Where to Walk: the 7 Best Mountain and Summit Hikes in New Zealand

1.Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 283 reviews · from $121Our pick

Travel from Rotorua into the volcanic country around Mt Tarawera, then hike with a professional Kiwi guide toward the crater rim. Hear about the 1886 eruption, Māori connections to the maunga, and the Waimangu Valley. The 4.5-hour trip includes hotel pickup, panoramic views, and an optional run down loose volcanic scree.

“Spectacular views and guides! Highly recommend and would absolutely do it again. Hike met all of our expectations and more!”

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2.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport onto Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking through changing ice formations with a guide such as Hunter, Tori, Anna, or Rich. Boots, crampons, socks, and waterproof layers are supplied. Two helicopter flights frame the hike, weather permitting.

“AMAZING! Loved it! Worth every cent! Tory our guide was 10/10 so knowledgeable, kind and friendly. She really went above and beyond making our day special. Information and introduction at the beginning was presented well and clear. Jackets and pants included were good quality. Helicopter ride breathtaking.”

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3.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, then spend about two hours walking on the ice with a guide such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, or Jess. You get glacier boots, crampons, and a jacket if needed, plus close views of Aoraki, Mount Tasman, and the Hochstetter Icefall. Weather can change the plan.

“Magnificent views with breathtaking experience, a professional glacier hiking guidance of Kerry, a great pilot with smooth helicopter ride. A 7 stars journey.”

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4.Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 151 reviews · from $134

Cruise 45 minutes across Lake Whakatipu aboard the 1912 TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, then join an English-speaking guide for a gentle 40 to 45-minute horse trek at Walter Peak. The ride suits first-time and novice riders, with groups limited to six per guide. Tea, coffee, scones, and muffins follow at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.

“Spectacular place, guide was awesome. All around a good time”

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5.From Queenstown: Mount Cook Heli-Hike and Bus Tour Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 42 reviews · 12 hours · from $723

Leave Queenstown early for a guided 12-hour journey to Aoraki Mt Cook. You’ll cross the Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, and Lake Pukaki before taking two helicopter flights and walking on the Tasman Glacier with a mountain guide. The trip also includes High Country Salmon and Jackson Orchards. Guide Mati is noted for his patient, passionate style.

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6.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $601

Take a scenic helicopter flight from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, then spend about two hours hiking the ice with a guide. Boots, crampons, poles, wool socks, and waterproof clothing are supplied. Guides such as Connor, Emma, Scott, and Matt have helped make the glacier’s caves and ice forms come alive.

“Such an amazing experience to see the glacier and hike on it. The hiking guide was friendly and informative. Boots and crampons were provided. Tip to bring waterproof gloves if sprinkling. Our trip was one of the rare ones that week since Read more”

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7.Rotorua: Kaituna Rafting & Mt. Tarawera Guided Hike Combo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 9 hours · from $200

Pair a guided Mt Tarawera crater hike with whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River. You’ll ride a 4x4 to the volcano, walk to panoramic views, then tackle 14 rapids and 7-meter Tūtea Falls with local guides. Jesse, Caruzo, and Ben are among the guides associated with this experience, though teams can change.

“We had Ben as a guide, the whole experience was fantastic”

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