Our Staff Picks for 2025 and 2026

Hiking NZ
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Why Us
    • Sustainable Tourism
    • Our People, Our Land
    • Travel Deals
    • Photo Competition
  • Trips
    • Eva Hike Green Lake Kiwi-Style Hiking
      • Ultimate New Zealand
      • Ultimate North Island
      • Ultimate South Island
      Travel Deals hiking new zealand assurance
    • Arthurs Pass National Park Alpine Hikes
      • Arthur's Pass Alpine Hike
      • Aspiring Alpine Adventure
      • Peak Bagger
      Travel Deals hiking new zealand assurance
    • IMG 6172 Great Walks
      • Abel Tasman 3 Day Hike
      • Abel Tasman 5 Day Hike
      • Abel Tasman Kayak and Hike
      • Heaphy Track
      • Hollyford Track
      • Hump Ridge Track
      • Queen Charlotte Track 4 Day
      • Queen Charlotte Track 5 Day
      • Stewart Island Track
      • Tongariro Hike
      • Whanganui River Canoe 5 Day
      • Whanganui River Canoe 4 Day
      Travel Deals hiking new zealand assurance
    • 8C7A3490 RTAR 3x4 550 Hiking Tours
      • New Zealand Grand Hikes
      • North Island Grand Hikes
      • Scenic South Hike and Bike
      • South Island Grand Hikes
      • Coromandel Explorer
      • Northland Discovery
      • Pure South Adventure
      • North Island Adventure
      • South Island Adventure
      • Winter South Island Adventure
      • Milford, Hollyford and Stewart Island Trails
      travel deals hiking new zealand assurance
    • Family tour Custom Groups
      • Family Northern Explorer
      • Family Southern Explorer
      • Lake Waikaremoana Hike
      • Women's Custom Tours
      • Women's Southern Wilderness
      • Coast, Canyons and Mountains
      • Coastal Wanderer Custom Tour
      • Don't Cross the Ladies
      • Secret South Custom Tour
      • Tekapo Hike
      • West Coast Custom Tour
      • World Heritage Custom Tour
      travel deals hiking new zealand assurance
  • Blog
  • Shortlist
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Why Us
    • Sustainable Tourism
    • Our People, Our Land
    • Travel Deals
    • Photo Competition
  • Trips
    • Kiwi-Style Hiking
    • Alpine Hikes
    • Great Walks
    • Hiking Tours
    • Custom Groups
  • Blog
  • Shortlist
Brochure Contact Us Book Now
Brochure Contact Us Book Now

New Zealand Grand Hikes

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Details
  • Map
  • Photos
  • Reviews
  • Home
  • Trips
  • New Zealand Grand Hikes

Tour Details

Start

6:30 am, Rydges Hotel foyer, 59 Federal Street, Auckland CBD

Finish

Queenstown, 5:00pm (approx.)

DEPARTURE DATES

20 November, 2025
29 January, 2026
12, 26 February, 2026
12 March, 2026

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jun 2026
Adult NZD $14,300.00
Single Supplement NZD $2,550.00

Days

15 days

Fitness grade

Grade: B
(Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day)
Book now
Download Itinerary
Request Brochure
Add to wishlist
Transport

The average driving time per day varies; we have some days where we hardly drive at all. On a typical day we might be in the vehicle for 2-3 hours. But some days we will drive for longer. The driving time is a chance to rest and enjoy the fantastic scenery that is forever changing. We travel in a luxury minibus towing a lockable trailer with food, equipment and your luggage. There will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guides are easily convinced to stop the vehicle if there is a great photo opportunity, vineyard or notable ice cream shop!

Additional Costs

All activities outlined in the itinerary are included in the trip price.

Meals out: Meals that are included in the trip price are detailed in the itinerary. Two evening meals are not included (Wellington and Wanaka). One breakfast is not included (Wellington), as well as one lunch (en-route to Wellington). The typical cost for a restaurant main course in New Zealand is about $35. 

