which trip is right for me New 2024

Which trip is right for me?

Finding the right trip to match that image of exploring New Zealand in your head, that coincides with your wants and needs, and that not only lives up to your expectations but exceeds them can be an arduous task. However, this page is here to make the decision process a breeze.

We find the easiest place to start is to ask yourself, what do you want from your trip?

We run six incredible guided tours in the South Island of New Zealand and one in the North Island. Whether it’s adventurous yet indulgent travel you seek on our Grand Explorer tour, an off-the-beaten-track hiking adventure on our Kiwi Classic or something in between, you’ll find it on one of our 5-14 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours.

Each of these trips have been lovingly handcrafted and perfected by our dedicated team over the years. We are confident that you will discover the perfect trip for you.

1. Compare our trips side-by-side

Our New Zealand Trails’ trips are all-inclusive and very flexible. It’s important to note that the activities on each trip can be tailored to suit your interests and fitness levels. Our trips range from the leisurely paced and luxurious Grand Explorer to the more challenging Kiwi Classic.

SOUTH ISLAND

13 Days
Starts
Christchurch
Finishes
Christchurch
Accommodation
Activity level
Average walking time
2 - 4 hrs
Price
NZD$16699 NZD$16699 AUD$15099 USD$8999.00+tax GBP£8549 CAD$11599.00+tax ALL INCLUSIVE!
Read about the World Heritage

SOUTH ISLAND

14 Days
Starts
QUEENSTOWN
Finishes
QUEENSTOWN
Accommodation
Activity level
Average walking time
3 - 5 hrs
Price
NZD$13599 NZD$13599 AUD$10499 USD$7299.00+tax GBP£6599 CAD$9599.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Read about the MASTERPIECE

SOUTH ISLAND

14 Days
Starts
QUEENSTOWN
Finishes
QUEENSTOWN
Accommodation
Activity level
Average walking time
2 - 4 hrs
Price
NZD$16699 NZD$16699 AUD$15099 USD$8999.00+tax GBP£8549 CAD$11599.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Read about the GRAND EXPLORER

SOUTH ISLAND

14 Days
Starts
QUEENSTOWN
Finishes
QUEENSTOWN
Accommodation
Activity level
Average walking time
4 - 6 hrs
Price
NZD$12699 NZD$12699 AUD$9499 USD$6599.00+tax GBP£5999 CAD$8699.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Read about the KIWI CLASSIC

SOUTH ISLAND

8 Days
Starts
QUEENSTOWN
Finishes
CHRISTCHURCH
Accommodation
Activity level
Average walking time
3 - 5 hrs
Price
NZD$9899 NZD$9899 AUD$6999 USD$5499.00+tax GBP£4999 CAD$6999.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Read about the PURE SOUTH
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If you’d like to complete your New Zealand adventure, you can venture north on our Sweet North tour. The North Island is the cultural heart of Aotearoa/New Zealand. It’s the land of myths and legends where you can immerse yourself in Māori culture. Home to New Zealand’s largest geyser, bubbling mud pools and active volcanoes, all of which we will take you to see… You’ve come all this way; why not go a little further?

Te Puia geothermal and cultural attraction Rotorua, Cathedral Cove SN
Maori cultural activity at Te Puia, volcanic lakes on Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike
North Island tour, South Island tour
see te puia marae
Top highlights on the Sweet North:
  • Paddle the warm water and explore the intricate rock formations as you kayak Cathedral Cove.

  • Adventure into another planet as you hike the Tongariro Crossing, with its desolate red soil, steam rising from the land and startling emerald blue lakes.

  • Explore Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua's geothermal areas, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo glowworm caves, Te Puia Maori Village and more!

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2. Compare trip highlights

WH Dec Hollyford Bridge Hidden Falls3
WH December Couple at Lake Pukaki2
12. Happy couple Lake Matheson
MP Nov West Coast waterfall3
Top Highlights of the World Heritage Walking Tour:
  • Experience Fiordland National Park from above on a scenic helicopter ride to your exclusive accommodation, Martins Bay Lodge
  • Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our native forests as you explore our Great Walks including the world famous Routeburn Track
  • Explore Doubtful Sound, Arthurs Pass National Park, Pancake Rocks, Paparoa National Park, Glacier Country, Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park, Gibbston Valley wine region, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and more!
MP Nov Cape Foulwind2
MP Feb Guests at Key Summit5
Kayaking Lochmara Lodge3
MP March Hooker Valley3
Top Highlights of the Masterpiece:
  • Marvel at our highest peaks and stunning glaciers as you hike Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

  • Discover the coves of Queen Charlotte Sound as you paddle the crystal waters in a kayak.

  • Explore Milford Sound, the Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park, Christchurch, Nelson, Marlborough vineyards, Glacier Country, Pancake Rocks, Paparoa National Park, Wanaka, the Kepler Track and more!

