Planning your Hiking New Zealand trip
How does the fitness grading work?
We firmly believe that the outdoors is for everyone, so we offer a wide variety of hikes, from day-hikes with excellent views and well graded tracks, through to challenging alpine hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. We grade each of our trips (Grade A to E) by the level of fitness and degree of technical difficulty, you can check the grading list here.
We are here to listen and help match you to your perfect hike, whatever your fitness level and interests.
What is included in my trip?
Your guide of course, accommodation while on your hike, most or all meals and vehicle transport to tracks is included. Inclusions vary between trips, but exclusions, optional extras and available upgrades are noted on each itinerary.
Are the trips suitable for solo travellers?
Yes! All our trips allow solo hikers to join, we regularly welcome solo travellers.
Can I take a private or custom trip with Hiking New Zealand?
Of course! We offer custom hiking tours for groups of four or more people anywhere in New Zealand to suit you and your hiking companions. Rough it or relax in comfort (or even alternate between the two). Please reach out to us if you would like to discuss custom options.
I have particular dietary needs; can I be catered for?
We’re happy to cater to most dietary needs. Some of our hikes take place in isolated locations, so being well prepared for your dietary needs may require some additional planning. If you have very particular needs, please let us know so we can plan with you.
New Zealand caters well for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan needs.
I have a medical condition; can I still join a trip?
If you have a medical condition or injury that might affect your ability to join in some (or all) of the activities, or could be a risk to you, just drop us a line. We’ll talk it through and come up with a plan together. Some trips are flexible, others less so, but we’ll shine the light on what’s possible.
Preparing for Your Hiking Trip
What should I pack?
We provide you with a detailed packing list for your hiking trip, so you won’t be caught short.
What gear do you provide?
Most of our trips offer gear available to either hire or borrow – if there’s anything you think you may need, just reach out.
When is the best time of year to hike in New Zealand?
Our most popular time of year to hike is between October and April. Check out our blog about the different hiking seasons here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What is the weather like in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s weather can be incredibly changeable, regardless of the season. Each season brings different elements to your hiking experience, the warmest time is mid-January onwards to March, but our climate is generally temperate and without extremes of temperature. Check out our helpful blog about New Zealand’s climate.
Do we still hike if the weather is bad?
We hike in a range of weather conditions, the guides have contingency plans in place to make the most of your time out on the trails, always with your safety in mind.
What type of clothing do I need when I’m not hiking?
New Zealand is a casual country, so casual clothing is just fine when you are dining out or exploring our amazing towns and cities.
Will I be able to do laundry on my trip?
Our longer trips provide ample opportunity to wash your clothes, but not on the shorter Great Walks (although if your clothing is wet or you’ve hand washed something, some Great Walks have drying rooms available).
Booking & Payments
How do I book my place on a trip?
Ready to make your booking request? Simply click the “Book Now” button on your selected trip and follow the prompts. If you’re having trouble, just reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
What is a Single Supplement?
On some trips, single rooms for solo travellers are available for all or part of the journey at an additional cost. This is called a single supplement and guarantees you your own room. On some trips, a single supplement is compulsory if you’re travelling alone. You'll see the single supplement options noted on each trip’s pricing. Backcountry huts are shared bunkroom accommodation only.
How will I know if my booking request is confirmed?
If you want to check availability of specific departures before you make your booking request, just reach out to us.
The departure dates for each trip show all scheduled departures for the season, but some require a minimum number of hikers to confirm, or have limited seats or accommodation availability, so when you make your booking request with us our team work quickly to confirm if there is space and availability for you join. If we can’t confirm your space, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and work with you to make an alternative plan.
We do not recommend you make further travel plans until we have sent you a confirmation email.
Can I hold a space on a trip before I book?
In some cases, we’re able to hold a space for you so you can book with confidence that you have a place reserved. Spaces can be held for 5 working days.
Can I book more than one trip?
Of course – if you have questions about logistics or how to get between your hikes, drop us a line and we can help to figure it all out.
How do I pay for my trip?
You can pay by credit card – Mastercard or Visa (fees apply), or by bank transfer to our New Zealand bank account, all advertised pricing and payments taken are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include taxes. You can also pay using multi-currency account platform like Wise, or Revolut.
