Testimonials
From France, I contacted New Zealand Walks in June. I had a few days free in my New Zealand trip for professional reasons, which was scheduled for July, and no time to organize anything on my own in a country I didn't know at all. Anna suggested a custom 3-day hike on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. It was a wonderful experience. The landscapes and tracks were stunning. The package included water-taxi transfers, and other services provided by the efficient and friendly local Abel Tasman park team. I warmly recommend booking a walking through New Zealand Walks.
Christine, Abel Tasman 3 day Winter package, July 2024
We loved it! The weather, walk and our accommodation was amazing. Fantastic trip.
Sue, Queen Charlotte 4 day independent upgrade package, April 2024
The Queen Charlotte Track was fantastic, the organisation, the accommodation and food were all perfect for us . On the long days we left early and had the track more a less to ourselves for the whole day which is amazing on such a popular walking route.
Richard, Queen Charlotte 5 day self guided package, March 2024
I really can't rate NZ Walks highly enough! We walked the Queen Charlotte track with visiting UK family in March & from the very 1st phone call Anna was super helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. She took a lot of trouble to make sure the trip went smoothly, allowing us the chance to just relax & enjoy the time being with family & walking in such a beautiful location. The staff, transport / transfers, standard of food & accommodation etc. were all excellent. Even a glitch when our accommodation was double-booked (not NZW's error) was resolved without any fuss & actually worked out very happily for us as we were given quite the upgrade! We felt the cost of letting NZW organise the trip, versus trying to arrange all the elements ourselves, was completely balanced out by the stress-free time we had & we'll have no hesitation in re-booking with NZ Walks again if new plans for another family walk in 2026 come about.
Jacqui, Queen Charlotte Freedom Package, March 2024
Brilliant walk and very well led but the incredibly informative guides both added a dimension to the walk that you wouldn't gain trekking by yourself. Fantastic accommodation and meals, with no stone unturned. Overall a memorable experience
Jenny, Hollyford Track Guided Wilderness Experience, March 2024
Our trip was FANTASTIC! The entire experience was beautiful and stress free. Super thankful and grateful for connecting with you and you making our adventure super smooth. We've done a few walking trips overseas and the logistics of New Zealand Walks was perfectly managed. We always have a bump or two but zero with you!.
Seth, Queen Charlotte Track Ultimate Package, March 2024
We had a wonderful experience walking the Kepler and Routeburn walks in New Zealand. The weather was good except for a short stretch over the Harris Mountains on the Routeburn Track! Aside from one wet spell we consider ourselves very fortunate, we had a wonderful trip with great memories. Your coordination of the track bookings with various service providers was fabulous. I would recommend you to others and be happy to use your services again on any future NZ walks.
Fiona, Kepler and Routeburn freedom packages, February/March 2024
What an amazing experience to walk the Hump Ridge Track starting from Tuatapere. Everyday was something different to explore and enjoy. Lots of rain on day one meant lots of mud on days two and three, but once embraced this added to the challenge and the fun. Great views plus some dolphins sighted along the way. Big thanks to our guide and the teams at the very comfortable Okaka and Port Craig lodges who took such wonderful care of us. Highly recommend!
Jennifer, Hump Ridge Track Guided Walk, February 2024
My son and I booked a 4 day Abel Tasman Trip with NZ Walk and had the best experience. We are kiwis living in Wanaka but I was short on time to organise a trip myself. We experienced first class organisation and correspondence from Anna and delivery by the teams at the accommodation was second to none. 100% recommend booking a walking holiday through them.
Nikki, Abel Tasman Track 4 day Classic Package, January 2024
If you're considering hiking the Queen Charlotte Track, you'd be crazy not to use NZ Walks. Anna arranged everything, answered questions promptly and thoroughly, and every one of the organizations involved did a great job. She readily adjusted things as our circumstances changed. She also recommended a wine tour operator, which worked out very well (thanks Sam!). The hike itself was amazing, great lodges, good food. A little more strenuous than we expected, but well worth the effort. Thanks Anna!
Steve, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, January 2024
Anna from New Zealand walks allowed us to do two fantastic walks in January 2024, according to our schedule, taking into account an injury that one of us had meanwhile, also dietary requirements, booking before and after the walks and many more services perfectly customized for us.
Jean-Christophe, Abel Tasman and Hump Ridge Tracks, January 2024
We had a blast! Everything was taken care off, really beautiful hikes, the best food, a lovely place to stay and a nice small group with a great guide. We think nothing can top this experience!
Chris and Ilya, Tongariro Lodge based Guided tour, January 2024
I had really wanted to do the Queen Charlotte trail but considering it was going to be a 3/4day hike and there was a lot of components to think of (boats, accommodation, pass, etc), my partner and I decided to look for someone to arrange all of this for us. We found New Zealand Walks and were not disappointed! The price was very reasonable, the communication was fantastic and they made the process so very easy so we could focus on only packing and enjoying our trip. Would absolutely use them again and recommend to anyone.
Marie, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, December 2023
Anna at NZ Walks organised our Queen Charlotte Track experience, which was utterly fantastic. She made everything very straightforward, was extremely cost-effective and helped us have a wonderful time. Thanks, Anna!
Ade, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, April 2023
We have just returned from a most memorable trip to the extraordinary country of New Zealand. Our hikes in the Fiordland and the Queen Charlotte track were challenging, exquisitely beautiful, and each evening we enjoyed gourmet meals with warm kiwi hospitality. We are so very appreciative to New Zealand Walks for their expert support and steadfast encouragement. Anna is a dream to work with- responsive, knowledgeable, impeccably thorough, cheerful and kind. We are independent travellers that have never used a guide service before but we simply could not have pulled off this amazing experience without her!
Susan, Experience Fiordland 5 Day Package and Queen Charlotte Deluxe Freedom Walk, March 2023
We all very much appreciated how much you did for us to make our Abel Tasman adventure just wonderful. It was a very well organised trip with no hiccups at all. Everyone was so helpful and did all that they could to make our experience the best that it could be. Thank you Anna. It was very comforting to have you so accessible on the phone and to have all our questions and little concerns sorted. It certainly is a very beautiful part of New Zealand and for 4 octogenarians venturing into the unknown was quite an adventure for sure. Thanks again for all you did to help us on our way and to make it so much more enjoyable.
Jill, Abel Tasman freedom walk, March 2023
We all totally loved our walk & experience! Everything from the Picton Shuttle pick up & drop offs, the pre trip briefing, water taxis, stunning accommodation, food & wines was just amazing - Then there is the actual walk & scenery!! Fantastic few days in a truly special part of the country and world. We plan to do another walk, we'll be in touch.
Adele, Queen Charlotte Track Freedom Walk, March 2023
Just wanted to say a huge thank you for a brilliant trip. We completed the full Abel Tasman Track and loved it. We were really lucky with the weather - it was raining when we arrived in Nelson on Sunday last weekend but stunning on Monday at Marahau when we set off. It was then beautiful every day except for a bit of rain first thing on the last morning out of Wainui yesterday. But it cleared away pretty fast. The walk is amazing, as I’m sure you know! The accommodation was excellent, we enjoyed the camping at Anchorage and the guides who were there on the ground were really good. We enjoyed the rest day at Awaroa and Ratanui was very nice too. All in all, another great trip with good advice and preparation tips beforehand which made it so easy. Thanks again for an excellent experience! We’ll be back in touch when we’re ready for another adventure.
Paula and Tony, Abel Tasman 5 Day Freedom Walk, February 2023
New Zealand outdoor adventures done in style - Amazing experience with a very knowledgeable, energetic and fun guide Jake that made the adventure so enjoyable. Would highly recommend to anyone whom enjoys the multiple day hike in comfort and good hands.
Mark, Queen Charlotte 4 Day Guided Walk, December 2022
Thanks Anna for your fabulous customer service on our 3 day independent QC walk. The accommodation, food and track were utterly magical and we would do it again in a heart beat.
Jacqui, Queen Charlotte 3 day Freedom Package, October 2022
My husband and I, together with another couple, walked the Queen Charlotte Track on an independent walking tour organised by New Zealand Walks. The whole experience was fantastic and dealing with New Zealand walks took all the stress out of the planning and organising. The communication was great and when plans had to change due to weather, they gave us options and recommendations that worked for us. The lodge accommodation along the track was extremely comfortable and welcoming which was a huge bonus after long days of walking. Highly recommended!
Robyn, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, October 2022
Just a quick note to say the 4 day Deluxe package was excellent value and my hiking companions felt the same. The food and accommodation was overall superb. The young staff were especially good at Lochmara Lodge. Probably goes without saying but the water taxi folks were great too. Thanks so much for all your help.
Grant, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, April/May 2022
Thank you for a wonderful walking experience. Your organisation was efficient without stress and the accommodation and meals were first class. Our guide was delightful - knowledgeable and passionate about the bush, the sea and the history of the area- we learned a lot.
