World Heritage – Our Original Luxury Walking Tour

We truly loved this trip. The agenda was perfect – it covered all the highlights of the South Island. It was active but not overwhelming. The guides are very helpful and attentive. Traveling in a small group is so much better than a large bus experience.

“This is truly a unique trip with amazing scenery, first class accommodations and food, combined with diversity of fun physical activities (hiking, boating, kayaking, helicopters, and cave tubing. Wow!). Our guides were fantastic and made this already amazing trip extra special. Thank you Emily and Kate!”

“Quality food and accommodation, great guides and the whole trip was very organised. Like with all these types of trip that we have done over the years, the success normally depends on the other members of the group. On our trip we had 13 guests and 2 guides and it took about 36 hours to gel together and then our whole group just bonded and encouraged each other to get the most out of the trip. The whole group were just a great credit to humanity, and we felt it a privilege to be part of it. Great people, great life stories, great humour, brilliant company.”

“We planned for a year to travel New Zealand. Every single aspect of our trip was incredible. The attention to detail that NZ Trails works in to their tour is the best. Our guides were the fantastic, the route and timing throughout the 2 weeks of our various hikes was well thought out and logical, and the experience: Once in a life time, day after day. Reserve your time now and experience a trip you did not see coming. We cannot put in to words how pleased we were with this trip. Take this vacation!”

“Kim was adorable, well spoken, knowledgeable, and with worldly travels way beyond her age. She has done more than any 10 of us on the trip combined. She handled a van load of ‘A’ personalities with charm and professionalism. Always with never blinking an eye. She added little surprises every now and then that set both herself and New Zealand Trails miles ahead of anyone else in the industry. I deal with people in marketing and personal contact every day, Kim is an enormous plus to your organization and I know that you all recognize that fact!!”

“We would like to thank you for our recent trip of a lifetime. Tom and I recently returned from the 13 day tour of the South Island with Shona and Holly and it exceeded everything we expected. The food, accommodations and activities were unbelievable but by far the most amazing was the hospitality and support of our guides. Through their guidance and direction I was able to complete all the activities (kayaking especially) and end smiling and having a fantastic time. God bless their patience! I have a great deal of respect for all the quides knowledge and your choice of staffing. Everyone we met was unbelievable. Thank you so much again.”

“NZ Trails has done a fantastic job of not missing a single detail. 2 full weeks without a single issue proves this point. The variety of hikes from day to day was fantastic. A perfect trip that we have been talking about every day since we returned home. Thank you to everyone involved. Your incredible attention to detail shows 24/7.”

“Our trip and our guide ‘Young Dave’ exceeded our expectations. He was excellent, he worked so hard to give us the best trip possible always, and is a real credit to New Zealand Trails. Delicious goodies served in breathtakingly beautiful remote places and beautiful lodges what more could anyone ask for? - A walk will never be the same again without our lovely guide Dave!”

“I’ve been raving about this trip, it really was as promised, the trip of a lifetime. The service and adventures and beauty of our time there was brilliant. We couldn't have planned all the adventures and lodging and food and adventures ourselves. And it was great not to have to deal with driving. We'd absolutely recommend this trip!!!”

“The World Heritage Walking Tour was one of the best trips I have ever been on. From the initial inquiries, to planning, to the actual trip itself I couldn't have asked for more. I loved the variety of activities that were offered, the trails were incredibly beautiful and our guides felt like best friends by the end of the trip. I highly recommend experiencing this beautiful country with New Zealand Trails.”

“ ‘EM’ and Amanda were FANTASTIC!!! ‘EM’s' knowledge of the ecology and environment was far superior to any guide experience we have had around the world. Both she and Amanda added a tremendous amount of personal background knowledge regarding the people, traditions, and territory that was incredibly stimulating and appreciated. Both women were very personable and easy to approach. They made a great team.”

“Absolutely fantastic! Well planned out trip. Fantastic food, awesome accommodations and great adventures. Our guides Dave and Kate were the best. No stress at all on this trip!!! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!!! I highly recommend New Zealand Trails!!”

