Aotearoa New Zealand has the kind of inspiring landscapes and natural appeal that compel you to get outdoors. Discover why New Zealand is the ultimate trail destination for your clients’ walking and hiking holidays, plus go on a self-famil of your own in 2026.
Why be a passive observer when you can actively participate in nature on a walking and hiking holiday to New Zealand? It’s easy to get amongst New Zealand’s trail options for active escapes, from short walks and day walks to multi-day hikes and Great Walks.
New Zealand has thousands of kilometres of tracks criss-crossing the country, where the view is nothing less than extraordinary – traversing volcanic landscapes, ancient rainforests and dramatic coastlines.
And there’s something for all fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging multi-day tramping. Many walking tracks are open year-round and easily reached from cities, towns and major highways.
More than three in four (78%) international travellers embark on walking and hiking adventures in Aotearoa New Zealand – and you can inspire your clients to book a New Zealand walking and hiking holiday or enjoy your own self-famil.
If your clients are keen for active escapes in New Zealand, tell them to walk this way…
Short Walks
For clients with anything from minutes to a few hours, short walks are ideally suited for families and travellers who are after casual and accessible walking experiences on the go.
On the South Island, the Blue Pools Track in Wānaka, an easy, one-hour 3km return walk through native beech forests and swing bridges to the titular blue pools of the most stunning azure hue on the Makarora River.
There’s also the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway – a longer, but still gentle, three-hour, 11.7km coastal loop over the lush clifftop with ocean views and seal sightings that starts and ends in Kaikōura city centre.
Day Walks
Inspire your clients to explore more of the outdoors on a full-day ramble where they can soak up the views on a full-day walk and still be back in time for a delicious dinner.
New Zealand’s North Island has two top Active Escapes choices for day walks: Tama Lakes Track in the Central North Island region and Te Whara Track in Northland.
The 17.6km out-and-back Tama Lakes Track for intermediate walkers is a five- to six-hour tramping trail in Tongariro National Park – think alpine peaks, lakes and waterfalls.
Meanwhile, the 7.6km Te Whara Track is a more challenging one-way, five- to six-hour hike with steep climbs that follows an ancient Māori trail through forests studded with WWII radar station ruins and 360-degree coastal views.
Multi-Day Walks
For those who want to overnight in New Zealand’s pristine wilderness and experience an adventurous path across a few days, check out these multi-day walks.
Take two to three days to hike the picturesque Pouākai Circuit in Taranaki – a 25km advanced track through highlands and rainforest with arresting views of the maunga (mountain), tarns (lakes) and even an alpine swamp.
Across three to five days, your clients can tackle the 70km Queen Charlotte Track with views of the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, including options for luggage transfers and boutique lodge stays for a bougie experience.
Great Walks
New Zealand has 11 hallowed Great Walks, classic and premier tramping tracks signified by immersive access to epic landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage.
The intermediate 60km Abel Tasman Coast Track at the top of the South Island justifiably claims its epic status, from the boat-only access to classic golden beaches, coastal forests and clear bays, best explored across three to five days.
New Zealand’s number-one Great Walk and most famous multi-day hike, the intermediate-graded 53.5km Milford Track retraces the steps of early explorers through alpine landscapes and rainforest, ending at the iconic Milford Sound after four days.
Tracking ahead
Level up with Tourism New Zealand’s Scenic Walks & Hikes advanced course as part of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme.
It’s easier than training for a Great Walk – courses are designed for busy travel advisors with short modules available on any device that you can complete at your own pace.
The Scenic Walks & Hikes course is available to Graduate and Advanced Specialists, featuring bookable experiences plus insider tips on walking and hiking safety to ensure your clients make the most of their outdoor adventures.
Set off on a self-famil in New Zealand
Graduate and Advanced Specialists can also apply for the Explore New Zealand Discount Programme and access exclusive deals across flights, accommodation, activities and transport via Air New Zealand, Qantas and Qualmark-accredited tourism businesses.
The trade-only program allows you to create a self-famil itinerary for two, accessing more than 480 deals from free offers to up to 30 per cent off travel in off-peak months.
Tourism New Zealand’s self-famils allows you to go when you want (between March and November) and do what you want (across 25 regions) with whoever you want (your travel companion doesn’t have to be in the industry).
It’s open to full-time Aussie travel advisors who are: Graduate and Advanced Specialists, members of the Australia Closed Facebook Group and Australia Trade Newsletter subscribers.
When you actively experience New Zealand firsthand, you’ll know more about Active Escapes and be able to sell more to your clients.
Ready to learn and explore more of New Zealand? Head to onlinemodules.newzealand.com
This article is brought to you by Tourism New Zealand:
