What is the best time to walk in New Zealand?
The main New Zealand walking season is from October to April/May.
New Zealand offers beautiful landscapes and diverse outdoor experiences throughout the year. The best time to take a walking holiday in New Zealand depends on your preferences and the specific region you plan to visit. Here are some considerations for each season:
- Summer (December to February): This is the peak tourist season in New Zealand, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's an excellent time for walking holidays, especially in the South Island's alpine regions and the famous Great Walks, such as the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks.
- Autumn (March to May): Autumn in New Zealand brings mild weather, fewer crowds, and stunning Autumn foliage. It's a great time for walking holidays where you can enjoy beautiful colours and comfortable temperatures.
- Spring (September to November): Spring in New Zealand is a transitional season, with emerging wildflowers, green landscapes, and fewer crowds compared to summer. It's a good time to explore coastal walks and national parks. However, be aware that spring weather can be unpredictable, so pack appropriate clothing and check the conditions beforehand.
We recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, just to ensure we can secure bookings on your preferred track.
What our other guests have said
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...
Jill, Abel Tasman freedom walk, March 2023
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...
Cindy, Queen Charlotte Track, February/March 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...
Patti and Ralph, Queen Charlotte Track, February 2019