Absorb the essence of New Zealand on one of the many walks through wilderness areas and national parks, some of which are world heritage areas. See, hear and feel New Zealand as it was and give thanks that far-sighted pioneers and a small population that mean vast areas of the country are still virtually untouched by mankind.

New Zealand's walks - guided and unguided - range from the easy to the challenging which require reasonable level of fitness. Visitors aged 10 to 70, and older, enjoy this aspect of their New Zealand holiday.

World famous walks like the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Hollyford Valley and Abel Tasman Track in the South Island are popular with locals and travellers alike. But there are literally dozens of other walks, alpine, coastal and volcanic such as the famous Tongariro day hike that each have their own charm.

Walks can be of only a few hours duration - or for the more adventurous a few days. Guided walks provide overnight accommodation and meals, bedding and transport as required. Overnight accommodations and facilities are comfortably rustic offering wholesome New Zealand cuisine and dormitory style sleeping with shared facilities in most cases and private rooms being available on the Milford and Hollyford Tracks.

Unique to New Zealand, the vast majority of accommodations have readily available access to any number of fascinating local walks that can take a few minutes through to a full day to enjoy. All that's required are sturdy boots, sensible clothing and a sense of adventure.