With much of the local lifestyle being focussed on nature and the outdoors, there are plentiful opportunities for incorporating shorter, more manageable walking experiences into your tailor-made itinerary. Whether you are looking for a short trip with a specific focus, or a longer day excursion, we can recommend specific places and guides to suit your preferences.

Footprints Waipoua

Based in the towering Waipoua Kauri forest of the Northland, this is a two-hour twilight walk led by local Maori guides keen to share stories of their history in the area and their knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants. They provide an interesting and informative narrative as you wind your way through these impressive trees to Te Matua Ngahere, the “Father of the Forest”. Thought to be around 1,250 to 2,500 years old and with a trunk over five metres in diameter, he is a most impressive and humbling sight.

Tamaki Hikoi, Auckland

This is a unique opportunity to hear the history of the Auckland harbour area from a member of the local Ngati Whatua tribe, who have passed down their sacred history and traditions through ancient stories over countless generations. As well as learning about the past, your guide will explain why the Tamaki (Auckland) region was bitterly fought over and discuss the impact of colonisation. This threehour downhill walk is graded “easy to moderate” and suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness.

Kiwi Dundee Nature and Coast Walk, Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is a treasure-trove of hidden coves and delightful coastal walks, but many need to be timed around the tides. The guides at Kiwi Dundee will introduce you to areas of scenic beauty and historic significance, and will endeavour to tailor the day to your preferences as well as ensuring the highlights are accessible. A typical itinerary will include short walks along some of the fantastic coastal scenery, visits to historic gold-mining caves which sparkle with glow worms, ancient Maori pa sites and areas of semi-tropical rainforest, and if tides permit, you will also take in a visit to Hot Water Beach where you can relax in your own self-dug hot pool.

Art Deco Walk, Napier

Nowhere else in the world can you see such a variety of buildings in the style of the 1930s in such a concentrated area. Much of Napier was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1931, and the town was carefully redesigned and rebuilt in Art Deco style. The added influence of Maori art and culture is reflected in many of the motifs, creating an individual style unique to Napier. Whilst in the area, it is well worth joining one of the daily guided walks which take you on an easy stroll through the fascinating architecture of the town centre. Your accredited guide will lead you through the various different Art Deco styles, both outside and inside the buildings, and will have access to areas you are not able to visit on your own.

Zest Walking Gourmet Tour, Wellington

Wellington, known as New Zealand's cafe capital, offers the visitor an eclectic array of gastronomic delights. This gentle walking tour will take you to many of the finest food establishments that are typically known only to Wellingtonians themselves. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide you will visit the finest cafes, chocolate specialists and gourmet food stores, meeting the owners and sampling the goods from them all! The tour concludes with a mouth watering three course lunch at one of the city's finest restaurants or cafes with accompanying New Zealand wine. This walk is perfect for enthusiasts of quality foods or anybody wishing to see the city from a local's perspective.

The Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds

Although not one of the DOC Great Walks, the Queen Charlotte Track is an excellent walking trail offering single or multi-day options. Meandering along a ridge above the stunning Marlborough Sounds, the views from the track are constantly spectacular. Water taxis ply the waters, meaning you can select a start and end point, tailoring your walk to suit your personal abilities and preferences.

Nisbet Cottage Nature Walks, Dunedin

Nisbet Cottage is owned and hosted by Hildegard and Ralf  who are both keen naturalists. Visitors to the cottage rise at dawn and descend the sweeping sand dunes to a private viewing hide on a remote beach – here you can observe the rare yellow-eyed penguins in their natural environment, as they make their daily outing to the sea.

Hollyford Track

For those wishing to experience the breathtaking Fiordland landscape without embarking on one of the longer tramps, the Hollyford Track is an ideal journey combining short sections of walking with a jet boat journey and a scenic flight, with the option to add on a cruise on Milford Sound at the end. With comfortable, private accommodation along the way and all meals provided, this is a leisurely and enjoyable way of journeying deep into Fiordland without the need to carry any extra equipment.