Grand Explorer Our guests exploring the Kepler Track Grand Explorer
Grand Explorer Helicopter ride in Mt Cook National Park
Grand Explorer Our guest exploring the beauty of Fiordland National Park
Grand Explorer Whale watching in Kaikoura
Top Highlights of The Grand Explorer:
  • Experience the pinnacle of adventurous yet indulgent travel. 
  • Enjoy world class guiding and see the best of New Zealand with flexibility to take things at a pace that's right for you.
  • Explore the Routeburn Track, Kepler Track, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Franz Josef glacier, Paparoa National Park, Kaikoura, Marlborough, the West Coast and the glorious Abel Tasman National Park.
KC March 6th Bushline2 KC
KC Feb Group on Sealy Tarns2
KC Feb Pororari River Track2
CLSC swim with dolphins2
Top Highlights of the Kiwi Classic:
  • Discover true wilderness on multi-day hikes in Nelson Lakes National Park and Pelorus Sound.

  • Play in the water with wild Dusky dolphins in Kaikoura.

  • Explore Milford Sound, Central Otago, Fiordland National Park, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Nelson, Marlborough wine country, Nelson Lakes National Park, Glacier Country, Paparoa National Park, Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park and more!

PS Dec Hooker Valley4 SS
PS Jan Siberia Valley3
PS March group walking Kepler Track4
PS March Guest couple Siberia Valley2
Top Highlights of the Pure South:
  • Touch down in Siberia Valley by bush plane to explore this remote glaciated valley on foot, and then by jetboat for the ultimate intrepid experience.

  • Swim with one of the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphins, Hectors dolphins, in the beautiful Akaroa.

  • Explore Milford Sound, the Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park, Mt Aspiring National Park, Wanaka, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Akaroa and more!

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3. Compare trip accommodation

Our founders, Nigel and Jodi, grew up as your typical adventure-loving Kiwis. As they got older, they discovered that although they still wanted all the thrill of adventure, they no longer wanted to rough it. Hence, on our New Zealand Trails’ trips, we embrace comfort and style when it comes to accommodation.

For example, in Fiordland National Park on our World Heritage, you’ll stay in a remote and luxurious lodge or on the Masterpiece you'll spend the night in Queen Charlotte Sound at a beachfront lodge set in native forest.

World Heritage luxury accommodation Martins Bay Lodge2
WHWT hermitage mt cook3
punakaiki resort comfortable accommodation2
WHWT punakaiki lodge2
Accommodation highlights on the World Heritage Walking Tour:
  • Accessed only by helicopter or on foot, the remote Martins Bay Lodge in Fiordland National Park is where wilderness and luxury collide.

  • You’ll spend two nights at the centre of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park at the Hermitage, a stone's throw from New Zealand's tallest mountain and the park's famous namesake.

  • Watch the sunset while cuddled up beside a bonfire on the beach at the beachfront accommodation Punakaiki Resort.

MSTP kayak to lochmara lodge queen charlotte sound4
mt cook lodge room6
palms nelson T2
MSTP edgewater resort wanaka2
Accommodation highlights on the Masterpiece:
  • Soak in the epic view as the sun sets across the lake as you unwind in Wanaka at Edgewater Resort.

  • Marvel at New Zealand's tallest mountain from your accommodation at Mt Cook Lodge. 

  • Experience the magic of Lochmara Lodge and its bustling wildlife. You’ll journey here by water taxi and kayak back!

Grand Explorer Punakaiki Resort Grand Explorer
Grand Explorer Abel Tasman National Park
Grand Explorer Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
Grand Explorer Edgewater Resort
Accommodation highlights on The Grand Explorer:
  • Marvel at Aoraki/Mt Cook from New Zealand's most famous alpine hotel - the Hermitage. 

  • Watch the sunset across the lake from your waterfront accommodation at the Edgewater Resort. 

  • Soak in the tranquility of your surroundings at Torrent Bay Lodge in the heart of Abel Tasman National Park. 

  • Breath in the fresh sea air as you admire the rugged beauty of the West Coast from Punakaiki Beach Resort. 
KC Dec Bushline2 KC
mt cook lodge room7
PSTH edgewater resort3
MSTP edgewater resort wanaka3
Accommodation highlights on the Kiwi Classic:
  • Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park boasts some of the most spectacular views in New Zealand, and there is no better way to enjoy them than by spending a night in the heart of the Aoraki/Mt Cook Village.

  • Experience the backcountry with a night in Bushline Hut. Nestled in the mountains above Lake Rotoiti, it’s wilderness accommodation at its best.

  • Spend the night at Te Wanaka Lodge in the heart of one of our most famous lakeside towns, Wanaka.

PSTH comfortable lodgings akaroa3 SS
PSTH edgewater resort4
PSTH lovely views mt cook lodge2
PSTH hermitage accommodation2
Accommodation highlights on the Pure South:
  • Spend the night at Te Wanaka Lodge in the heart of one of our most famous lakeside towns, Wanaka.
  • Spend a night in the heart of the magical Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in comfort and style in Mount Cook Motels.

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4. Compare trip food & dining

The very last question you need to ask yourself and arguably the most important, what does your stomach want? When it comes to dining, we don’t cut corners. We use food that is locally sourced, sustainably produced and made by chefs we trust. You’ll experience the very best produce that New Zealand has to offer, from a wild venison dinner in Te Anau to freshly caught salmon in Mt Cook.

Steak and pork belly while dining on New Zealand luxury hiking tour GC
Food, beer, cocktails and pavlova served on a New Zealand luxury tour
Cheeseboard and New Zealand wine served on luxury tour
Wine tasting at Kinross on luxury hiking tour
The Grand Explorer & World Heritage Walking Tour food & dining:

Get ready to indulge in the best of New Zealand cuisine. You’ll dine out in our favourite spots around the South Island. Places that not only serve the most delightful local produce but that are also nestled in the most scenic spots. From lunch and wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley to dinner at the Old Mountaineers Café, we hope you’ll love these local restaurants as much as we do.

Antipasto platter and classic Kiwi barbecue with New Zealand guided tours MP KC PS SN
Small group tour dinner and dessert during walking tour
Delicious open sandwich appetisers on New Zealand Trails tour
New Zealand wine served during guided hiking tour
Masterpiece, Kiwi Classic, Pure South & Sweet North food & dining:

We seamlessly combine home cooked, healthy meals with our favourite character-filled restaurants to satisfy your appetite. You’ll visit a vineyard to sip on a zesty sauvignon blanc or a local brewery to sample some award-winning craft beers. You’ll eat Fiordland venison in Te Anau or fresh salmon in Aoraki/Mount Cook. We want to showcase New Zealand cuisine at its best and leave you wanting more.

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6. In a nutshell...

We don’t play favourites, each of our trips are diverse and magical in their own right and each tour is crafted with our guests in mind.

Luxury hiking tour for all abilities

World Heritage Walking Tour

The finest way to enjoy New Zealand.

SOUTH ISLAND

13 Days
Perfect for you if:

You are looking for a richer walking experience; this limited-edition trip offers you exclusive access to New Zealand's wilderness and the opportunity to develop a deeper knowledge of New Zealand’s history and culture.


Price
NZD$16699 AUD$15099 USD$8999.00+tax GBP£8549 CAD$11599.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Ready for your World Heritage Walking Tour? CHECK DATES
MP Masterpice2 MP

Masterpiece

Perfected over the years. The New Zealand we share with friends!

SOUTH ISLAND

14 Days
Perfect for you if:

You want to see and experience everything New Zealand has to offer, with a perfect blend of bucket list activities and hidden gems that only we, the locals, know about. If you want MORE than just a hiking trip then this is the trip for you.


Price
NZD$13599 AUD$10499 USD$7299.00+tax GBP£6599 CAD$9599.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Ready for your Masterpiece? CHECK DATES
Grand Explorer Our guests exploring the Kepler Track2

The Grand Explorer

The pinnacle of adventurous yet indulgent travel.

South ISLAND

14 Days
Perfect for you if:

You're looking for the pinnacle of luxury small group travel. With our expert local guide at the helm, you'll enjoy an itinerary that showcases the very best of our country, with the flexibility to take things at a pace thats right for you.


Price
NZD$16699 AUD$15099 USD$8999.00+tax GBP£8549 CAD$11599.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Ready for your Grand Explorer? CHECK DATES
KC Kiwi Classic 4 KC

Kiwi Classic

Endorphins aren’t free. Earn the views!

SOUTH ISLAND

14 Days
Perfect for you if:

You love adventure and know the rewards that hover just outside of your comfort zone. The Kiwi Classic is our most exhilarating adventure in New Zealand’s natural wilderness. It’s for the intrepid adventurer who is seeking a new challenge.


Price
NZD$12699 AUD$9499 USD$6599.00+tax GBP£5999 CAD$8699.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Ready for your Kiwi Classic? CHECK DATES
Guided tour that covers best hikes in South Island PS

Pure South

A distillation of the very best.

SOUTH ISLAND

8 Days
Perfect for you if:

You want a highlight reel of exciting hikes, famous trails and well-known places, peppered with traditionally Kiwi experiences. You want to see the very best of New Zealand without compromise, and have plenty to write home about!


Price
NZD$9899 AUD$6999 USD$5499.00+tax GBP£4999 CAD$6999.00+tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!
Ready for your Pure South? CHECK DATES
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Still not quite sure?

Don’t fret if you still can’t quite decide. You can always give us a call, we’re more than happy to chat! The friendly Kiwi voice on the other end, Jodi, has been pairing people up with their perfect trip since the company first began.

Please note: These are samples of our current itineraries. We are constantly fine-tuning and improving our trips based on feedback from our guests and guides as well as availability. Your trip will be at least this good, but we may make slight improvements without notice to make it even better!