Barbara, Abel Tasman Track guided walk, March 2022
Epic Walk Experience, a challenging walk but soooo worth it! The views are incredible, the range of terrain in just 3 days walking is very rewarding. NZ Walks and their team made everything very easy including organising accommodation both before and after the climb. The huts were very well appointed and the much anticipated award-winning sausages and mash could not have been more appreciated by our family of hungry boys!
Rixt, Hump Ridge Track freedom package, January 2022
We had a fantastic time on the Paparoa Track, I certainly appreciated all your help with booking. Our guide was great and very knowledgeable about flora and fauna and information about the track. He was great company too. The track was incredibly scenic and the views were stunning. Bit hard underfoot definitely boot terrain.
Anne, Paparoa Track guided walk, January 2022
Queen Charlotte track: Very well organized. Great communication. Anna replied to our last minute questions on Sunday evening within an hour and was always very friendly and helpful. Friendly and knowledgeable team on the water taxi made the trip even more special. Very nice lodges too and the walk and track was spectacular. I definitely recommend this trip!
Supriya, Queen Charlotte freedom walk, January 2022
We booked the Abel Tasman Four Day All the Way Freedom Walk. It was well worth the money as we were very well looked after with great accommodation and support throughout the trip. All the transport was included plus daily packed lunches which were yummy. We’ll be looking to book another trip with them soon.
Lisa, Abel Tasman Track, October 2021
We really enjoyed our Old Ghost Road trip, with such a variety of terrain and vegetation. Some long days, but made easier by the gentle gradients. Our guides did a great job in leading, cheerfully encouraging all of us and spoiling us with great food morning, noon and night. What's more we got little rain until the last morning, which was a treat. We recommend the huts, warm every night due to the double glazing and with good space for eating and relaxing.
Maureen and Marshall, Old Ghost Road 5 Day Guided Walk, April 2021
We have just completed an amazing experience with Becs and Grace as our guides on the Hollyford Track. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the plants, the history of this track, early settlers stories and facts which made the places much more meaningful. Becs' enthusiasm and motivation throughout extremely wet conditions was exceptional and we enjoyed both the guides company very much.
Barry and Trish, Hollyford 3 day Guided Walk, January 2021
We had a great trip on the Abel Tasman Track and would like to commend you and your outfitter for wonderful service. We are already recommending you to our friends.
Wendy, Abel Tasman Track, January 2021
We did the Experience Fiordland 4 night/5 day Te Anau based package with New Zealand walks. This is the second time we have used this company and like the first time, everything ran like clockwork. Anna, the owner, communicated brilliantly throughout, from initial ideas and booking, right through to questions whilst we were there. The service providers used were all excellent. Guides were flexible and accommodated the groups' requests. Every aspect of our itinerary was spot on. Having a base to come back to each evening enabled us to relax in the evenings and sample the many good restaurants that Te Anau has to offer. This package is a great way to experience sections of three of the great walks.
Helen and Ian, Experience Fiordland Package, January 2021
We wanted to express our appreciation for the excellent trip. The weather was perfect, so that helped of course. We have done this before in Dec 2010, and it was up to the then same high standard, in all respects. Thanks for food, heli rides (begin and end) jetboat, meals, guides, and lodge hosts. Can you please convey to our guides Rebekah and Michelle our appreciation of their personable style, excellent commentaries (revealing a fair knowledge of Te Reo as well) botanical and historical, and general command and coordination of the whole event.
Ross and Sally, Hollyford 3 day Guided Walk, February 2021
Back in Picton after a fabulous few days walking. Transfers and accommodation all good. Had a wonderful dolphin experience at Punga when a pod came in to the jetty and put on a performance, more so when a mad Irishman jumped into the water! Will be recommending QCT.
Debbi, Queen Charlotte Track, November 2020
I just wanted to let you know that we finished our amazing trip yesterday! The whole trip went really well - we truly enjoyed the beautiful sounds. Apart from the first day, the weather was great for walking. Thank you for helping us to make this happen! Your efforts are much appreciated!
Fiona, Queen Charlotte Track, November 2020
I was very lucky to be able to complete the Queen Charlotte Track on 6th March. The scenery was stunning and the weather wasn't too bad, it rained for two days but the last two days there wasn't any rain, it was perfect for walking . Our guide was very knowledgeable in history and wildlife . I learned a lot on New Zealand native birds. The food and accommodation was excellent out of my expectations. I will definitely visit New Zealand again, there are many walks are on my bucket list.
Liz, Queen Charlotte Track, March 2020
I had THE VERY BEST TIME!!! I had absolutely no idea what to expect & I have to say the utter beauty of NZ was simply jaw dropping. The weather was perfect, the actual hike was soooo much fun (& a little challenging at times!), the accommodation was AMAZING, the attentive staff & the great new friends I made, all fantastic!!!
Judy, Queen Charlotte Track, March 2020
Everything on both the Abel Tasman walk and the Queen Charlotte walk was very well organised and Anna did a superb job in booking and liaising with us. The accommodation was great in lovely lodges along the way. Beautiful scenery and I recommend that you book with New Zealand walks.
Val, Top of the South Package, January 2020
Queen Charlotte was absolutely legendary!!!! Way more than I expected! Thank you Anna! Can't wait for Abel Tasman :)
Greg, Top of the South Package, December 2019/January 2020
We walked the Queen Charlotte Track in late Oct early November - taking 5 days including a rest day at Lochmara Lodge on day 4. The organisation by Anna at NZ walking holidays was fantastic, accommodation excellent and food just right. No wet tents to pack up and carry. No trying to cook dehydrated food late in the day before the rain came or the light faded. It was perfect. Hard to know whether we will ever return to usual bush walking again! This really is a beautiful part of the world and the track was so well maintained.
Ngarire, Queen Charlotte Track, November 2018
We had an amazing honeymoon, during which we often cited our luck in finding you! As you know, we got around to planning late in the game and most things were booked. We were thrilled when you found two tramps for us and counted ourselves lucky, not realising just how lucky we were until we got there. Abel Tasman was fantastic and we loved Awaroa lodge. With sea kayaking sandwiched between two days of hiking, we felt like we got to see so much and still had time for beers, pizza and backgammon at the lodge as well as glow worms and diabolical eels. The sea kayak guide was a special treat with his knowledge of the landscape. Then, on to the Hollyford which was one of the best guided trips I’ve ever experienced. The remote access and incredible guide made for an unforgettable trip. The lodges were great. To have a homemade three course meal at the end of a long hike and retire to bunk beds was so wonderful. Add to that the ancient podocarp forest, speed boat, sea lions and helicopter return journey, it was over the top. We really feel that we owe the success of our honeymoon in large part to you. Thank you for finding us spots on both of those treks and for your advice on driving distances. We can’t believe how lucky we were to stumble upon you on the internet.
Lloyd, Abel Tasman Track and Hollyford Track, December 2018/January 2019
Our tramp (Queen Charlotte Track) was definitely the highlight of our time in New Zealand.
Linda, Queen Charlotte Track, January 2019
We had the best time ever on the Abel Tasman! It was just perfect and everything was seamless and excellent.
Helen, Abel Tasman Track, January 2019
It could not have been better and will certainly recommend New Zealand Walks as the company of choice for five star walks in NZ.
Steve, Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte, February 2019
We thoroughly enjoyed walking the Queen Charlotte Track. We had an exceptional guide who was passionate about all aspects of the track and New Zealand. He provided an interesting and informative commentary on a wide range of topics along the full length of the track. We had a great group of fellow walkers and enjoyed some good camaraderie along the way. The lodges all provided excellent accommodation and meals. The weather was good for walking and we were able to enjoy the wonderful variety of vegetation, scenery and landscapes along the length of the Track. Taking an extra day at Lochmara Lodge meant we were able to relax and do some kayaking in West Bay. We have no hesitation in recommending the 5-day Classic Guided Walk, as it was a most rewarding experience.
Patti and Ralph, Queen Charlotte Track, February 2019
We all had an amazing time with everything organised so well and the accommodation and meals, packed lunches were incredible and definitely first rate. It was so great to get to such gorgeous lodges each day. I absolutely loved every minute and could not believe how spectacular the walk was. The Marlborough sounds are amazing. I will definitely be recommending it and hope next year or year after to try and tackle the Milford Track. Thank you again for your amazing service and making everything so easy.
Cindy, Queen Charlotte Track, February/March 2019
Everything went really well, all plans ran as hoped and we loved the walking. Such gorgeous landscapes!! We even had the treat of walking for a day in the rain, knowing all the while that we would have a hot shower and dry clothes at the end of the day. This short visit to NZ has reminded us how much we love being in New Zealand! How easy the whole experience is, how beautiful and diverse the flora, fauna and landscapes, how delicious the food is, how good the wine is, how vast the craft brewing industry has become and how friendly and helpful the people are. We will recommend again to all and sundry.
Robyn, Top of the South Package, March 2019