Where to Walk: the 4 Best Mountain and Summit Hikes in New Zealand

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience - Kaitiaki Adventures and the start of the route

★★★★★★★★★★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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3-Hour Experiences, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Helicopter Tours, Hiking Tours, Mountain & Summit Hikes, Mountain and Summit Hikes in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

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

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-Hour Experiences, Glacier Hikes, Glacier Hikes in New Zealand, Hiking Tours, Mountain & Summit Hikes, Mountain and Summit Hikes in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

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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Hiking Tours, Horses, Lake & Lagoon Hikes, Mountain & Summit Hikes, Mountain and Summit Hikes in New Zealand, New Zealand Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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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Other ways to spend the day on foot

Mountain & Summit Hikes129 Volcano Hikes97 Waterfall Hikes60 Guided Day Hikes93 Glacier Hikes51 National Park Hikes42

Where to Walk: the 4 Best Mountain and Summit Hikes in New Zealand

Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

1.Rotorua Hiking: Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience

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

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

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

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

Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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

Pick a kind of walking day

Above the treeline

Water and rock

How you walk it

Trees and trails