- Discover the primeval landscape of Rotorua
- Enjoy the golden beaches of Abel Tasman
- Marvel at Fox Glacier and the deep fiord complexes around Milford
- Trek in Mount Aspiring National Park
- Hike while surrounded by smoking volcanoes
- Climb among the soaring peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Trekking in New Zealand
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Add your own reviewTrekking New Zealand
This was an excellent trip to genuinely experience a great variety of tracks in NZ. We were able to tick off 4 of 9 of the Great Walks. Two of them, Tongariro Northern Circuit & Abel Tasman, we had a longer closer look at. Those & the Siberia Valley at Mt Aspiring NP will be enduring memories. So many activities everyday with very little down time. A fair amount of time spent in the van getting from place to place but unavoidable. Flights from Wellington to Nelson by a small Cessna, helicopter ride into the Siberia Valley & numerous water taxis helped conserve our time. All in all a great trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
Many but probably completing tracks when absolutely exhausted or perilously returning down tracks in pelting rain & realizing I could conquer that fear.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We actually had 3 on this trip. All were good & had so very different personalities/styles.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t take a lot of clothes as there are opportunities to wash them a few times along the way. They are dead serious about the weight limit on the flight from Wellington to Nelson. Take a break from the internet because wifi coverage is spotty & poor. The hotel in Queenstown is your best opportunity to download a few pics. Go with an open mind & try to complete the entire itinerary even if the weather is not the best.
Suggestions
Glad that the trip notes are now updated. The ones I worked off were copied just before the trip & were inaccurate. Not so sure that the single supplement is worth the money as there are only 6 nights where you actually have your room ensuite. Didn’t expect it in the huts or camping but was told I was to have it for 15 nights. I see in the the new trip notes that ensuite isn’t likely on nights 2,3,8,10 & 11.
Trekking New Zealand
This was an excellent trip to genuinely experience a great variety of tracks in NZ. We were able to tick off 4 of 9 of the Great Walks. Two of them, Tongariro Northern Circuit & Abel Tasman, we had a longer closer look at. Those & the Siberia Valley at Mt Aspiring NP will be enduring memories. So many activities everyday with very little down time. A fair amount of time spent in the van getting from place to place but unavoidable. Flights from Wellington to Nelson by a small Cessna, helicopter ride into the Siberia Valley & numerous water taxis helped conserve our time. All in all a great trip!
Most Inspirational Moment
Many but probably completing tracks when absolutely exhausted or perilously returning down tracks in pelting rain & realizing I could conquer that fear.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We actually had 3 on this trip. All were good & had so very different personalities/styles.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t take a lot of clothes as there are opportunities to wash them a few times along the way. They are dead serious about the weight limit on the flight from Wellington to Nelson. Take a break from the internet because wifi coverage is spotty & poor. The hotel in Queenstown is your best opportunity to download a few pics. Go with an open mind & try to complete the entire itinerary even if the weather is not the best.
Suggestions
Glad that the trip notes are now updated. The ones I worked off were copied just before the trip & were inaccurate. Not so sure that the single supplement is worth the money as there are only 6 nights where you actually have your room ensuite. Didn’t expect it in the huts or camping but was told I was to have it for 15 nights. I see in the the new trip notes that ensuite isn’t likely on nights 2,3,8,10 & 11.
Trekking in New Zealand
A truly brilliant 3 week trip highlighting the best of North and South Island
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose one. Highlights for me included the beautiful coast paths and beaches of Abel Tasman, helicopter to Siberia hut. The challenge of hiking to lake Crucible. Fantastic cruise on Milford Sound seeing dolphins swimming around the boat. The amazing Mount Cook National Park and everything in between
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kath on North Island is an experienced, professional guide with an easygoing style. She was ably assisted by Anne who was an intern. Chai on South Island is younger with a very different leadership style. To begin with felt he was at a slight disadvantage as we had all bonded well as a group and he had to get to know us. I definitely warmed to Chai as time went by. He is extremely passionate about New Zealand, its history and flora and fauna. Especially enjoyed his stories and his legendary "Hakka"
Advice for Potential Travellers
As previously documented this is a full on trip and you have to be organised with packing. Using several sizes of dry bags within your luggage helps. Get yourself fit as possible, preferably with plenty of hill climbing and descending practice. Breaking the outward journey in Dubai and extra night in Auckland helped with jet lag.
Suggestions
A fantastic trip with so much packed into 3 weeks. Go for it, you won't regret it
Newzealand trekking ( TLZ)
Excellent trip with varied iteniary with amazing landscapes
Most Inspirational Moment
lots...trek in Tongariro national park, Milford Sounds, Mt Cook trek, Helicopter and jet boat rides , etc
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both island leaders were good. But Justine in south Island was exceptional . As an Ex Ranger who had also trekked extensively in his young age , he was full of knowledge as well as being very practical.
Advice for Potential Travellers
JUST DO IT as they say in the advert ! Dont take excess clothes as opportunity to dress smart for evenings is limited since itenary is packed so most of us just wore our clean trekking gear. Also will need larger backpack for the couple of camping days because will need to carry spare clothes,sleeping bag and tent, and some food for cooking.
Suggestions
A long way away for us Brits but well worth it.
trekking new zealand
A very well put-together trip with a variety of really interesting experiences
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing "Mount Doom" appear out of its cloud cap on the Tongariro crossing - on cue, during a snack break - and disappearing again the moment my wife had got her camera ready! Helicopter trip into Siberia valley....
Thoughts on Group Leader
Linda (north island) - lovely Lady - felt very safe in her capable hands Justin (South island) - a tireless bundle of energy, very knowledgeable and a great organiser.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Expect to go up to waist deep on the river crossings after any rain!
Suggestions
Thoroughly recommend this holiday,but if we were to travel to NZ again, we would break the journey with an overnight stop (or two) en route -maybe in Dubai.
TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND
A great way to see and do a LOT!
Most Inspirational Moment
What to choose! Camping on the beach at Abel Tasman was beautiful, big sky, stunning sunset and dawn. The Red quarry on the Tongariro crossing was the most amazing sight, the colours in the rocks unlike anything I've ever seen, then there was Lake Crucible, the refelction of the glacier so clear and sharp. I guess if I had to choose one, the sky dive over Queenstown was the most spectacular experience, we were blessed with a clear, bright day, making the views quite magical.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both guides were brilliant, Graham on North Island and Chris on South. They both delivered beyond the expectations and were extremely knowlegable and passionate about their country. Changing the itinerary at short notice due to adverse weather was much appreciated and made for a very enjoyable final day. Chris's Dad, supplier of delicious birthday cakes, much appreciated too.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is a very full on trip, you need to be quite organised packing and unpacking every night. It is absolutely worth the long flight and a fantasitc way to see a lot of New Zealand and I would do advise doing all the activities and options on offer, it's that kind of place!
Suggestions
Hiking New Zealand were fab hosts and could not have done more to ensure the best possible experience.
TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND
A well-organised, varied and very enjoyable trip with great leaders and nice group members which did what it said on the tin. A good mix of travel and walking and other outdoor activities – a perfect first taste of NZ.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to say - the immediate immersion into the relaxed NZ vibe after the stresses of the UK pre-Christmas rush, the amazing volcanic landscapes round Rotorua, fabulous lake-side accommodation at Lake Taupo, the bizarre lunar landscape on the Tongariro crossing, the remote windswept beaches of the west coast of South Island, the lush greenery and deep inlets of Fjordland, the majesty of (unfortunately mist-shrouded) Mount Cook - the list goes on.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Graham and Chris (respective group leaders for North and South Island parts of the trip) were both very capable and efficient as well as being friendly, impeturbable and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and history of NZ. They worked really hard to ensure we had the best holiday possible and to facilitate group members contributing as well ot the experience. I really don't think they could have done any more than they did and indeed they exceeded our expectations e.g. Chris invited us to his house for a buffet lunch on Christmas Day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want to get a general overview of New Zealand in as short a time as realistically possible, with a bit of walking and other outdoor activities throughout, I can highly recommend this trip.
Suggestions
I understand that Exodus is thinking about changing the local agent, Trek New Zealand. From my experience Trek New Zealand provide a really excellent service which leads to satisfied clients who will therefore be more inclined to go on other Exodus trips. So changing the local agent could prove to be a false economy.
TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND
An absolutely brilliant three weeks in the most wonderful country. Everything as described in the trip notes, and more.
Most Inspirational Moment
Difficult to decide, but some of the highlights were the trip up to Abel Tasman NP, including camping on the beach - watching the sun set across the water, then seeing the southern night sky in all its glory; the helicopter flight in Mt Aspiring NP and the next day a very welcome lift back down the final stretch of river by jet boat, after a 7 hour hike; the stupendous scenery around Mt Cook; and paragliding from 1400m up in Queenstown. And not forgetting rainforests, thermal springs, kiwis, active volcanoes, glaciers and fjords...
Thoughts on Group Leader
On North Island leader Kath - what a character! Really knowledgeable and upbeat even in the face of 50mph winds, hail, sleet and snow on the Tongariro crossing.Chris - great guy too. Arranged for the sun to shine the entire two weeks on South Island and even managed to produce home made scones when we arrived!
