Walking in New Zealand

New Zealand - Trip code WZN Walking and Trekking
Carbon Footprint Leaf Icon
328Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Explore the breathtaking great outdoors of the Land of the Long White Cloud on this walking holiday in New Zealand. Traverse the North and South Islands as we take on leisurely routes in world-famous national parks and soak in scenery from tumbling waterfalls to snow-capped mountain ranges. Along the way, get a step closer to M?ori culture and discover New Zealand's cosmopolitan cities and its ancient and more recent history.

Why we love this trip
  • Milford Sound - Experience the peace of the tranquil fjord with a boat trip beneath the towering mountains.?
  • Mount Cook National Park - Take on trails in the stunning national park and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery of rugged mountains and icy glacial lakes.
  • Abel Tasman National Park - Witness the breathtaking beauty of Abel Tasman as you walk the coast track via golden beaches and peaceful bays.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 18

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Ferry

  • i

    Accommodation

  • i

    Walking grade:

    Leisurely

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 15
    Explore Average 11

  • i

    Wildlife rating

    Expect chance encounters!

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

New Zealand

Climate

New Zealand's climate is maritime: mild and pleasant with abundant sunshine, high rainfall and a few extremes of heat and cold. However, settled weather cannot be counted on at any time of year - all seasons can be experienced in one day! Generally the summer months (Nov-April) are warmest and most pleasant, with least rainfall. In the Southern Alps temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable.

Time difference to GMT

-12

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

51% of New Zealanders do not identify with any religion.

Language

English

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Auckland - Sky tower NZ$45; Revolving restaurant NZ$30-40 min. spend; Auckland War Memorial Museum NZ$32
Tongariro National Park - Scenic Tour lunch NZ$18
Wellington - Cable car NZ$9 return; Zealandia - self guided NZ$26 or guided tour by day NZ$70; Weta (Movie Tour) workshop NZ$60
Fox Glacier / Mount Cook - Helicopter flights; Now $330 - $599
Wanaka - Jet Boat and Walk - NZ$209; Boat trip to Mou Waho Island + nature walk NZ$169
Queenstown - Shotover Jet Boat - NZ$179; TSS Earnslaw Cruise - NZ$115
Christchurch - Lord of the Rings tour, visiting Mt Sunday ( film set Edoras) NZ$299; Antarctic Centre NZ$64 ; Willow Bank Wildlife Reserve NZ$34.50; Punting on the River Avon NZ$42 plus Garden tour NZ$30

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions in the mountains can be changeable, and it can become cool, especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and warmer are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind. Fine Merino products can be purchased in New Zealand and are warmer than synthetics. Please note that most accommodation in New Zealand has laundry facilities - washing machines and driers - available for guest use, and hairdryers are available in most places.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket
-Scarf
-Hat
-Gloves

Footwear

We recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and if you want to do any water based activities. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable. Please make sure your boots are clean before travel; if your boots are dirty on arrival - this may result in long delays in customers where they will be cleaned in biosecurity before you are permitted to enter with them.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daypack. A backpack or soft holdall preferably with wheels may prove more convenient due to the variety of transport used on this trip. You will be required to carry your luggage to/from on/off coaches, trains and ferries. A 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Personal toiletries
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent (best purchased in New Zealand, as these are specific for the New Zealand sandfly)
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)
-Binoculars

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline

New Zealand

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£14
Dinner price
£20.00 - 24.00
Beer price
£3
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
N.Z. Dollar.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Local currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the NZ$ is approximately NZ$ 1.94 to the British Pound. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Tour Leader will advise on arrival
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in NZ$. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Ferry

Accommodation notes

During our tour of New Zealand, we stay in a mixture of hotels and motels. These are usually centrally located for exploring the local towns and stunning nature spots. All of our accommodations have been chosen with location, comfort and authenticity in mind.?
We stay in a range of three-star hotels, though it's worth noting the standards may differ from those in Europe. Twin rooms are rare in New Zealand and shared rooms will often have a single and a double bed - it will be up to you and your roommate to decide who gets which. Air-conditioning also isn't standard here and so won't be available in all hotels.?
Motels are popular in New Zealand and are perfectly adequate for a one or two-night stay. It's worth noting that there's no communal area in these accommodations and breakfast will be delivered to your room either the night before or early in the morning. There are often picnic benches or areas for the group to gather to enjoy breakfast together.
In hotels, breakfasts are often basic, consisting of toast and fruit, and tea and coffee. It might be worth buying additional snacks along the way if you prefer a bigger breakfast - your tour leader will be able to suggest where to shop.?

New Zealand

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


New Zealand: Travellers must have an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to travel to NZ as well as having to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). You can obtain these via the mobile ETA app or the https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta website.

We recommend you to allow at least 72 hours for processing

Once issued the these are valid for 2 years or until your passport expires and can be used for multiple visits. Travellers should allow 72 hours for processing.


USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

New Zealand

Vaccinations

Nothing required. Tetanus recommended Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

Table of contents

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Got it!