Highlights of New Zealand

This tour has many kinds of different walks and you can choose which ones are suitable for you and your level of fitness. Most of the time there are choices and the majority of the walks are moderately rated. If you want to choose some of the more challenging walks then you will need to be used to hiking with elevation gains and losses, some of which are significant, but id you choose not to do the more difficult walks you should be fairly fit, but its not necessary to be ultra fit and besides all the walks are optional.

New Zealand is a walkers paradise and well-renowned for its walking tracks, therefore it is all very well organised and signposted. There are occasionally walks on tarmac and walks on dirt tracks, which are mostly Department of Conservation walks which are all very well-maintained.

Accommodation on this route is comfortable throughout, with a mix of hotels, lodges, B&Bs and guesthouses, all with en-suite rooms. Where possible, properties have been chosen for their character and warm, local hosts, particularly the family-run B&Bs and guesthouses, though in some areas hotels or motels are the best option available.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Please note that single rooms on this route may not always be of the same standard as twin or double rooms.

Breakfast is included at most of your accommodations, either a continental or cooked breakfast depending on the property. At a couple of locations, breakfast isn't included, but you can easily buy it nearby. If alternative accommodation needs to be used at busier times of year, your included meal plan may change slightly as a result.

Lunch and dinner aren't included, but you'll find plenty of options to shop or eat out locally, and you can pick up a packed lunch from a local shop or café on walking days.

This tour is bookable from September through May, covering the spring, summer and autumn/fall months, when the weather tends to be more favorable, though it can still change quickly at any time of year.

The busiest period is during the height of summer (especially January to March) and over the Christmas and New Year season, so if you're planning to travel then, we recommend booking well in advance - during quieter periods, confirmation typically takes a few business days, but this can take longer during busy season. Spring brings an abundance of flowers, summer is warm to hot (though rarely hot in the mountains), and autumn offers a quieter experience with lovely fall colors.

Because this is a drive-and-hike tour, you'll keep your luggage with you in the car throughout rather than having it transferred between accommodations, so there's no set luggage weight limit stated for this route.

The walking tracks in New Zealand are generally very well-marked and signposted, so finding your way is straightforward.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

You'll fly into Auckland Airport, which is served by many international and domestic airlines, including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, American Airlines, Thai Airways, Virgin Australia, Etihad and Qatar Airways. On arrival, a GK Limousine driver will be waiting for you just outside the sliding doors as you come through from customs, holding a board with your name, and will take you to your accommodation in central Auckland.

Please note that when booking flights from the UK to New Zealand, you'll arrive 2 days after you set off, and on the return leg you'll arrive 1 day after you leave: if you depart on a Tuesday, for example, you'll land on the Thursday, and a Saturday departure home gets you back on the Sunday. This is down to flight time and crossing the International Date Line, and similar timing applies when travelling from elsewhere in Europe, the USA or Canada.

The tour ends via Christchurch Airport, which is also served by many international and domestic airlines, including Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Emirates. On your final day, a private transfer takes you from your accommodation to the airport.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

Since this is a drive-and-hike tour, nearly all of the suggested walks are optional extras alongside your driving itinerary, so you're free to choose which ones you do each day and skip any that don't appeal, without needing to arrange alternative transport.

Using your phone for navigation and connectivity in New Zealand is straightforward. Coverage is good in towns and cities but can be patchy in rural or mountainous areas, so it's worth downloading offline maps in advance for days when you'll be out of signal range. A local prepaid SIM or eSIM is an easy and affordable way to stay connected throughout your tour.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation