Guided Walks New Zealand

18/09/2024

Smiling faces on the Routeburn Track!

Our guided day tours on the Routeburn Track are good for groups, families, couples and anyone interested in getting a taste of the track with one of our expert guides.

We provide transport to and from the track, lunch and snacks and lots of knowledge about the area and its history.

Many thanks to Jill for sharing these pictures of your day with star guide Claudia.

📸Jill Eanes

31/08/2024

Lunch on the run has never been so good!

Food always tastes great after a day in the wilderness and if you walk with us, we keep you well fueled!

What is your favorite snack whilst hiking? Let us know 👇

08/08/2024

Walk the Routeburn Track with us!
The Routeburn Track is renowned as one of the best NZ Great walks. With exclusive access to off-track sections of the trail, expert guides and door to door transport, what more could you ask for?

24/07/2024

Are you craving an adventure that goes beyond a day walk?
Would you like to explore a valley in Fiordland steeped in history and rich with fascinating flora and fauna?
Look no further than Hollyford Wilderness Experience!
Our sister company offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park.
If a multi-day walk with the luxury of private lodges, Helicopter and Jet Boat Transport along with excellent guides and lodge hosts sounds like you - check them out!

06/07/2024

🌿We are hiring🌿
If you have a passion for connecting with people from all over the world, can share informative and entertaining kōrero and have a drive to make an unforgettable experience for every one of your manuhiri (guests), then we have the job for you!
Check out the link and get in touch if you are keen 👇

27/06/2024

Mānawatia a Matariki!
As we welcome the Māori New Year, we reflect on our journeys, honour the past and look forward to the future.
The Koru represents new life, growth, and new beginnings. These pictures were taken on the trails over the last summer and are too green and gorgeous not to share!
What new opportunities and challenges lie ahead for you?
Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori! Happy Matariki, everyone!

📸Ciara Hensey

27/06/2024

19/06/2024

🌿Walk Into the Wilderness With Us 🌿

Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just seeking a breath of fresh air, join us for an adventure that reconnects you with the wild!

29/05/2024

Isn't she a stunner?!?!?
Lake Sylvan in Mt Aspiring National Park is just too pretty not to stop in your tracks and admire her moody beauty. 📸 Photo opportunities are around every corner here. Let us share this magical place with you...

Book a walk with and experience the beauty firsthand.

07/05/2024

Experience the Dart River and the stunning Mt Aspiring National Park from the Air 🚁 , on foot 🥾 and on water 🚤 !
Our Aspiring Wilderness Experience is an epic day out in any weather, but the chilly vibes on this trip are too good not to share!

📸 Olivia Matthews - Thanks!

18/03/2024

Taking a break to savor the moment!
☕️There's nothing quite like a warm cup of tea and some delicious snacks to recharge during a hike. Join us on our next adventure and we will treat you to scenic views and delicious trailside refreshments.

04/03/2024

When the waters are this crystal-clear, who can resist a refreshing dip?
☀️ Summer has arrived, and many of our guests are relishing swims as part of their guided tour. Will you join in the fun? 💦

25/02/2024

Hello!
You will experience a picturesque journey as you venture into the breathtaking landscapes of Mt Aspiring National Park.
Our guide, Ciara, captured this stunning shot en route to the Routeburn Track recently, it beautifully showcases the beauty of the rural views along the way. Don't 'ewe' just love it?

07/02/2024

🎉 We are thrilled to announce Guided Walks New Zealand, has earned Qualmark New Zealand's Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award 🎉

This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to preserving New Zealand's unique natural environment while delivering high-quality, safe experiences for manuhiri (visitors).

The award highlights our efforts in protecting the environment, fostering connections with local iwi and communities, and ensuring a top-notch experience for manuhiri.

https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/connect-2/connect/media/top-sustainability-award-for-guided-walks-new-zealand

100% Pure New Zealand Ngāi Tahu Tourism

04/02/2024

Looking for a memorable half-day adventure in Queenstown?
Our Lakeshore Forest and Bird walk is the perfect option for you!
You will learn about the rich history in the area while walking a stunning local track with birds along for an added bird-watching bonus!
With your own private guide, a transfer to and from your Queenstown accommodation and a delicious Morning (or afternoon tea) as well, this trip is a must-do!

28/01/2024

Buffs are popular among outdoor folk and here at Guided Walks we think they are awesome - a versatile and lightweight accessory.
If you walk with us you receive one of our buffs in a fetching shade of Green! 🌿
So - how do you wear yours?

03/01/2024

🥾🌿Want a day walk on the Routeburn Track with all the logistics taken care of?🥾🌿
The Routeburn Track is known for its breathtaking landscapes, alpine scenery, pristine lakes, and lush beech forests, but is does not need to be a multi-day hike......
Join us for a day of exploration, beautiful scenery, and the camaraderie of fellow adventure seekers on this iconic trail!
We operate guided tours for small groups on a daily basis.
This is a fantastic way to experience Mt Aspiring National Park with your own knowledgeable guide. You will see awe-inspiring landscapes, enjoy great food and have door-to-door transfers from your Queenstown Accomodation.
🙂🌿Book online today 🌿🙂

30/12/2023

🌿As we turn our back on 2023, turn your attention to the great outdoors and the New-Year adventures that await us.
Nature has an incredible ability to rejuvenate - This year, make plans to enjoy the simple pleasure of walking in nature.
And remember - we will be here to help you enjoy it!
Let us know what adventure you plan in 2024 👇👇👇👇👇