“Our family of 5 had a blast on this trip. We met great people, our guide was fun and engaging and, of course, the star of the trip is the incredible beauty of New Zealand's South Island. We loved the variety of the activities. It's a well thought out, and well-executed, itinerary. I'd highly recommend it to anyone. Happy to talk to others? Yes, sure!”

“New Zealand Trails provided an incredible experience that we have already recommended to others. They did everything possible to make our experience entertaining, challenging, comfortable, informative and simply amazing! As a small group, it just felt like a home away from home – we met some very interesting and wonderful people – and at the end surprisingly it was so hard to say goodbye.”

“My favourite bits were the Milford track, the helicopter, the lunch after drop off, the walk to the end of island and boat back to lodge, the overnight stay, jetboat out and the Hollyford track. We have a programme in the UK called I'm a celebrity!! And that is just what I felt like. You can't improve your service it's already amazing and far exceeded my expectations, the best holiday I have ever had thank you x”

“New Zealand Trails was our first group tour, and they have set the bar so high I wonder if any other tour company can live up to this standard. Experiencing New Zealand by hiking is the core focus, supplemented with a variety of other fun activities. We found this mix just right. Our experienced guide was knowledgeable, supportive and enthusiastic. While there was more hiking than I had expected, I was fine with that. I was gently pushed, and with the great leader and the team effect, I accomplished more than I would have alone. Loved it! The hotels are all comfortable and don't worry about going hungry. They'll feed you well!”

“This trip was everything we hoped for and our guide made it even more unforgettable. The Routeburn and Hollyford were the stand out hikes, the glow worm caves were amazing and we loved the helicopter flight and jet boat. The vehicle was spacious, relaxed and comfortable and everywhere we ate was a joy. Thanks again for all you did to give us a genuine holiday of a lifetime!”

“Our tour guide Dave was fantastic, and we had a wonderful group from US, UK and Australia. Lots of fun and laughs. The walks were great, the forests, waterfalls, raging rivers, and streams all breathtaking. It was a perfect mix of active days and comfortable evenings with lovely dinners, a glass of wine, and the luxury of the accommodation. All the inclusions - guide, additional local guides, activities, meals and accommodation - made it value for money. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys physical activity combined with some comfort. Thanks, you did a great job!”

“We still bask in the afterglow of an extraordinary experience perfectly choreographed and executed by the NZ Trails team. The nature thrills are every bit as wonderful as advertised. What doesn’t come through, largely because the team are quite modest, is the amazing attention to every detail which ensures that all we had to do was enjoy ourselves. Everything is very well thought out and executed to precision. It’s amazing how they are able to keep all of the “back of the house” operations hidden from view so we can enjoy each moment. When Andrew says ‘this is your holiday’, he means it. Everyday he sees to each individual’s needs and tailors activities to suit those needs – from novice trekker to mountain goat. The World Heritage Walking tour is as much a cultural experience as it is a nature one. The hand picked local guides taught us much about the evolution of New Zealand, its flora and fauna, and its Maori and European history. It’s an amazing, rich history unlike any spot on our planet. And, if your camera runs out of battery power, have no fear. The guide is always taking pictures for a Dropbox library of photos taken throughout the adventure made available to you shortly after your return from the trip. New Zealand Trails even incorporates photos taken by other members of the group who are willing to donate their photos to the cause. This is just one way in which New Zealand Trails helps the small tour group make new friends from across the globe. The guides do a great job breaking the ice. Our group quickly bonded and became an enjoyable part of the tour’s experience. Finally, Jodi, in the front office, makes sure we are well prepared before we even begin the journey to New Zealand. She answered all of our questions patiently and responded to every inquiry very quickly. We can’t say enough good things about New Zealand Trails and the World Heritage Walking Tour. You’ll be happy if you sign on with them. Happy Trekking!”

“We took a New Zealand Trails tour and loved the whole trip - my best day was the Milford Track, with boat ride, hiking, boat, then helicopter down Milford Sound, picnic lunch, seals and the stay at the lodge which was fabulous! Our guide was amazing - he seemed to anticipate all of our needs and desires. Best guide ever. The trip was great combination of hiking, eating, relaxing and other activities such as kayaking and caving. Highly recommend New Zealand Trails!”

