Easy Walks In New Zealand – From £4,445

Grand Millenium Hotel

Collect your rental car and drive South across the rolling farmlands of the Waikato to Rotorua.

En route visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, time to explore Rotorua’s attractions, including Te Puia, the Maori Arts & Crafts centre, and thermal springs area.

Enjoy a marvellous day’s outing to the Waimangu Valley, created by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886.

The walk passes such attractions as the Waimangu Cauldron (a pale blue lake steaming quietly at 53˚C), Echo Crater, Frying Pan Lake and Cathedral Rock, before reaching the shores of Lake Rotomahana (Distance: 4.5km / 3 miles).

Cruise to Lake Tarawera and take a walk to the buried village of Te Wairoa. In the evening, attend a concert and traditional Maori ‘Hangi’.

Distinction Rotorua

Drive via Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, to the Tongariro National Park. Choose from a selection of walks and sightseeing possibilities in this beautiful region of volcanic peaks.

Our suggested walks include:

Taranaki Falls: A walk through open tussock and forest to the falls which plunge over the edge on an ancient lava flow. A good area to observe small native birds including the Fantail, Grey Warbler and tiny Rifleman, flitting among the mountain beech trees in search of insects (Distance: 6km /4 miles Ascent/descent: 45m /150ft)

Tama Lakes: This walk continues from Taranaki Falls to the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes, offering fine views of Mounts Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.
(Distance: 16km /10 miles. Ascent/descent: 440m /1,440ft)

Tongariro Crossing: Often described as the finest one day walk in New Zealand, this eight hour trek offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and parklands (Distance: 16km / 10 miles Ascent: 780m / 2,550ft Descent:1,130m / 3,700ft)

Alternatively – stay one night in Tongariro and on day 6 continue on to Egmont National Park to walk an excellent day walk – The Pouakai Crossing. A rival to the Tongariro Crossing this day walk has all the challenge and scenic highlights without the crowds of people.

Bayview Chateau

A full day’s drive across the Bombay Hills and down the Kapiti Coastline to Wellington.

In the Capital city head up on the Kelburn cable car ride for great views of the harbour and a pleasant walk through the botanical gardens. Visit Te Papa New Zealand’s premier museum and showcase of the country’s art and history.

James Cook Chancellor Hotel

Leave your car at the Wellington rental location and board the Interisland Ferry for a cruise across the Cook Strait to Picton. Collect your South Island vehicle and continue to Nelson, the “Sunshine City of New Zealand”.

Trailways Inn

Leave your car at your accommodation and take the coach from Nelson to Kaiteriteri.

From the protected beach at Kaiteriteri, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise along the spectacular Abel Tasman coast with its forest-fringed bays, sculpted granite headlands and off-shore islands. Disembark at Medlands Beach.

A 10 minute stroll takes you to popular Bark Bay. Swim in calm azure waters, sunbathe or relax in the shade of native forest trees.

A forested track around the estuary (4 kms or 2.5 miles) takes you to Bark Bay Falls and Swing Bridge (approx. 1 hour return). Return by coach to Nelson.

Trailways Inn

Travel through the rugged Buller Gorge, to the west coast. En route stop at beautiful Lake Rotoiti for short walks in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Visit dramatic Cape Foulwind and walk in Paparoa National Park. Paparoa is a wonderful
limestone landscape of fluted rock formations, natural arches and cave systems which are still being shaped by rain and underground rivers.

Cape Foulwind Walkway: A coastal walk reflecting the rugged beauty of the west coast with a chance to see a colony of fur seals en route. (Distance: 3km / 2 miles)

Paparoa National Park: Short walks to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Dolomite Point. (Distance: 2km / 1¼ miles)

Punakaiki Resort

Continue south to the village of Fox Glacier with a stop at Franz Josef.

Stretching from the dramatic blue-white peaks of the Southern Alps down to lush rainforest just 200m above sea level, the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are an awesome sight. They are part of the Westland National Park, which together with Mount Cook, has been honoured as a World Heritage Park. In the afternoon walk to the glaciers or take a guided trek or helicopter flight.

