Whether you’re chasing world-class walks or lesser-known paths, New Zealand has enough cascading waterfalls, alpine tussock ridgelines, prolific birdlife, and towering mountains to inspire your soul. 

Check out these 10 uniquely New Zealand places to explore in 2025. 

2025’s Must-Do New Zealand Walks & Explorations

10. Waiheke Island 

Discover the island from the ground up – dive into vibrant art; savour fresh, local produce; visit vineyards; and walk numerous scenic trails – many of which link together. 

Opting for a centre-based holiday allows you to stay in one spot, unpack once, and explore with just a daypack, leaving you more time to enjoy every moment. 

Don't miss the remote and quieter eastern end of the island, where you’ll find rich history, rural vistas, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and secluded beaches. 

Just 30 minutes by ferry from New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, this island escape will feel like a world away, making it a top destination for locals. 

View trips → 

9. Island Hills 

Take in a different side of New Zealand – a truly backcountry local experience. Explore diverse landscapes and vegetation across 30 kilometres of private trails on a working sheep, cattle, and honey farm, which also hosts its own conservation reserve. 

Spaces in the bush lodges are limited to 10 people, so the only crowd you'll encounter is nature itself. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the land and savour its untouched, intimate and remote charm. As part of an inclusive package, delicious meals are also provided – divine! 

View trips → 

8. Whanganui National Park 

Embrace every paddle stroke deep into New Zealand’s wild heart on the “Great Walk” Whanganui River journey. The only Great Walk that, well, isn’t actually a walk. Instead, you’ll canoe through lush native forests, camp on serene riverbanks, and pass iconic landmarks like the Bridge to Nowhere. 

The gentle Grade 1 waters, combined with the occasional thrill of Grade 2 rapids, create the perfect balance of excitement and tranquillity, offering a true escape into nature. 

View trips → 

7. The Sounds and Inlets of Fiordland 

Fiordland’s Sounds are among New Zealand's most remote areas, accessible only by sea, making them a true wilderness gem. From mist-shrouded waterfalls and sheltered valleys to unique wildlife and towering mountain peaks, there are plenty of opportunities for off-the-boat experiences. 

Travelling in comfortable cabin accommodations will make your voyage restful, while remote shore excursions lead you to isolated islands, secluded beaches, and stunning coastlines. 

View trips → 

6. Coromandel Peninsula 

An easy drive from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is an amazing blend of panoramic walks, ancient native bush and incredible seasonal produce. It’s the perfect recipe for a peaceful escape. You’ll find one of the last Kauri groves, white sand beaches, historic River Gorge trails, boutique lodges, and award-winning gin. 

As one of New Zealand's favourite holiday spots, we think exploring it with just a daypack and local experts who know the hidden gems is the perfect way to experience Coromandel's beauty, flavour, and culture. 

View trips → 

5. Heaphy Track 

Venture into diverse wilderness where no two days are the same – lush forests, alpine tussock, wild rivers, and remote beaches – all set within the stunning Kahurangi National Park, the country’s second-largest. Kahurangi, meaning "treasured possession" in Maori, is home to some of New Zealand's oldest rocks, rarest birds, and most unique plants, making this trail an unforgettable journey. 

Keep an ear out for the great spotted kiwi at night with the chance to spot rare wildlife like the flightless takahe and carnivorous Powelliphanta snail. You’ll stay in well-maintained huts on this Great Walk, carrying your own pack and food as part of the adventure. 

As the Heaphy Track grows in popularity, be sure to book early to secure your preferred dates and avoid missing out. 

View trips → 

4. Abel Tasman National Park 

While this is New Zealand’s smallest national park, it delivers big on coastal beauty while balancing relaxation and adventure for a leisurely, active holiday. 

While summer is the most popular time to visit, locals will tell you the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) are a hidden gem. Crisp mornings, glassy waters, and tranquil beaches also make it a great time to soak in the park’s serene magic. 

The Abel Tasman Track is easy to navigate and well-graded, making it a sought-after choice for walkers. This means accommodation often gets snapped up fast. Transport at either end of the track does require some planning, so opting for an all-inclusive self-guided or guided trip will take away all that hassle. For comfort seekers, luxurious lodges along the way offer a restful and enjoyable retreat. 

View trips → 

3. Queen Charlotte Track 

Quickly gaining in popularity is the varied, historically rich Queen Charlotte Track in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds region. This 70-kilometre multi-use trail lets you walk at your own pace, winding through private land and public nature reserves. It offers breathtaking views from shorelines to rising ridge tops and diverse native forests. Water taxi transfers to and from the trailheads add a unique touch with chances to spot seals, dolphins, penguins, and albatrosses. 

Booking ahead is highly recommended, as places tend to sell out way before the start of the spring and summer season. However, if you do miss out on spots, a great alternative is joining aboard an active cruise in Queen Charlotte Sound that takes you along remote waterways, hidden coves, and through the Marlborough Sounds’ stunning coastlines – accessible only by sea. You'll still hike sections of the iconic Queen Charlotte Walkway as well as uncover Perano's whaling history, enjoy zodiac excursions, and explore the conservation havens of Motuara and Blumine Islands, home to WWII relics. 

View trips → 

2. Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track 

What better way to switch off for a few days than experiencing a remote landscape near Tuatapere in the Fiordland region? Offering far more wilderness and far fewer people – it's the real deal if you're craving solitude. 

This 61km loop track is a three-day hiking adventure with a Moderate to Challenging grade, offering a good mix of rugged terrain and incredible views. It’s a rewarding walk, but a decent level of fitness will help, especially with a climb of over 800 metres on the first day. 

The real magic happens at the top of Hump Ridge, where the views are absolutely epic. Picture panoramic vistas of southwest Fiordland, Stewart Island, and the Southern Ocean. You'll also want to keep your eyes peeled for Hector’s dolphins dancing in Te Waewae Bay! 

Newly crowned a Great Walk in October 2024, it’s the perfect time to experience the Hump Ridge Track before the crowds catch on. 

View trips → 

1. Kepler, Milford & Routeburn Track Highlights 

An undeniable favourite among our Great Walkers is this epic guided experience that encompasses three spectacular corners of NZ’s alpine landscapes. From a thrilling heli-hike to scenic walks and a beautiful boat cruise, every moment is unforgettable. 

Begin with an exhilarating helicopter flight over Lake Te Anau and the Kepler Mountains, landing at Luxmore Hut, the highest point of the Kepler Track, with views that will leave you breathless. 

The Routeburn Track packs a punch when it comes to some of the biggest scenery, and the walk to the Key Summit takes you from lush rainforest to vast alpine views, with 360-degree vistas of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes and glacial valleys on a fine day. 

Of the most famous and world-renowned trails of the Great Walks series is the Milford Track, which winds along the picturesque Arthur River amidst lush rainforest and to the impressive Giant Gate Waterfall. Enjoy a small boat cruise on Milford Sound, where you’ll see Mitre Peak and Sterling Falls. You may even spot basking seals or playful pods of dolphins. 

Fiordland is like nowhere else in New Zealand, and with an expert guide by your side, this five-day adventure is a great taster that'll leave you planning for your next trip.

View trip → 

From well-loved classics to newly popular tracks, New Zealand’s trails and Sounds are a gateway to unforgettable wilderness experiences. Which area are you most eager to explore?