How much is the deposit?
Generally, for bookings made more than 4 months in advance of departure, we take a 25% deposit, unless otherwise specified. Your remaining balance is due 95 days prior to departure.
If you book within 4 months of a departure, full payment is required.
What if I need to cancel or postpone my trip?
We recommend all our hikers have appropriate travel insurance, in case you need to cancel or change your travel plans. Know the cancellation policy of your trip when you book with us, and if you need to change your travel plans after you’ve booked, reach out and let us know.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
To give you the best chance of securing a place on our hikes, we recommend booking as soon as you are able. While many trips fill early, if you’re looking for a last-minute spot just reach out, you never know!
Can I pay in instalments or up-front?
If you would like to pay your trip on a different timeline, such as in instalments, drop us a line and we can work together to make a payment plan.
Hiking Groups
How many people will be in my hiking group?
Different trips have different group sizes. The Great Walks cater to larger groups, and Hiking Tours tend to have around 8 – 16 people, our Kiwi-Style hikes have a maximum of 11 hikers. The Alpine hikes are more technical walking and generally have a lower guide to hiker ratio.
I’m travelling alone. Will I be the odd one out?
About half the people that book with us are traveling solo, while others join with a partner, friend, or other family member. A shared love of hiking brings everyone together, and there’s real joy in discovering wild places with like-minded people, finishing a trip with new friendships is one of the benefits of solo travel.
What age are the people joining trips?
The easier fitness grade Great Walks are family friendly, whereas our Hiking Tours, Kiwi-Style Trips and Alpine Hikes are more for the adults.
We welcome hikers with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. We have hosted guests from 20 to 80. On average, half are women and half are men.
Hiking Guides
Who is my guide?
Across all trips, you’ll be supported by well-trained, experienced, handpicked guides who are well-versed in local culture, flora and fauna, and history and who also ensure your adventure is both memorable and safe.
Do I need to tip my guide?
There are no hard and fast rules around tipping in New Zealand, although it is increasingly common in tourism and hospitality. With this relaxed approach, there is no expectation to tip your guides, they consider a tip to be affirmation of their service delivery, so feel free to tip as you choose.
On the road
What are New Zealand’s roads like?
We drive on the left in New Zealand. Roads are generally two-lanes; one lane in each direction, and there are few motorways. Many roads, especially in rural areas are narrow, winding, and hilly. The guides and drivers are well versed in the driving conditions in New Zealand and have valid qualifications for the vehicles they drive. You’re in safe hands.
What kind of vehicle do we travel in?
Trips use vehicles appropriate for group size, comfort and the unique roads in New Zealand.
On the Kiwi-style and Grand Hikes trips, we travel in a late model Mercedes Sprinter ranging between 12 and 17 seats. The Great Walks trips generally use shuttles (vans or buses) to take you to and from trail heads. We do our best balance your comfort with access to the best hiking trails.
How much time do we spend driving?
Some drive days on Hiking Tours can be up to 3 hours and some days, there's no driving at all. Vehicles are modern and comfortable with good viewing windows, and as New Zealand is so beautiful, people often say the drives are a highlight.
Transport to the Great Walks is generally on shuttles from your pick-up point, some trips will have you driven to trail heads each day, on others, once you arrive, there’s no driving at all, just your wonderful hike!
Can I bring my luggage with me?
You can bring your luggage along with you on our Hiking Tours and Kiwi-Style hikes where the start and finish points are in different cities. We allow space for one large pack plus one day pack. Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the custom-built trailer.
All Great walks have options to leave your excess luggage at local offices or starting point while you are out hiking.
Accommodation
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation types vary between hiking trip styles. Whether you prefer a touch of luxury, or are looking for a camping and backcountry experience, we have trips to suit you!
What’s the difference between a double room and a twin room?
A double room has one large bed, either double, queen or king. A twin room offers two beds, either single or two double beds. You can select on any trip, which style of room you have. Trips that include backcountry or tent stays will be shared bunk-style accommodation, or a two person tent.
What’s a backcountry hut like?
Staying in one of New Zealand’s backcountry huts is a singular experience. It’s important to note that the huts are basic, offering less than what is available in a hostel. We delight in sharing our distinctive huts with our clients. You can read more about New Zealand's hut network here.
Travelling to New Zealand
Do I need a visa to enter New Zealand?
Most travellers will need either a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or visitor visa to enter the country. You will likely also need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) when you apply for your NZeTA or visa.
What is the IVL?
The New Zealand Government charges an International Visitors Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The purpose of the IVL is for international visitors to contribute towards the tourism infrastructure and upkeep of caring for the natural environment which visitors enjoy while in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Will I need vaccinations?
No vaccinations are currently required to enter New Zealand.
How much is sales / VAT tax in New Zealand?
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in New Zealand is 15%. It is applied to all goods and services, and is included in the price of our trips.
What kind of power points will I need in New Zealand?
New Zealand and Australia share the same 3 pin plug type and have a standard voltage of 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. A good adapter to look for is one that states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz’ - this means it can be used anywhere in the world.
One that has a USB C type output is also useful.
Can I access the internet while I’m on my trip?
Wi-Fi is available at all hotels on our trips, and 4G and 5G is generally available too. The backcountry and isolated accommodations will often not have any internet or phone reception. Satellite-based phone reception is becoming more available in isolated places but isn’t yet fully reliable.
How can I prepare for New Zealand’s culture?
Relax, we’re a chilled-out bunch of people who live a casual, unpretentious lifestyle. Bare feet, friendly hellos, self-deprecating humour, shorts worn year-round and a natural curiosity are the cornerstone of our people. Aotearoa is a multi-cultural nation, rich in both native and migrant history, so come with an open mind and an open heart and you’re sure to have a rich and satisfying experience.
Are there animals or insects I need to worry about?
There are no large predators in New Zealand. We do however have mosquitoes and sand flies. They’re not disease vectors, so no need to worry about Lyme disease or malaria. The bites can be itchy, but they’re easily managed with insect repellent.
Which trip is right for me?
Let's get you started planning your hiking trip, below you'll find a summary of our different trip styles
8 - 24 days
A classic hiking experience, see the remote New Zealand backcountry with this one-of-a-kind hiking trip.
Our unique trip, which takes you deep into the real New Zealand. Trips include a mix of “Wild-nights” in remote huts or campsites, hours from civilisation and comfortable nights in cabins or campsites with shared or ensuite facilities.
No hiking experience needed, just a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. You'll join like-minded travellers, lend a hand with camp life, and even get your feet wet!
3 - 6 days
If you have a National Park on your bucket list, or limited travel time, these trips focus on a hike through one of New Zealand’s iconic wilderness areas, an ideal way to truly experience the landscape.
Most are lodge-to-lodge hikes with daypacks only, private rooms, ensuite bathrooms, and even a glass of wine at day’s end. Others follow hut-to-hut trails with bunkroom stays.
Led by passionate guides, these walks blend world-class scenery, comfort, and fully catered ease, perfect for those who love hiking but appreciate a soft landing at night.
5 - 15 days
Perfect for hikers who value comfort, and a relaxed, social atmosphere and have a love of nature.
Explore multiple regions and National Parks across New Zealand, with insightful guides who bring the landscapes and history to life. You’ll enjoy well-organised travel, comfortable ensuite accommodation (hotels, motels and lodges).
3 – 6 days
These challenging multi-day hikes take you to New Zealand’s remote alpine regions, surrounded by towering peaks, silence, and stunning wilderness. Accommodation is basic, either camping or stays in backcountry huts with no hot showers, but the reward is a deep connection to nature, epic scenery, and a strong sense of achievement.
As many days as you like!
Custom tours are just the best way to do your own thing at your own pace and style. Whether you are a family group, school group or a bunch of like-minded friends, we can customise a tour anywhere in New Zealand to suit you perfectly. Rough it or relax in comfort (or even alternate between the two).
We know the wild places to take you to and spectacular spots for you to wake up in.
3 - 24 days
Looking for a trip that takes you to a certain location? Check out our map for options that take you almost anywhere in the country!
Still have questions?
We’re here to help you every step of the way, we welcome you to send us an email, message on WhatsApp, call our office, or book a video chat with us to discuss your travel plans.
Kiwi-Style Hiking
Great Walks
Hiking Tours
Alpine Hikes
Custom Groups