“I want to let you know that the Dec 10-22 trip that I was on was absolutely fabulous! The best!! I am completely in love with NZ, the most beautiful country I have ever seen and I have seen many. Em was terrific, numero uno, number 1, a wonderful, knowledgeable guide, a fantastic person, and a total delight to explore NZ with. I have already recommended NZ Trails (and Em) to many of my friends, you may see them next year. I had such a great time, I may want to do it again myself! Thank you also for the lovely book about NZ, every time I look at it I will remember the wonderful trip I had. Finally, thank you for planning such a delightful trip, every detail was so well thought out, planned, and organized. It was absolutely spectacular! THANK YOU NZ TRAILS TEAM!!!”

“From the moment we met our guides we relaxed and enjoyed every bit of the holiday. They couldn't have been kinder but also realistic and if they felt an activity would not be a good idea found enjoyable and doable alternatives. We never felt hasselled or a nuisance and the whole group became very companionable. Every day was more exciting than the last, we couldn't believe that there was so much variety in a two week holiday and would highly recommend it.”

“This was the first group tour we have ever done. We immensely enjoyed the variety of activities, the boutique accommodations we stayed in and the food establishments for dining. All were first class and exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Marilyn, was awesome and her local knowledge of the island and of the flora and fauna were a great addition. The itinerary obviously has been well thought through and meticulously planned. Everything went so smoothly, no issues with any of the accommodations, food, hikes, or excursions. This was definitely a trip of a lifetime, and one that will be hard to exceed. We will, and have, referred New Zealand Trails ‘World Heritage Walking Tour’ to anyone who loves to hike and be active on a holiday. We were sad to have it come to an end.”

“There is no better travel experience than walking the land with a congenial group of travelers. This tour gives you a better sense of life in New Zealand than the big, bus tours that visit tourist destinations only. I recommend it to fit, sure-footed people who enjoy the outdoors.”

“This is definitely the very best tour we've been on for a long time, and we have been everywhere from Norway to Alaska and in between. The people, the places and the scenery were above and beyond all expectations. The very best in the world.”

“I would thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone who doesn't want to see NZ through a coach window. It was a lovely mix of activities, and the Heli hike and caves were amazing. The food was excellent everywhere and I enjoyed the wonderful kiwi coffee. I also very much loved having rooms with views. Our guide, Andrew, was great at ensuring we all had a good time and reassuring us that we could go at our own pace. This tour suited my needs and fitness level very well. It has been a holiday of a lifetime and I would love to do it all again!!”

“We saw so many places and got to hike all the great walks, my favourite was the Routeburn - lots of variety and beautiful scenery. Amazing food and accommodation made for a great trip and Marilyn was the best guide ever! She went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect and taken care of ahead of time. She made the trip for us and I'm so glad she was our guide.”

“The trip with New Zealand Trails was wonderful. We saw and did an amazing amount of sights and activities during our stay. I don't think I would have been able to find several of the activities if I had come to New Zealand on my own. The helicopter ride to Martin's Bay with the walk to the seal rookery, the trip out to the island in Wanaka Lake, and the glow worm cave tour were especially memorable.”

“We had really high hopes that our New Zealand trip would be a good one - and not only was it good - it was fabulous! The group was so easy to be around and our guide was the best. We'll have wonderful memories. Thanks again for the photobook you gave us too.”

“The trip was great! New Zealand Trails exceeded our expectations in every way. Food, lodging and itinerary were all very much First Rate! Marilyn is a superb guide – she really did amplify the fun and quality of our experience. Thanks again.”

“The accommodation, guides, hikes and organisation throughout the trip were exceptional. There was not a single hike I didn’t enjoy! Along the way, it was wonderful to have such good guides – they were knowledgable, great fun to be with, highly professional and dedicated. Everything was talked about or presented with enthusiasm and a lovely sense of humour. Many thanks to New Zealand Trails and Marilyn for a wonderful group hiking tour. It was the highlight of my holiday in New Zealand. ”

“This is probably the top vacation my wife and I have ever taken. The sights, the hikes, the food, our guide Andrew and the accommodation were all first class. The boat rides and the helicopter flight made more exotic destinations possible without having to hike for days to get there. If you like the outdoors and you want to see New Zealand (and you should - I knew it would be wonderful, but it still exceeded my expectations), I would not hesitate to recommend New Zealand Trails. Absolutely a first rate tour.”

