Plan your next adventure with New Zealand Walks
It was the grandeur and untouched beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes, combined with a life-long love for walking, that first won New Zealand Walks owner Anna Burgin over when she arrived in New Zealand from the UK – and nearly 15 years later, she has made it her business to share that passion with others.
Originally from England’s Lake District in Cumbria, where she created many happy memories walking the fells as a child, Anna took over the reigns at Picton-based New Zealand Walks in 2018, after working for the business parttime for four years.
Through years of walking experience and working in New Zealand’s tourism industry, Anna knows the logistics and planning that come with exploring our best tracks can be quite involved, and relishes taking the hassle out of that organisation for her clients.
“We like to think of ourselves as a ‘one stop shop’ for your next New Zealand walking adventure.
Having done many of the walks ourselves and knowing what an incredible experience each one has been, we take great pride in offering a variety of packages to suit our clients’ needs and customising each itinerary to ensure their walk is an unforgettable one.
“These vary from all-inclusive packages, including lodge-style accommodation each evening and luggage transfers each day, to independent packages for which we book your stay in iconic DOC huts.”
For many clients, the hardest part is choosing which walk to do – so here is an overview of what New Zealand Walks offers.
Top of the South
When it comes to great multi- day walking experiences, these regions are spoilt for choice. In the Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track has sea views, rare virgin native bush, heritage, and beautiful secluded lodges.
“Stretching from historic Ship Cove/Meretoto to Anakiwa, each day is different,” says Anna.
“New Zealand Walks has a oneday or multi-day guided walk or, for independent travellers, a freedom package with overnight stays in lodges and daily luggage transfers.”
Near Nelson, the Abel Tasman route is characterised by its golden sand beaches, coastal forest, emerald inlets and granite cliffs.
“This is an ideal track for families and first-time walkers. For those wanting to experience the best of the park, New Zealand Walks can arrange a one-day guided walk, or a multi-day guided or freedom package.”
Walkers keen to do both tracks can opt for the 11-day Top of the South package.
“This also includes your Picton and Nelson pre and post-walk accommodation and transport between the tracks. It’s a fantastic, hassle-free way to experience the Top of the South.”
West Coast
In the Kahurangi National Park is the Heaphy Track, New Zealand’s most diverse and longest Great Walk.
“This 78km must-do walk is a well-formed trail through an ever changing landscape, from mountain plateaus to the lush nikau forests of the West Coast. We offer a four or five-day gourmet guided experience that really makes the most of the Heaphy Track,” says Anna.
To the south, with scenery and history as compelling as its name, the Old Ghost Road is a spectacular five-day journey traversing the Lyell Range and following the Mokihinui River. Here, New Zealand Walks has a five-day guided experience.
“The walk includes mining settlements and roads from historic
gold rush eras, and sections crafted by groups of volunteers, creating a fascinating walking journey.”
North Island
While the South Island is better known for its range of Great Walks, the North Island should not be overlooked, says Anna.
At isolated Lake Waikaremoana, New Zealand Walks has a fourday hut-to-hut guided experience, designed to make the most of the lake’s pristine virgin rainforest, bluffs, waterfalls and natural hot pools.
In Tongariro National Park, in the shadow of the Central Plateau’s volcanoes, Anna says New Zealand Walks has “truly out of this world” walking experiences that pass emerald lakes, lunar landscapes and alpine meadows.
“We offer a one-day guided walk of the famous Tongariro Crossing, a three-day guided walk of the Tongariro Northern Circuit and also a three-day lodge-based guided tour of the Tongariro area, including the Crossing.”
Fiordland
Walking amid lofty mountain peaks, alongside crystal clear rivers and through dense rainforest – it’s no wonder the Milford Track is known as the finest walk in the world.
Here, New Zealand Walks has a one-day guided walk and a four-day freedom package, “over what is without a doubt one of the most iconic Great Walks in New Zealand”, says Anna.
The nearby Kepler Track should not be overlooked, she adds, whether it’s with New Zealand Walks’ spectacular one-day guided heli hike or three-day freedom package.
“The Kepler begins on the bushclad shores of Lake Te Anau and Manapouri and rises to the majestic tops of Mt Luxmore, with mind blowing views.” To the south, the Hump Ridge Track stretches from sub-alpine to wild southern coast via historic viaducts high above the lush native forest. Here, New Zealand Walks has a three-day freedom and guided package.
For those seeking a true wilderness experience, Anna recommends New Zealand Walks’ three-day guided all-inclusive Hollyford Track package. “You’ll begin beneath sheer mountain slopes carved by glaciers and emerge days later to the rugged beauty of the West Coast – one of New Zealand’s best mountains to sea journeys.”
Finally, the Routeburn Track takes in two national parks – Fiordland and Mount Aspiring – with breathtaking mountain scenery, glacial valleys, beech forest and pristine alpine streams and lakes.
“We have a one-day guided walk and a three-day freedom package on this Great Walk,” says Anna.