Franz Josef glacier walk: (Distance: 5km / 3 miles return)
Fox Glacier walk: (Distance: 5km / 3 miles return)

Fox Mountain View

From Fox, we travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and tiny settlements, and on through the Haast Pass to Wanaka.

Stop is at Lake Matheson, for a walk through Kakikatea, Korimiku and Lacewood forest, along the water’s edge. The lake produces brilliant reflections of the Southern Alps in the early mornings. (Distance: 2km / 1 mile return)

Enjoy selected walks along the Matukituki valley Walking across open river terraces there are superb views of the Rob Roy Glacier, Mount Tyndall and the Shotover Saddle (12 miles (19km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent /descent).

A shorter version of this valley walk, returning from Cascade Hut, is also possible (9 miles (14km) with 300ft (90m) of ascent/descent).

Criffel Peak Bed & Breakfast

There are a variety of walks and activities to enjoy in this spectacular region. From easy walks through the town’s gardens to adrenalin pumping pursuits such as bungy jumping, parapenting and skydiving you’ll find much on offer . A cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu and a ride on the gondola lift to the Skyline Restaurant for an evening meal high above the town is highly recommended.

Walk possibilities:
Frankton Arm Track: A pleasant walk around Lake Wakatipu with views to the Remarkables, Walter Peak and Queenstown Hill. (Distance: 12km / 7 ½ miles)

Queenstown Hill: Walk to the summit for excellent views over Lake Wakatipu and a panorama of the surrounding mountains. An easy steady climb. (Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles return Ascent/descent: 500m / 1,670ft)

Bob’s Cove: A sheltered, secluded bay 14km from Queenstown. An enjoyable lakeshore walk through beech forest, home to a variety of wildlife. (Distance: 4.5km / 3 miles)

The Moonlight Trail: An excellent day walk over the Ben Lomond saddle to Arthur’s Point, following the trail of the early gold diggers who sought their fortune at Moonlight and Moke Creek. In good weather we’ve magnificent views of the Wakatipu region. (Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles. Ascent: 645m / 2,120ft, descent: 1,060m / 3,465ft)

Lake Dispute and Moke Lake: These trails offer fine views of the Wakatipu shoreline and surrounding peaks. (Distance: 9km / 6 miles. Ascent/descent: 220m / 720ft)

The Mount Crichton Scenic Reserve: A circular walk through mountain beech forest and open pastures offering good views of the western edge of Lake Wakatipu. (Distance: 6km/3.75 miles. Ascent/descent: 370m/1,210ft)

Copthorne Lake Front Hotel

A short drive south to Te Anau, is the base for your exploration of the Fiordland National Park. Here you can enjoy walking amongst stunning alpine scenery. There are a range of day walks and the opportunity to extend your holiday by walking the Milford or Routeburn tracks. Coach and excursions to Milford or Doubtful Sounds are one of the highlights of this holiday.

Distinction Te Anau Hotel

Leave Te Anau to travel to the picturesque gold rush village of Arrowtown, from where you continue into the legendary MacKenzie Country. Here you’ll stay in the small village of Twizel near Mount Cook.

Mackenzie Country Inn

Mackenzie Country Inn

The final journey of your holiday, via Tekapo to Christchurch.

At Tekapo ascend Mt John for superb views of the area. Cross Burke’s Pass and drive across the Canterbury Plains to the Garden city.

This most English of New Zealand cities suffered a succession of terrible earthquakes in early 2011. Christchurch is re-inventing itself with typical Kiwi spirit and exciting new sights include the ‘cardboard’ cathedral and Re:START shopping mall in re-purposed shipping containers. A guided tour of the city will help you to understand the past including the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the present and future hopes for the city.

Head into the Port Hills to enjoy short walks for views to Lyttleton and across the Canterbury Plains.

Orari Bed & Breakfast

Return your rental vehicle to the Airport depot and depart on your homeward flight.