Below, we have provided answers to a lot of the common questions our travellers ask us about our self-guided and guided walking tours in New Zealand. If you have a question that isn't covered here, please contact us via phone or email and we will happily provide you with more information.

How fit do I need to be?

Our adventures are active holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness. All our trips are graded, allowing you to choose a suitable trip. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system and to speak with of our team members on the physical requirements of your trip.

What time of year do your tours operate?

Next to each trip we list the frequency in the operating months which the trip is offered. The general season runs between September and April each year, but many walks will operate all year round.  Please visit our trip pages on the website using the calendar for details.

What’s included in my tour?

Each of our itineraries has the tour inclusions listed on the trip pages. You can also view the trips notes for your chosen itinerary for the list of inclusions and optional extras available.

Am I able to modify your advertised walking tours?

The short answer is generally yes, especially with a self-guided walk. Please let us know your preferences and we’ll be able to provide you with recommendations and prices.

Are your trips family friendly?

Some of our trips are perfect for families although sometimes minimum age limits will apply.  Please ask us for a specific trip you wish to undertake with children, and we can advise the best options. Families that play (walk) together stay together!

What is the accommodation like?

We work with a number of accommodation providers along the routes including family run motels, lodges, farm stays and huts. A description of the levels of accommodation available is listed on each trip page.

What do I need to bring?

We will provide all our walk participants with a detailed gear list of what we recommend you pack for your tour. This will be provided to you upon booking and may have some seasonal variations depending on the time of year you are travelling.

What is a typical day like?

Because you set the pace and you decide what you want to spend time exploring each day, there's really no such thing as a typical day. What is standard across all of our self guided trips is that at the end of each day, after you've explored to your heart's content, our vehicles will move your bags to that evening's destination so you don't have to worry about carrying your luggage.

What happens if something goes wrong?

On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local teams are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

I’m travelling on my own.  Do I pay the single supplement or single traveller surcharge?

If you are travelling on your own on a self guided walk, the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement will apply if you are travelling in a party with others and you choose to book a single room. Single supplement also applies on guided departures, where possible, if you want your own room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge as well as a single supplement.

How safe are your trips?

We provide you with detailed maps and route instructions for your chosen itinerary.  Generally speaking, anyone taking a reasonable level of care and following the guidelines we provide shouldn't have any problems - this is where common sense plays a big part. The vast majority of our trips are not difficult, and overall, are safe, tried and tested. However, in the unlikely event you get into difficulty, our local support staff are just a phone call away.

What are your COVID-19 plans?

At Great Walks of New Zealand, your safety is our first concern. Our specific protocols and safety analysis procedures, in conjunction with updates provided by our local partners and Government Travel warnings, allow us to carefully assess the stability of our trips throughout New Zealand and plan our operations accordingly. Our experienced staff frequently review all aspects of our adventures to ensure we are providing you with the best possible travel experience. 

We have now introduced additional measures considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally you’ll be social distancing while walking, but while at your evening accommodation, we recommend you embrace your own personal measures of safely distancing with other patrons, wash your hands regularly and if you are feeling unwell, discontinue your walk at the soonest opportunity and take steps to visit a local doctor to have yourself tested. The accommodation and transport providers used are also following government recommended measures to mitigate the risks to you.

Stay safe, be kind and unite against the pandemic.