14 Day New Zealand Classic Walks Package

Enjoy day hikes and multi-day New Zealand hiking tours on this self-drive holiday package. Experience New Zealand’s top trails, from the Tongariro Crossing to the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and immerse yourself in wilderness.

Each of the included New Zealand hiking tours is hosted by an experienced guide who will enrich your experience. Enjoy stories, history, and information on the natural wonders you encounter along the way.

On each of the multi-day New Zealand hiking tours, stay at lodges and enjoy hot meals prepared by your host–no need to pack bulky hiking gear.

Read on for more details on the 14 Day New Zealand Classic Walks Package.

14 Day New Zealand Classic Walks Package | New Zealand Hiking Tours

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbours. Collect your rental car from the airport and make your way to your accommodation.

Relax in Auckland. Your options include visiting the Sky Tower, the Auckland Zoo, or Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World; venturing to one of Auckland’s stunning beaches or West Auckland wineries; or doing a spot of shopping.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 2 Taupo

Driving time Auckland to Taupo 275 km / 170 miles, 3.5 hours

Make your way to Taupo today. Taupo is rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited attraction, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second. Keeping with the water theme, Taupo is a great lake for trout fishing, boat cruises, water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience.

Stay 2 nights in Taupo.

Day 3 Taupo > Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Included in New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks, the well known Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must do day walk. After getting picked up from your accommodation in Taupo travel to the start of the trail at Mangatepopo Valley. This walk takes you up and over the Mt Tongariro & Mt Ngauruhoe saddle, and past the South Crater and the Red Crater summit with great photo opportunities. Descending to the Emerald Lakes for lunch, refreshment and a well earned break. Continue on up and over Mount Tongariro then it’s down hill from there. A great walk in both summer and winter. Moderate fitness levels required.

Return to Taupo for the evening.

Day 4 Wellington

Driving time Taupo to Wellington 375 km / 233 miles, 4.5 hours

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, has so much to offer. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour, surrounded by rolling hills, it’s a city rich in culture waiting to be explored. From shopping to live theatre, Te Papa Tongarewa the Museum of New Zealand and more – Wellington has something for everyone.

Wellington’s top attractions include Te Papa, Weta Workshop, Wellington Cable Car, Mt Victoria Lookout and Wellington Zoo.

Stay 1 night in Wellington.

Day 5 Nelson

Sailing time Wellington to Picton 70 km / 43 miles, 3 hours
Driving time Picton to Nelson 134 km / 83 miles, 2 hours

It’s all about the journey today as you board the Interislander Cook Strait Ferry, which will transport you on a scenic cruise to Picton. Back on dry land drive through Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region, to reach your destination Nelson.

Enjoy New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours and discover the creative paradise that is Nelson, with artists, galleries, local markets and gourmet cafés.

Stay 1 night in Nelson.

Day 6 Nelson > Abel Tasman Coastal Track

The first day of the Abel Tasman Coast Walk! You will be picked up from your accommodation in Nelson; and travel to Motueka for a welcome briefing. Then it’s all aboard the Vista Cruise for a safe, fast and comfortable cruise along the National Park coastline. Disembark in Totaranui, where you will start your walk through mature beech and rata forest and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa. Walk or take a boat across the inlet to the Meadowbank Homestead, where you’ll be welcomed with pre-dinner drinks and fine food. Walk for 2 hours (approximately 6 km / 3.7 miles).

Stay 1 night at Meadowbank Homestead.

Day 7 Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Day two of the Abel Tasman Coastal walk and you’ll wake up to a home-cooked breakfast to prepare you for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay. A longer day of walking today with about  7 hours (16 km / 10 miles) through native forest with magnificent coast views and along golden beaches. Arrive at Torrent Bay Lodge right on beachfront where you will relax for the evening. A shorter walking option is available with 9 km / 5.5 miles of walking and cruise on the Vista catamaran.

Stay 1 night at Torrent Bay Lodge.

Day 8 Abel Tasman Coastal Track > Nelson

On the final day wake up to the morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Then onward along the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panoramic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. Walk 4 – 5 hours (13 – 16 km / 8 – 10 miles) depending on tides. Returning to Nelson by 5.30 pm.

Stay 1 night in Nelson.

Day 9 Franz Josef

Driving time Nelson to Franz Josef 458 km / 284 miles, 6 hours

Head south today through the Nelson Lakes National Park, be sure to stop in Murchison along the way. Where an earthquake in 1929 caused the land to uplift and create the Murchison Falls along the Buller River. A good place to stop for lunch is Greymouth, this mining town sits on the West Coast of the South Island. Just south of here is Shantytown a replica gold-mining town were you can try your luck at panning for gold, ride the vintage coal train and stroll around the old shops that would have existed during the 19th century on the West Coast. Be sure to visit Franz Josef Glacier if you have time on arrival or the next morning.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 10 Wanaka

Driving time Franz Josef to Wanaka 285 km / 175 miles, 4 hours

The change in landscape will amaze you as you travel down the West Coast. Thirty minutes south of Franz Josef lies Fox Glacier. A beautiful walk in Fox Glacier is the Lake Matheson Walk, which is a 2.6 km return circuit to view the famous mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. After you have explored Fox Glacier, enjoy the stunning drive through to Wanaka. There are many short walks and viewing points to take in along the Haast Pass Highway to break the journey.

In the afternoon you have many options, you may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s iconic illusional attraction as well as the famous toy and transport museum. You may also want to take a look around Wanaka’s shops, stroll around the lake’s edge, or indulge in one of the many activities on offer.

Stay 1 night in Wanaka.

Day 11 Te Anau

Driving time Wanaka to Te Anau 225 km / 140 miles, 3.5 hours

Enjoy a releaxing morning and depart at your leisure for Te Anau. Drive over the beautiful Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, and admire the vistas from fantastic viewing points. Be sure to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a refreshment, coffee or food platter before continuing on to Te Anau.

Nestled on the edge of a lake, the picturesque township of Te Anau is the main visitor base for the glacier-carved wilderness that is Fiordland National Park.

Stay 1 night in Te Anau.

Day 12 Te Anau > Hollyford Track

Today is the first of three days on the Hollyford Track. This incredible walk re-traces footsteps of original Maori and early pioneer explorers, as the track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside impressive tumbling waterfalls. At the end of your first day’s adventure you’ll be welcomed at Pyke Lodge by your friendly lodge host. Enjoy a hot shower, 3 course dinner and opportunity to relax with a post dinner drink.

Stay 1 night at Pyke Lodge.

Day 13 Hollyford Track

After a short walk you’ll board a jet board for the next part of the adventure. Travel along the Hollyford River and down Lake McKerrow with glassy water whisking past and mountains rising dramatically above. Keep an eye out for Bottlenose dolphins who regularly visit the lower river and lake. Continue onwards walking through ancient forest giants such as native Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea, some believed to be up to 1000 years old. Martins Bay Lodge completes a special second day and glasses are raised to the traditional ‘Hollyford Toast’ as a memorable way to finish your day.

Stay 1 night at Martins Bay Lodge.

Day 14 Hollyford Track > Te Anau

Day three and your last day on the Hollyford Track, explore the historical sites of Maori occupation of the area where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley. Discover the diverse wildlife and plants of this unique environment. Wander the sand dunes and an along isolated beach before returning to Martins Bay Lodge for lunch. Here you will bid farewell to the track and your hosts as you board your aircraft for a scenic flight along the rugged coast and into the truly spectacular and dramatic Milford Sound. Once in Milford you’ll be met by your return shuttle host and travel the impressive Milford Road through the famous Homer tunnel before returning to Te Anau.

Stay 1 night in Te Anau.

Day 15 Depart Queenstown

Driving time Te Anau to Queenstown 170 km / 105 miles, 2.5 hours

Journey to Queenstown today, drop off your rental car at Queenstown Airport and depart Queenstown.

Planning New Zealand Hiking Tours

A few of the New Zealand hiking tours included in this package only depart on certain days of the week, depending on the season. As you begin planning your New Zealand holiday, we recommend keeping your dates flexible so we can advise which departures are available.

The multi-day hikes included in this New Zealand hiking tour are among the best in New Zealand. Explore diverse landscapes, from volcanoes and beaches to lush temperate rainforest. In addition, you have the option to enjoy self-guided day hikes along the way.

For inspiration, you may wish to read the Comprehensive List of New Zealand’s Greatest Hikes.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your unforgettable hiking tour.