Grading & Fitness

Grade: B*
Up to 4-5 hours of physical activity per day
At times carrying a backpack of 4-5kgs (8-10 lbs)
Tracks generally in good condition
Altitude gains of up to 600m (2000ft) on harder days
No hiking experience necessary

*The full (optional) Tongariro Alpine Crossing on day 4 takes 6-8 hours and has an altitude gain of 750m

Accommodation

The New Zealand Grand Hikes tour uses a range of hotels and quality lodges chosen for their good standards and wonderful locations. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms. Some lodges have units with two bedrooms per unit. Rooms are twin share or doubles. If you are travelling on your own you will be given a twin share room with a fellow traveller of the same gender. Single supplements are available on this tour.
The New Zealand Grand Hikes tour has been created for those that appreciate a high standard of accommodation after a good day of hiking. Accommodation is subject to availability, and an equivalent style of the property could be used if the advertised property is no longer available.

What to Take

New Zealand’s weather is very changeable and cold weather can be experienced at any time of year, especially in the mountains. We recommend wearing lightweight and breathable fabrics while hiking. Merino or polypropylene underwear is great in cold weather and will still keep you warm when it gets wet, unlike cotton. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.

Essential Items:

  • hiking boots or shoes
  • day pack
  • waterproof raincoat (gore-tex or similar)
  • warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
  • shorts or lightweight hiking trousers (preferably quick-dry)
  • polypro/thermals – top & bottom
  • long sleeve shirt (for sun protection)
  • 4 pairs of socks 
  • warm hat
  • sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • drink bottle (1 litre)
  • spare shoes or sandals
  • insect repellent
  • short-sleeved short (quick-dry, polypropylene or wool)
  • casual clothing for travel and evenings
  • gloves/mittens
  • togs (swimming costume)


Recommended items:
walking poles, camera, rain trousers.

We supply:
first aid kit, drinking water, safety equipment, and maps.

Luggage:
For the flight between Wellington and Nelson (New Zealand Grand Hikes only), the checked luggage allowance is 23kgs per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7kg.


Food

Almost all of the meals are included on this tour, but when staying in the cities we let you do your own thing and try some of the excellent local restaurants (see “Additional Costs” section). There are plenty of opportunities to graze the local cafes if you would prefer to explore in the morning. Our guides usually set out lunch food for you and you simply help yourself. We provide healthy and wholesome food and include a lot of fresh produce. Our customised trailers have a fold-down table and cooking area that is perfect for preparing picnics at all those secret places we will take you. Included dinners are frequently in lodge restaurants (either set menu or a la carte), or in a restaurant in the town but occasionally somewhere out of the ordinary!

Guides & Safety

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. That is why we work hard to make sure we hire the best guides. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry. Our guides will ensure that your time with us is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe.

Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find! 

Justin Cowen

Justin Cowen

Oli Evans

Oli Evans

Ali Holley

Ali Holley

Louis Davidson

Louis Davidson

Martin Leslie

Martin Leslie

Marios Gavalas

Marios Gavalas

Frequently Asked Questions

I am travelling alone, can I join this trip?
Plenty of the people on our tours are travelling alone, others travel with friends or a partner. Our tours naturally bring people together through a shared love of hiking and the outdoors, creating connections that often lead to lasting friendships. If you are travelling alone and wish to room alone, you can book a single supplement for an additional fee.
Can I do just the North or South Island component?
Yes you can, they are called the Northern Portion (first 5 days) and Southern Slice (last 10 days).
How many people will be in my group?
Our group tours are small, we typically have between 8 and 15 people join our groups, along with the guides.
What happens with my luggage?
Your luggage will travel with you in the vehicle and lockable trailer, you will have access to your luggage at all times, except when you are out hiking. We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large soft shell duffel with wheels is ideal and a day pack). Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the trailer. Excess luggage may be required to be forwarded (at your own cost) if you exceed the luggage capacity limit.
*New Zealand Grand Hikes guests only - for the flight between Wellington and Nelson, the checked luggage allowance is 23kg per person, with a carry-on luggage allowance of 7 kg.
I have dietary requirements, is that a problem?
We can cater to a variety of dietary requirements. Please notify us at the time of booking so we can ensure your needs can be met.
What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the mountainous regions, where we spend much of our time during the day. Some days we can be in 26-28 degrees Celsius and the next day we could be hiking in with a cool southerly wind. It is best to be prepared for the coolest conditions we are likely to expect – we provide comprehensive packing lists, which we have honed from our many years of experience, check out our “What to take” section of our itinerary.
Will I be fit enough?
We generally walk between 2 and 4 hours per day, except for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (North Island) which is 6-8 hours and 23kms. However, there are some great shorter walk alternatives on this day if you feel this is too much for you.

