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Hiking Vacations in Winter

Hiking Vacations in Winter

Winter doesn't have to mean the end of hiking season. December through February is high summer in New Zealand - long, warm days and trails at their best - and Portugal's Atlantic coast stays mild for a winter escape in Europe.

Take a New Zealand Drive & Hike at your own pace, or walk the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. For winter sun closer to Europe, hike from Sintra's hilltop palaces to the coast at Cascais.

20+ years of self-guided hiking expertise. Hand-picked accommodation and route notes on every trip.

  • A place these routes go

    Abel Tasman Coast Track, New Zealand

  • A place these routes go

    Malta

  • A place these routes go
  • A place these routes go

    Algarve, Portugal

9 hand-picked routes

  • Scotland

    West Highland Way

    • Walking
    • 5–11 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
    from$1,885CAD pp
    View Route
  • France · Spain

    Camino Frances

    • Walking
    • 7–57 days
    • Easy to Moderate
    from$1,340CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Hadrian's Wall Walk

    • Walking
    • 5–10 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,455CAD pp
    View Route
  • France · Italy · Switzerland

    Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

    • Walking
    • 5–14 days
    • Moderate - Challenging
    from$2,480CAD pp
    View Route
  • Scotland

    Great Glen Way & Loch Ness

    • Walking
    • 5–9 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,720CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Coast to Coast Walk

    • Walking
    • 9–18 days
    • Moderate to Challenging
    from$2,795CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    Cotswold Way

    • Walking
    • 5–12 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
    from$1,675CAD pp
    View Route
  • England

    The Cotswold Trail

    • Walking
    • 4–9 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,085CAD pp
    View Route
  • England · Scotland

    St Cuthbert's Way

    • Walking
    • 5–9 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,525CAD pp
    View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

  • Pilgrim standing in front of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after completing the Portugués Way

    I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!

    October 2026

    Camino de Santiago, Spain

  • A smiling hiker beside a West Highland Way marker post below a mountain

    Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided

    June 2026

    West Highland Way, Scotland

  • A hiker standing in a pasture amongst horses

    October 2026

    Hadrian's Wall Path, England

  • A hiker beside a wooden signpost by an ivy-covered wall

    June 2026

    Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England

  • A hiker stops on the trail for an interaction with a local cow

    August 2026

    Via Alpina, Switzerland

  • A group selfie in front of a river on a blue sky day

    In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try

    October 2026

    Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

Join our Macs Community

Get to know Hiking Vacations in Winter

Winter opens up destinations at their best while northern Europe sleeps.

  • When is winter hiking season

    December through February is peak summer in New Zealand. Portugal's coast stays mild through the same months.

  • What's the weather like

    New Zealand's South Island sees warm, long summer days, typically 65-77°F. Portugal's Lisbon coast runs cooler, around 55-62°F.

  • Which destinations suit winter best

    New Zealand for a full summer hiking trip, from Drive & Hikes to the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Portugal's Algarve and Malta for a milder European escape.

  • Are the Alps or UK open for hiking in winter

    Not with Macs Adventure - our UK and Alpine routes run spring through fall. Winter is the season for the Southern Hemisphere and southern Europe.

  • How far ahead should I book

    New Zealand's peak summer season benefits from booking 6+ months ahead. Portugal routes can often be booked 3-4 months out.

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