“This holiday ticked more boxes than I even knew possible. The walks, accommodation and food were first class from start to finish and our guide, Marilyn, was a real star - her enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for your country shines through in everything. She has antennae for picking up on clients' interests and tailoring, pointing out or making suggestions to make sure they get the maximum out of the trip. Thank you again for the planning, attention to detail and obvious love of New Zealand which went into our trip.”

“I wanted the opportunity to see a lot of the South Island, to get off the beaten track and to have an active and exciting holiday. On this tour I did all of these things. I also had great food, stayed in excellent accommodation and had knowledgable, friendly guides to explain so much about the country, the flora and fauna. Each day seemed to be better than the great day before. It was the holiday of a lifetime. A fantastic trip – thank you.”

“You certainly fulfilled your mission statement – I will remember my holiday with New Zealand Trails for life. Our tour guide, Marilyn, proved to be excellent and had amazing knowledge of New Zealand. Nothing was too much trouble and she made sure everyone's needs were catered for - Marilyn made a great holiday even better! For me, the highlights were visiting Milford Sound, Martins Bay and the Hollyford track. The walking was simply spectacular, the hosts were warm and welcoming and the food was beautiful. Thanks for an unforgettable trip!”

“We have both had an awesome time with our guide Marilyn and your team, visiting some truly magnificent places in New Zealand. Thanks New Zealand Trails - everything was well organized, right from the initial inquiry until we climbed aboard. Travelling in a comfortable bus, eating delicious meals, staying in special locations - New Zealand Trails organized an itinerary that pleased us all! We have made some new friends and have so many fabulous memories that we will treasure for years to come. Thanks so much for your hospitality.”

“Our experience with New Zealand Trails will be a memorable one for all the right reasons. We enjoyed every moment, the company, activities and hikes. The glow worms especially were spectacular and I enjoyed tubing in the caves. Each day was unique, varied, well planned and interesting. The food was very good and of a very high quality – it was a part of the holiday and I looked forward to every meal! A big thank you to our guide Andrew and New Zealand Trails for such a wonderful time.”

“As a normally independent traveller it was wonderful to experience small group travel with New Zealand Trails. I was able to participate in many unique and interesting activities that I may not have done if travelling by myself. I particularly enjoyed the helicopter flight, as I hadn’t flown in one before. Having everything meticulously organised for me meant that I was able to relax and truly enjoy my time in New Zealand. The trip was great value, and I feel that I had an active, involved holiday. Thanks again!”

“The unique hiking options, activities and quality accommodation were what originally drew me to New Zealand Trails. I had a great time! This is a most enjoyable and fun adventure trip showcasing a large area of the South Island in comfort. Two standout experiences were the glowworm cave adventure and Milford Sound. I feel like I have learnt so much about New Zealand – geography, history, bird life, glaciers and that ‘funny’ accent! The trip definitely exceeded my expectations.”

“Our tour with New Zealand Trails showcased a very special side of the country that we didn’t know existed. We especially enjoyed floating through glowworm caves on rafts and the helicopter flight over Milford Sound to Martins Bay. The Mou Waho nature trek was a real highlight – we loved the 360 degree views over Lake Wanaka. Excellent accommodation and meals and a fantastic small group made this a holiday to remember.”

“We had a wonderful time with New Zealand Trails and would recommend the tour enthusiastically. The itinerary was fantastic – just about perfect – and everyday felt rich and fulfilling. Marilyn was an excellent tour guide and was impressively attentive to our needs and interests. Accommodation was excellent, the food was well done and we had a delightful group of amiable folks. All in all, the trip couldn’t have been any better. Thank you for a wonderful experience!”

“Wow! I did not want our trip with New Zealand Trails to end! Such a gorgeous country, with wonderful hikes, boating, animals, etc. And excellent knowledgeable guides throughout – Marilyn was splendid; knowledgeable, perceptive, attentive, and a skilled driver. Definitely would recommend it!”

