Great Walks of New Zealand
Book Guided Walks
Guided Walk companies allow The Great Walks to be more accessible to everyone. If you are unsure that you can carry a full backpack, would prefer to have your own room, a hot shower, and catered meal then a guided walk could be for you. These cost significantly more than a self-guided Great Walk but offer a bit of luxury on the trail and are led by experienced guides. Some guided walks may require you to stay in the DOC huts as there is no alternative accommodation available on some of the more remote tracks.
Check out some guided walk options below.
Abel Tasman
Wilsons Abel Tasman provides a 3-day guided walk which includes transport, bag drop, lodge accommodation with en suites, and catered meals. All you will need to carry is a small day pack. Happy days.
Heaphy
Southern Wilderness provides a 5-day guided tour of the Heaphy Track. You will stay in the DOC huts as there is no alternative accommodation and will need to carry a pack. Southern Wilderness will provide and carry all food and arrange transport from Nelson to/from the track.
Hump Ridge
The Hump Ridge Track also offers a guided experience. The package includes accommodation prior to the walk, return transport from Tuatapere, a short helicopter flight to the start of the track, and fully catered breakfast, lunch, dinner including snacks. It also includes bag drop to Okaka lodge on the first day, but you will need to carry your bag for the remaining 2 days. Accommodation is at the same lodges as other self-guided hikers but there are options for your own room and queen bed.
Lake Waikaremoana
Walking Legends offer a 4-day guided Lake Waikaremoana Discovery Tour. This tour is return from Rotorua but only walks part of the Lake Waikaremoana trail, not the entire track. Accommodation in lakeside chalets and food is provided.
Kepler
Trips and Tramps offer a heli-flight to Luxmore Hut, guided day walk back to Lake Te Anau, and then boat ride.
Milford and Routeburn
Ultimate Hikes has exclusive rights to guide hikers over the Milford and Routeburn tracks. Ultimate Hikes will organise all transport, private lodges, and provides all food with catered meals including a bar. Hikers will still need to be able to carry a small backpack each day and are accompanied by experienced guides.
Paparoa
Paparoa Guided Walks offer a 4-day guided tour of the Paparoa Track. The tour includes transport, 3 nights in the DOC huts as there is no alternative accommodation, all meals carried by the guide, and complimentary use of a backpack/poles/sleeping bag.
Rakiura
Ruggedy Range offer a 3-day guided tour of the Rakiura Track. The tour includes transport, 2 nights in the DOC huts as there is no alternative accommodation, and all meals. You will need to carry a pack with clothes and a sleeping bag.
Tongariro
Walking Legends offer a guided tour of the Tongariro Northern Circuit. The tour provides transport from National Park Village, guides, all food (including snacks), cooking equipment, and wine. Lodging is in the DOC huts as there is no alternative accommodation. You will still be required to carry clothing, a sleeping bag & cutlery kit.
Whanganui River
Canoe Safaris offers a 3, 4, or 5 day guided tour down the Whanganui River. The trip includes 3 course meals, NZ wine, and all camping equipment. Accommodation is at pre-assembled campsites or the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge overlooking the river.