24/12/2023

🎄🎄Meri Kirihimete!🎄🎄
From our whānau to yours, we wish you all the very best for Christmas and the coming year.
Walking is a wonderful way to connect with nature, clear your mind, and appreciate the little moments that make this time of year so special.
We do hope you make some time to get out in whatever wilderness you can these holidays! It would be a bonus if you get to see some of this stunning flowering action from the Southern Flowering Rata and the New Zealand Mistletoe.
📸Crystal McGrath

18/12/2023

🌿Introducing our team🌿
Ciara traded the green isles of Ireland for hiking the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa trail. Since completing the Te Araroa, she has studied and lived in NZ and has found her own piece of paradise in the outdoors playground of Queenstown.
She has become somewhat obsessed with NZ Birds since starting guiding with us last year, every bit as excited to spot our unusual native birds as our guests!
We are so happy to have her as a member of the GWNZ team - she thrives in nature and her passion for the outdoors is infectious!
(She also writes very well - she pens the very best "detail by detail" trip reports for the office)
📸Ciara

27/11/2023

🚶‍♀️Walk with us and be prepared for an unforgettable experience!🚶‍♀️
We provide:
🌿Knowledgeable and friendly guides
🌿 Interpretative commentary of flora, fauna, history and geology
🌿Transport to and from Queenstown accommodation (excludes private residence)
🌿Day packs, walking poles and some wet weather gear if required
🌿Snacks and lunches
We recommend you bring:
🥾Warm clothing (no jeans please!)
🥾Thermal layers for winter walks
🥾A warm hat or sun hat
🥾Sunglasses all year round
🥾Sunscreen all year round
🥾Gloves if you have them
🥾Waterproof jacket if you have one
🥾Small day pack if you have one
🥾A full water bottle

Will you be joining us this summer???

16/11/2023

We had some very pretty snow (hukarere) a couple of weeks ago and thought you might like to see some pictures!
These snaps were taken on the Routeburn track. Our guests enjoyed a day in the sunshine after mother nature blesses us with some icing-sugar magic ❄️
Would you prefer to hike with or without snow???
📸Ciara Hensey

10/11/2023

We found this word and it seemed too
good not to share!
KOMOREBI is a Japanese word that has no translation
in any other language - it roughly translates as "the
scattered light that filters through when sunlight shines
through trees"
We Savour the sunshine when we walk with our guests and
hope to see a lot of komorebi when you walk with us in
te wao nui o Tāne (the domain of Tāne, Lord of the
forests)
📸 Becs Howe

03/11/2023

🌿Introducing our team!🌿
Our guide manager is Rebecca (Becs) Howe.

Becs is a Southland local and is passionate about sharing the fascinating history and hidden treasures of this beautiful region.

Becs is based in our Te Anau office, but spends a lot of time in Queenstown and the Hollyford Valley supporting our awesome kaiārahi (guides) as they host our Manuhiri (guests).

She is a Nature lover, a Snowboarder, an Avocado fan and Mother to Revy (our office dog).

📸 Becs Howe

24/10/2023

🌲🍽️🥾 Good food with a view! 🌲🍽️🥾

Hiking snacks don't get any better than this !

Nature provides the perfect backdrop for re-fueling in style.

So - are you going to join us for an adventure this summer?

10/10/2023

Meet the South Island Robin (Kakaruwai)

These little guys are super friendly and are a joy to encounter when you walk with us. They are very inquisitive birds that enjoy forests with dense, even, canopies and ground covered with leaf litter.

Robin will often come up close if you take the time to stop and say hello. Sometimes they will even jump on your shoes and peck at your shoelaces!

29/09/2023

Kia ora!
Summer is coming and we have started our staff training.
Our guides (kaiārahi) are an outgoing bunch who are excited to share the wilderness with you this Summer.
Over the coming months we will introduce you to some of our staff and guides, but in the meantime please enjoy these lovely snaps of our training days earlier this week!

18/09/2023

🌿💚Embrace the healing power of Nature this week 🌿💚
This week is Mental Health awareness week.
Here at the Guided Walks NZ we know that Nature is not only beautiful, its therapeutic and has an incredible ability to ground us, and to remind us of our place in the world.
This week take some time to appreciate nature and all its many benefits🌞
To all those booked to come and join us this Summer - We can't wait to meet you!
🥾💚Tell us when you are coming and what you are most excited to gain from our Experience🥾💚

11/09/2023

🌿Kia ora!🌿

This week is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, or Māori Language Week.

It is an annual event that celebrates the march on parliament on the 14th September 1972. It has been marked every year since 1975.

The theme this year is Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori – making the language stronger. We encourage everyone to give te reo Māori a go!

Hikoi 🚶🚶‍♀️ Walk
Ngahere 🌿 Forest
Manu 🐦 Bird
Kai 🥪 food
ua 🌧 rain
Uenuku 🌈 Rainbow

08/09/2023

💚Something to make you smile at the end of the week💚
This sparrow-sized cutie is a South Island robin and is endemic to New Zealand where it is a protected species. It is known in Māori as the Kakaruwai.
These wee birds are often seen during our guided walks and they can get very close to you while you are on the track.
🥾Take the time to get to know these "locals" in our beautiful back-yard this summer - book a guided walk with us and we will introduce you!🥾