Advice for Potential Travellers
UK citizens need an ESTA visa if transitting via the US (return flight was via Los Angeles) - the Exodus office didn't know this for sure. Anyway it's easy to obtain online - I did it while in NZ.The weather in NZ (see earlier comment above) really can be "all four seasons in a day" - temperatures we encountered varied from freezing to 30 degrees - pack accordingly but try to travel as light as possible as you'll constantly be packing and repacking.
Suggestions
Despite the long walks I don't think I lost weight - the Kiwis like to serve generous portions of food. Great bunch of people in our group - we even won the Mt Cook pub quiz! At the beginning, I did wonder what I'd got myself into when I found out I was sharing with a guy who'd bagged all the Monros in Scotland and been up Everest (hi Pete!) but, as a not particularly fit 54 year old, I had a blast.In conclusion, if you are at all considering this trip, just go for it!
TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND
The trip was an unending variety of activities and experiences; physically tiring but without the stresses sometimes felt in non English speaking countries. It was a superb trip but 3 weeks is barely enough time and I have returned home with a list of things/places to return and visit again or anew.
Most Inspirational Moment
I find it difficult to choose a single most inspirational moment of the trip but would include the sceneries around the Tongariro crossing and Mount Cook which were really beautiful and unique. It was awe inspiring just being there.I also chose to jump out of a plane, skydiving from 12000 feet near Queenstown. This was our single rest day on the trip, but by this time the adrenaline was flowing. That was pretty memorable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had separate group leaders for the North Island (Kath) and South Isalnd (Chris). Both were from Hiking New Zealand and were excellent. They both had the same well balanced mixture of Enthusiasm with Energy, Professionalism with Knowledge. They were always happy to enthuse but remained flexible in order to provide the best for people on the day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
On arrival in NZ open your minds to a non stop rush of movement and experience. On return be prepared to feel shattered from the whole trip. Enjoy!
Suggestions
Take seriously the signs at Auckland airport arrivals point which warn against taking any foodstuffs into the country. A single apple can cost you NZ$400 fine. I saw it happen.
TREKKING IN NEW ZEALAND
We packed so much in the three weeks that it was necessary to come back home and sit down with the itinerary. notes etc. to appreciate just how much we had achieved!
Most Inspirational Moment
Imposible to single out just one highlight for this trip. We were a small group of only five people, plus a diferent leader for each of the islands . Smaller groups get things done more efficiently, enabling all of us to pack more into an already busy schedule, combined with exellent knowledge by our leaders Kath & Chris, for whom nothing was too much trouble. Their help, imformation and passion for their home New Zealand lead us to efficient use of our time, with many extra side trips , viewpoints and short treks added .
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had one for North & one for South Island! Both knew their country like the back of their hand; Kath lead us North and Chris lead us South. We all developed team spirit, strange when a group of people are thrown together at random. Our leaders were passionate about their homeland ,keen conservasionists ,so helpful, full of knowledge and enthusiasm. Quickly they became our friends rather than a leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This N.Z. must be the best action packed ,sight seeing ,thrill seeking New Zealand package available ANYWHERE. OK, you could say OH, we will make our own way, do our own arrangements , No Way, time would be wasted sourcing and organising, you would see and do far less. These guides know their stuff, just who to contact etc. while your kayaking/ trekking/whitewater rafting/sight seeing /jet boating or whatever is your passion these guys are booking /organising the next step!
Suggestions
The walk on the Fox Glacier was probably the only slight disappointment. It was very busy and you were not given a chance to look around much.
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Monday Monday
22 Jan 2024 22 Jan 2024
Friday Friday
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View Trip NotesMonday Monday
12 Feb 2024 12 Feb 2024
Friday Friday
01 Mar 2024 01 Mar 2024
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11 Nov 2024 11 Nov 2024
Friday Friday
29 Nov 2024 29 Nov 2024
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View Trip NotesMonday Monday
06 Jan 2025 06 Jan 2025
Friday Friday
24 Jan 2025 24 Jan 2025
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27 Jan 2025 27 Jan 2025
Friday Friday
14 Feb 2025 14 Feb 2025
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Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,500
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View Trip NotesMonday Monday
17 Feb 2025 17 Feb 2025
Friday Friday
07 Mar 2025 07 Mar 2025
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Adult Price From £ 7,699 £ 7,699 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,500
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Monday
10 Mar 2025 10 Mar 2025
Friday Friday
28 Mar 2025 28 Mar 2025
Availability Available
Adult Price From £ 7,699 £ 7,699 Book with 25% deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 1,500
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
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- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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