Walks in New Zealand

We suggest a short series of cardio workouts before any vacation in New Zealand. Not so much because the walks here are especially challenging, but because you’re going to have your breath taken away so often that it makes sense to develop a coping strategy.

It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose to film his Lord of the Rings trilogy here. The landscapes are jaw-droppingly beautiful; nothing short of epic. New Zealand of course is famed as an outdoorsy destination, and there’s no better way to see the country than on foot. There are plenty of demanding multi-day hikes available, such as the Milford Track in Fiordland, and full-day hikes abound, including the legendary Tongariro Crossing, but New Zealand also offers a wonderfully diverse range of shorter walks on both islands that can be tackled at a relaxed pace even by unexperienced walkers.

You might be walking through native bush to admire towering and ancient kauri trees, through deep gorges where waterfalls cascade down the walls, or the ruins of old gold mining communities. You could be strolling along the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, black sand beaches like that of Muriwai near Auckland, in the divinely green botanic gardens of Christchurch, or around historic and eclectic city neighbourhoods such as Greytown in the capital, Wellington.

Another appealing aspect to walking in New Zealand is the range of other activities that you can combine with it: scenic catamaran cruises where dolphins and seals swim alongside the boat; soothing soaks in natural thermal pools; city sightseeing or wine tasting. From coast to forest, mountains to lakes, New Zealand’s natural splendour will inspire you to get out and about whenever the opportunity arises.