There is usually flexibility to do more or less on some days, with discussion with your guide. If you’d like to do some preparation for your tour we recommend regular short walks anywhere from one to four hours in the six weeks leading up to your trip.
What will the group be like?
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. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.
What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like taking some time out.
Can I do laundry on tour?
Yes, most places we stay have laundry facilities. We recommend bringing items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear.
What can we do in Queenstown?
Queenstown is a beautiful town tucked under the mountains and beside the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. There are a huge number of adventure activities on offer here. You might like to take a thrilling jet boat ride, face your fears on the highest bungy in New Zealand, or paddle peacefully down a river on an inflatable funyak’.

Many of New Zealand's famous Great Walks start within reach of Queenstown. The dramatic Hollyford Track in the heart of Fiordland National Park is a wonderful guided walk option. The unforgettable Milford Sound is a half-day drive from Queenstown. Steep cliffs and dense rainforest border this spectacular fiord that can be explored by boat. Whatever your preference, we can help you with any post-trip activities that you might like to add on to your New Zealand adventure.
How accurate are the track elevations?
Track distances and elevations are approximate only. Advertised hiking routes may be amended by the guide for any reason (usually due to weather, or track conditions). The guide will notify clients in advance of day-to-day routes.

Booking Conditions

Prices and itineraries are subject to change.

Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to alter or amend any tour should the weather or any other situation require this. Hiking New Zealand finalises all tour logistics upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be brought about either by reason of weather, or defect in vehicle, vessel or aircraft or through the acts or lack of action of any company or persons engaged in transporting or guiding passengers, or arranging the tour. 

Hiking New Zealand Ltd is not liable for any cost or loss, directly or indirectly, from any personal disruption due to COVID-19. Such costs or losses include, but are not limited to: requirements to follow COVID-19 mandates, flights, accommodation, transfers, and other expenses incurred over and above the tour price. Once your tour has commenced there is no refund available for any portion due to any circumstances. Any decision regarding exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of Hiking New Zealand Ltd or the Operator of the trip if it is not Hiking New Zealand Ltd.

Payment:
For bookings made four or more months prior to the departure date, a 25% deposit is required, with the remainder due 95 days before your trip. For bookings made within four months of the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations:

  • 95 days or more prior to departure date: Full refund less a $500 transferable deposit per person to a future departure.
  • 94 to 35 days: 50% of the tour price forfeited.
  • 34 days or less: 100% of the tour price forfeited.

The tour price is all-inclusive. There will be no partial refunds or credits for unused services within a tour. Any unpaid, forfeited amount may be pursued as a debt.

 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Tour. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Our Active Earth Adventures site has adventures beyond New Zealand as well as cycling, skiing, rafting... holidays in New Zealand.

ABOUT US
  • Meet Our Experts
TRIP CATEGORIES
  • Kiwi-Style Hiking
  • Alpine Hikes
  • Great Walks
  • Hiking Tours
  • Custom Groups
FEATURED TRIPS
  • Tongariro Hike
  • Hollyford Track
  • Abel Tasman Track 5 day
  • Southern Slice
  • Ultimate New Zealand
NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
Get Hiking New Zealand & Active Earth Adventures travel tips delivered to your inbox
SIGN UP
© 2025 Hiking New Zealand Limited. Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
Designed by: Mint Design
To Top