There is no better way to really get to know a destination than on foot and there is no shortage of spectacular walks in this part of the world. So pack your walking boots for a real adventure.
Hiking (or ‘tramping’ as the Kiwis call it) is a national pastime in New Zealand with hundreds of magnificent walks – guided or unguided, ranging from the easy to the challenging - to lead you through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.
Among the country’s “Great Walks” are the Fiordland National Park walks including the world renowned spectacular Milford Track, the stunning Routeburn Alpine Track and the strikingly diverse Hollyford Track; as well as beautiful coastal walks such as the Queen Charlotte or the Abel Tasman track, with opportunities to substitute walking with swimming and kayaking.
For something completely different, trek the Tongariro around volcanic craters and brilliantly colourful volcanic lakes, or try heli-hiking the Franz Josef Glacier to explore the breathtaking blue ice caves.
Most of these walks can incorporate comfortable lodge accommodation, in themselves as much a part of the experience as the amazing scenery. However, for those who prefer a more leisurely encounter with nature, almost all accommodations across the nation have gentle local walks to enjoy.
Travellers keen to stretch their legs are also well catered for in Australia. From multi-day hikes through the Blue Mountains’ sandstone gorges or the wilderness coastline of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula; to a quick stroll before breakfast on the spectacular cliff top walk that winds its way along Sydney’s coastline from Bondi to Bronte.
Walk beside the icy streams, ancient pines and glacial lakes of Cradle Mountain, past ancient Aboriginal rock art and dramatic rock formations in the Grampians or learn the legends of the Dreamtime with a base walk around Uluru (Ayers Rock).
If you can bring yourself to steal a moment from the idyllic beaches of the Pacific, these beautiful islands also reward walkers with a surprising diversity of spectacular walks: the lush valleys, peaks and ridges showcase another face of French Polynesia at every turn. The Cook Islands’ Rarotonga's Cross-Island Track and Samoa’s spectacular volcanic walks are equally impressive.