Walking tours offer a fantastic opportunity to combine adventure, mindfulness, and even a little luxury while exploring some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth.
Whether you seek coastal adventures, bush and rainforest treks, or an awe-inspiring combination of both, these walking tours have something to offer every kind of traveller. Lace up your walking shoes and prepare for an unforgettable experience as we delve into some of the best walking tours Australia and New Zealand have to offer.
QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK, MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS, NEW ZEALAND
(pictured above)
Found on the South Island of New Zealand, the Queen Charlotte Track is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Stretching for over 70 kilometres, the Track runs between Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound in the Marlborough Sounds, from the historic Meretoto/Ship Cove. This magical place of deep blue bays, crystal-clear beaches, and verdant forests is rich in history and culture, and invites a deep exploration. The one-way trip can be completed in 3-5 days on foot, though it’s also popular for day walks, with boat transfer access at several stops along the way.
Visit www.queencharlottetracknz.com
THE GREAT OCEAN WALK, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
For those yearning for a dose of rugged coastal beauty, the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria, Australia is a must. One of the most iconic long-distance walks in Australia, people come from all over the world to hike and enjoy the views of this incredible coastline – a true showcase of Mother Nature’s grandeur. You’ll encounter the iconic Twelve Apostles, picturesque waterfalls, the lush forest paths of the Great Otway National Park, and pristine beaches. Choose from self-guided or group walking tours, whichever best suits your adventuring spirit.
Visit www.auswalk.com.au
CRADLE MOUNTAIN SIGNATURE WALK, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Escape to the untamed wilderness of Tasmania on the Cradle Mountain Signature Walk. This six-day, five-night adventure on the renowned Overland Track takes you through the heart of the Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, where you’ll encounter diverse landscapes, from ancient rainforests and open moorlands to alpine meadows and waterfalls. Your nights will be spent in cosy eco-lodges discreetly located off the main trail, and you’ll indulge in gourmet Tasmanian cuisine and fine wines. You can even join in on a side trip to Mt Ossa, the highest peak in Tasmania, and a beautiful 17-kilometre boat trip across Lake St Clair before returning to Launceston. This walk offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxurious comfort.
Visit www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au
BAY OF ISLANDS COASTAL WALKWAY, PAIHIA, NEW ZEALAND
Wind your way through coastal beaches and mangroves in this full-day, 14-kilometre walking circuit of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Encompassing Paihia, Opua, Okiato, and Russell, using ferry links, this walk offers the chance to visit historic sites and enjoy native flora and fauna on the way. During low tide the path along Sullivan’s Beach and Te Haumi towards Opua can be followed along the beach, as well as a boardwalk through the mangrove forests. The walkway also passes by oyster farms and vineyards, perfect stops to recharge and enjoy the local produce. The trail ends at historic Russell, where you can catch the passenger ferry back to Paihia.
Visit www.newzealand.com
MILFORD TRACK GUIDED WALK, MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND
The Milford Track Guided Walk is a 5-day, 4-night guided walk through the heart of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. The hike begins with a boat journey across Lake Te Anau to a remote shore in the middle of Fiordland and ends at Sandfly Point. Covering 54-kilometres of well-formed trail, it can be travelled as part of a guided experience or independently. You’ll see every possible aspect of the Fiordland on show – glaciers, fiords, granite mountains, forests as far as the eye can see, majestic waterfalls…we could go on. The guided walk options include transport, meals, and accommodation in private lodges, as well as necessary equipment.
Visit www.fiordland.org.nz
This article was originally published under the title Walk This Way in Issue 35 – Embrace Your Vulnerable . You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