“We have travelled to over 40 countries over the years but this was by far the best and most memorable trip we have been on. It exceeded our every expectation. The itinerary was very thoughtfully planned and included a whole myriad of activities, which enabled us to enjoy this uniquely beautiful part of the world. Our guide Andrew was outstanding and was knowledgeable, caring, safe and paid attention to every detail. My wife and I would unhesitatingly recommend this trip and New Zealand Trails without any reservations whatsoever.”

“Our trip to New Zealand was truly an unforgettable life experience, a ‘bucket list’ trip for us. The incredible friends we made, amazing places we saw, the grandeur and beauty of New Zealand and its people will forever be in our hearts. The New Zealand Trails World Heritage Walking tour is perfect in every way.”

“To New Zealand we travelled quite out of the blue, 6 Texans plus 3 with nary a clue Of the fabulous adventure lying ahead, thru thoughtful itinerary from A to Zed Hiking, no - tramping, with M and Andrew, thru Arthur's Pass hail and Mt Cook skies so blue We saw foliage, rocks, flowers, who knew?! Lots-o-birds, some actually flew! Across the South Isle we did some neat hopping, stopped for scenics and toilets but not enough shopping! We traversed via rail, land, sea and air, the lap of luxury, food and accommodations beyond compare The most memorable of holidays - can't say enough, except that we're STAYING And that's no bluff!!”

“NZ Trails have done a brilliant job of coordinating and organizing the tour, everything came off without a hitch. The guide was stellar and did everything to ensure we were all comfortable and had everything we needed. The lodgings were comfortable, spacious and clean and the meals outstanding. New Zealand is a lovely country and Kiwis are among some of the friendliest and most helpful people I've met in my travels. I would highly recommend New Zealand Trails to anyone contemplating an active holiday which allows you to focus on the fun without worrying about the details.”

“This tour perfectly matched our requirements for comfort, adventure, outdoors/hiking and experiencing the country. The guide was first rate, he took care of us from day 1 and went out of his way to ensure we had a great time. We were sorry to leave the tour at the end and wished we had booked the 13 day tour to go star gazing and hiking at Mount Cook.”

“With only a short time available for travelling in NZ, I was looking for a tour which took care of everything and showed me the best the country has to offer and New Zealand Trails delivered in every way. The itinerary was fantastic, it just kept getting better and better. The guide was friendly, always available and really knowledgable, which meant I learnt so much in the short time I was there. My favourite place on the whole trip was Punakaiki and favourite activity was the jetboat up the Hollyford River, which was awesome. Keep up the good work New Zealand Trails.”

“An active New Zealand holiday adventure for anyone who also enjoys a bit of luxury. I loved the walk on the Milford Track and the riverside hiking at Punakaiki. The glowworm caves were great, the drive into Milford Sound was quite spectacular as was the helicopter ride into the Hollyford Valley where the lodge at Martins Bay was one my favourite places on the whole trip. Our group gelled really well, Andrew looked after us well and kept us informed and entertained. Memories to last a lifetime and seeing the photos has bought it all back. Many thanks New Zealand Trails.”

“The guide on our tour was exceptional - friends asked me what the highlight of the trip was, for me it was learning so much about the history, culture, geography, fauna and flora of New Zealand. This trip was a special treat for myself with very good accommodation and amazing food. For a little luxury with your walking - New Zealand Trails is the one.”

“The trip is a great overview of the South Island and you come away having learned so much and with wonderful friends and memories. The guide looked after us so well and anticipated our every need so that I always felt completely relaxed and comfortable about leaving everything in his capable hands. I was constantly delighted by the little extras that were not mentioned in the itinerary. 13 days very well spent!”

“My New Zealand walking tour with NZ Trails was the trip of a lifetime - truely excellent. Our guide Andrew was fantastic, he was extremely knowledgable, friendly and well organized. Our tour included a great mix of trail hiking and other fun activities (kayaking, glowworm cave, glacier hiking, winery visits etc.) I don't normally travel on guided tours like this but was so glad I did and it was absolutely worth every penny. The accommodation and meals were also excellent. Out of five stars, I give this tour a six!”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our New Zealand walking tour with New Zealand Trails. Our guide Andrew was outstanding and his knowledge of geology, history and the environment made every day a learning experience. The hiking trails were amazing and we did so many things like riding in a jet boat and a helicopter for the first time. Everything was very well planned, with outstanding accommodation and excellent restaurants. We have very fond memories of our trip and are already recommending it to our active friends.”

