Tramp to Tongariro and beyond

New Zealand’s Great Walks are excellent for keen, multi-day hikers but those wanting more laid-back, recreational rambling will find quality short trails, too. For instance, the volcano-traversing Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often touted as the world’s best one-day walk. Combine this with other short tramps – the Pouakai Crossing (like Tongariro but without the crowds), goldminer’s Moonlight Trail, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Abel Tasman Coast and the Hooker Valley below Aoraki (Mt Cook) – for a gentler journey.

A 24-day New Zealand on Foot self-drive holiday including Tongariro, or Pouakai, plus other day walks, with Silver Fern Holidays (01636 813544; silverfernholidays.com) costs from £4,595pp including flights