accessible by car from The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs www.kauricliffs.com and Eagles Nest www.eaglesnest.co.nz
Welcome to Te Araroa

Welcome to Te Araroa, a foot trail stretching the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga in the far north to Bluff in the south. The walkway was opened simultaneously on Saturday December 3rd 2011 by The Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae in Wellington, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt in Bluff and an official at Cape Reinga. Hundreds of volunteers have helped create the continuous 3000km long route over 16yrs. Te Araroa, “The Long Pathway” in Maori, runs along coastline, through forests, across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys, and on green pathways through seven cities.

From a stroll along the lakefront to a four day hike in The Mount Aspiring National Park, the options are limitless for the walking enthusiast The Routeburn, Milford, Greenstone and Hollyford tracks are all nearby. Blanket Bay is the ideal location from which to begin these tracks and undoubtedly there is no better spot to relax afterwards.
We are at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park with literally hundreds of breath taking walks and hikes at our doorstep. Drive up the magnificent Matukituki Valley for a full day walk to the Mount Aspiring Hut or to Rob Roy Glacier to watch ice falls from the glacier and picnic whilst fending off the cheeky keas.
Beautiful river walks start right outside the gates of River Birches, spanning either side of the Tongariro River and offering gentle walking through bush tracks to the headwaters of the river. For the more adventurous, the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is nearby and popular with guests. Other alpine walks are readily accessible in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
Spectacular overnight walk in the Wilderness - Enjoy hiking in your own bit of wilderness. 100 square miles and just the wildlife sharing it with you. Exclusive overnight in a wilderness hut, listening to tales of bush life from your guide, and sipping wine under the huge southern hemisphere sky.
Taupo is home to one of the best one day walks in the country, the Tongariro Alpine crossing. The history of this volcanic region combined with stunning scenery, fresh clean rivers, a huge lake and strong Maori culture make it one of the most interesting areas for walking and hiking. Full and half-day walks (or shorter) are available either self guided or with the company of a knowledgeable local guide.
Claremont’s guests have access to our farm within an enchanted valley in the foothills of the Southern Alps. It is an area designated as being of outstanding natural landscape. The property is flanked by two rivers intertwined with craggy escarpments, precipitous gorges, pretty waterfalls, amazing rock formations, ancient boulders and rolling farmland.
Promoted as the “Walking and Scenic Capital of the World”, Fiordland abounds in excellent walking tracks. We offer a wide range of guided walks throughout the region, for both inexperienced hikers, and those seeking a more challenging walk.
Bush & Beach are in close proximity of Bushland Park Lodge. The Coromandel famous Wentworth Falls walk and one of the most secluded beaches at Opoutere are only a few kilometres away. The Wentworth Track is rich in heritage dating back to 1873. There are still some mine shafts and artefacts to view along the way. Hahei with Hot Water Beach & Cathedral Cove are within an hour's drive.
Take one of several tracks that lead you through 52 hectares of private bush, alive with native birds. Venture from the Bay of Many Coves to the Queen Charlotte Track, or let us arrange a boat pick up from any of the entry and exit points along this magnificent walkway.
Great Barrier Island offers a wide range of walking, tramping and hiking trails. There are over 100 kilometres of walking trails on the island, from short day walks on well formed tracks such as the popular Kaitoke Hot Springs track, to challenging hikes through the steep interior of the island
Walk out the door, and into adventure! The forest is all around you and, within minutes, you can be at the start of the more than 40 km of trails that wind through the Treetops Estate. Follow one of the guided walks listed in this booklet, or plot your own course using the map. Visit towering stands of Rimu trees or the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, follow crystal-clear streams through leafy glades, or stand high on the valley rim, and take in the stunning view.
Whether your pleasure is a short stroll, an early morning jog, or a long walk, you will find them all here at Cape Kidnappers. Walk to the 200 year old Kahikatea tree or jog or walk along Trig Road which overlooks truly amazing views. For a longer walk head out to the Kanuka Block and enjoy beautiful native bush and inspirational views of the Pacific Ocean.
This multi award winning 75 acre estate offers five private luxury villas. Each of these villas, offer inspirational views across private heated infinity edged lap pools to the Bay of Islands.
The Lodge is central to 3 major National Parks offering a multitude of walks ranging from a stroll along the river front property to the iconic Abel Tasman walks, Mt Arthur walk, the Wangapeka walk and the Heaphy track. All walks can be self guided or fully guided with interpretation, lunch packs and transport.
The Marlborough Sounds provide the perfect environment for hiking and walking. Timara Lodge offers easy access to the world famous Queen Charlotte walking track and many beautiful native bush walks. Timara Lodge the perfect place to unwind and relax.
The area around Grasmere Lodge has a wide range of walking options, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore the very best of the high country. Tracks lead you through rich native forests, to waterfalls, alpine herb gardens, and mountaintops. It’s quite possible you’ll see no-one else on the track all day.
For people who wish to experience the remote areas of the Mt Aspiring region, this trek is constantly changing journey through wild New Zealand. From temperate rain forest to the summits of high alpine peaks, this route is one of the most exciting mountain trips in New Zealand. No heavy packs need, accommodation is a combination of one night camping and two nights at Whare Kea Chalet at Alburt Burn Saddle. Further information can be found on our website and has been provided by one of our guests who undertook this tailor made experience recently.