“I've done a number of trips with other tour companies in a number of countries including U.S.A. Canada, Alaska, South America, Europe, Asia and here in Australia but your guides Bruce and Dave were by far the best I've ever encountered! Nothing was too much trouble for them. Their initiative and thoughtfulness combined with a great sense of humour enhanced the trip for the whole group. I’ve already recommended it to my family and friends.”

“Our World Heritage tour was absolutely perfect in every way, every detail arranged with care and thoughtfulness, and the best customer service we have experienced in our worldwide travels. We especially want to call your attention to the work done by our guides Josh and Dave to ensure that we were safe, happy, and well taken care of throughout. We are well aware that the behind the scenes logistics required for an itinerary of this magnitude is no simple task! They handled everything in advance so that one activity flowed to the next seamlessly, and maintained a cheerful, enthusiastic attitude while juggling many balls in the air at once. New Zealand Trails is fortunate indeed to have Josh mentoring Dave and setting such an outstanding example of responsible and reassuring customer service. He was a standout guide in every way.”

“This trip was everything we expected and more! We absolutely loved New Zealand, and your company was a big contributor to that. Great guides, great, itinerary, great travel companions. It really was just fabulous!”

“We enjoyed all the activities, all the hikes were great, we especially loved the Routeburn Track. Would definitely travel with you again! I am already thinking of a follow up trip, perhaps explore a little more of the North Island.”

My husband and I have been on many guided hiking tours and Josh was by far the best guide we have ever encountered. He was friendly, attentive and made sure everyone on the trip got what they wanted out of the trip. He made it look easy and did everything behind the scenes when we weren't around. He is truly a professional and was a great ambassador for your company.

I can't wait to recommend New Zealand as a destination and will highly recommend New Zealand Trails. It far exceeded my expectations. It was a pleasure to have Dave make all the arrangements, confirmations, drive, etc. It was a true vacation not to be concerned about any timetables or make any decisions except what wine to drink with dinner. It was just the right amount of activity, relaxing, driving and sightseeing. I was the 'good' tired every night.

I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed my trip to New Zealand, how I admire the beauty of New Zealand, and what a great tour New Zealand Trails provided. Every detail of the trip was perfect.

New Zealand has long been a “bucket list” destination for me, and this trip exceeded even my high expectations. Even at the end of two weeks on the road, I was sorry that it was over! Our guides Courtney and Will were terrific, very helpful, knowledgeable, supportive and fun. They did so much work behind the scenes to make everything seem easy, and they did a great job of melding our group into a cohesive, friendly unit in just a few days. I‘ve been raving about this trip since returning and wish I could go back!

I had a great trip and New Zealand surpassed my expectations in terms of beauty. I was lucky to be with such a small group… Most of the hotels were so great I wish I could've stayed at least one more night.

Courtney and Andrew were a truly excellent team. We’ve travelled all over the world and they were the best we’ve ever encountered. They were both very attentive to our needs at all times. We were always prepped ahead of time and well prepared for each and every day. Courtney is a very gifted guide and knows so much about all of New Zealand, including all flora and fauna and the islands history. Thank you for hiring such fabulous guides. Andrew and Courtney truly made the trip for us. It was fabulous.

This was the most fantastic trip of a lifetime. We have the very best memories and photos. The team at New Zealand Trails along with our incredible guides took all the worries out of planning our trip and it was so much fun. The guides knowledge of NZ, plants, trees, the meals, the accommodation etc etc exceeded our expectations. Thank you.

It was a wonderful experience - thanks to all the people involved. My guide Andrew's attention to detail and organisational skills were amazing. He listened to the smallest comment and acted on it - for instance, I mentioned I'd like a bathtub and he went out of his way to ask the hotels for a room with one for me.