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For one of the most spectacular places to embark on some stunning and fascinating walking, choose New Zealand. Walking through this amazing country is the best way to get a real taste of the natural diversity, wonderful culture and incredible scenery here. The North and South Islands each have their own hidden gems and, if time allows, you should include visits to both. From wild coastlines and sandy beaches to vibrant forests, glaciers and mountain fjords there is something new to experience every day in New Zealand. Walking routes here are closely monitored by the Department of Conservation who limit the number of overseas operators allowed to tour in the area. The issues of preservation of flora and fauna and conserving the natural phenomena in the country are rightly a major priority. The drama of exploring New Zealand’s wilderness is complemented by the laid-back towns and cities, which have lots to offer for a day's respite from walking. There are the colonial houses of Auckland, the theatres and street life of the country’s coolest city, Wellington, and the pretty lakeside setting of Queenstown to keep you busy. Rotorua A New Zealand walking holiday would not be complete without a visit to Rotorua with its apparently endless walking tracks waiting to be discovered. The scenery here has been shaped by geothermal activity and there are some breath-taking geysers, lakes, and thermal springs to explore. Rotorua offers a 26 km walkway that is divided into eight sections. Each section offers the chance to take in some wonderful historical, cultural and even scientific attractions. For those interested in the bird life here there is a small bird sanctuary open to visitors. If it is tradition and culture you are searching for then you can visit one of the best-known Maori settlements in the country. You could choose one of several walking options here (Rainbow Mountain, Lake Okareka Walkway, Tarawera Falls), all equally wonderful and diverse in their natural beauty. Tongariro National Park The dramatic and active landscape of Tongario National Park is packed full of emerald lakes, alpine scenery and hot springs. These features surround the three largest volcanoes of the North Island, all very much alive. The park was a gift to New Zealand from the Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV over a hundred and twenty years ago and now is a World Heritage site. The park offers amazing skiing opportunities when the snow falls, and excellent walking routes that take you across the incredible terrain of all three mountains. You can venture over old lava flows, visiting thermal lakes and watch craters still steaming. It is difficult not to be humbled by the overwhelming nature of this place and the patent fragility of the world in which we live. Milford Sound and Mount Cook Milford sound is a world-renowned place of natural beauty. The fjords here are inspiring and are the most exquisite in New Zealand. Walking through this wonderland the sheer cliffs and dramatic waterfalls capture attention and imagination. In Maori legend this place was created by a godly figure that carved out the landscape with a magic adze. Another important natural wonder in the Maori culture is Mount Cook, known to the people as Aorangi, ‘the cloud piercer’. It is New Zealand’s highest mountain and is located in one of the most stunning areas of the island. The views are second to none and in keeping with much of the rest of New Zealand it is hard not to be mesmerised by the stunning scenery of this wonderful country. Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday in New Zealand walking through the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 200 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.
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