Taking some of the best New Zealand winter hiking tours is a great way to get out of the city, experience nature, and learn more about New Zealand’s history. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, or a relaxing stroll through a nature reserve, there’s something for everyone.
Tasman’s Great Taste Trail
Whether you want a short day ride or an extended holiday, the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail offers a great way to explore the region’s scenic attractions. With a combination of a bike path and forested foothills, it is perfect for riders of all abilities.
The trail is a 174-kilometre loop that takes you through the Nelson Tasman region and includes stops for boutique shopping, fine food, and winery restaurants. It also passes through the historic Spooners Tunnel. This’southern hemisphere’s longest disused railway tunnel’ was built in 1891 and 1893.
Nelson Tasman is renowned for its horticulture, vineyards, and seafood. The area also has an abundance of artisan foods and ciders. There are numerous cycle routes and trails throughout the region. It is also home to some of the country’s most scenic vistas. Whether you want to ride for a day or stay overnight, the Nelson Tasman Trail is easy to access.
You can ride the trail in any direction. The trail loops through towns in Richmond, Motueka, Wakefield, and Kaiteriteri. The Tasman Great Taste Trail blends history, hospitality, and scenery to create a spectacular coastal ride. There are numerous attractions along the trail, including boutique shopping, art studios, and winery restaurants.
The trail is well marked and has very few rough surfaces. It is suitable for riders of all levels, with some grade 3 sections. Several towns are located along the trail, providing accommodation options. There are also numerous local operators who offer bike hire and shuttle services.
The Nelson Tasman Trail is accessible and adaptable, making it suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It offers transportation services to and from Spooners Tunnel and many of the points of interest along the trail.
Cape Reinga / Te Rerenga Wairua
Located on the north tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Cape Reinga is where the Pacific and Tasman seas meet. This is the northernmost point of New Zealand and is a sacred site for Maori. They believe that the meeting of seas symbolizes the creation of life.
Cape Reinga is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. The lighthouse is one of the most photographed in the country and offers spectacular views of the Pacific and Tasman seas. It’s also a popular spot for visitors looking to explore the region’s Maori heritage.
The lighthouse is on the edge of a steep rocky cape. The lighthouse has a 50 watt flashing beacon. Visitors can walk the path to the lighthouse, which is fenced and paved. It’s an easy 10 minute walk.
There are several photographic vantage points along the way. You can also see the iconic lighthouse, which was the last manned lighthouse in New Zealand.
The lighthouse is a sacred site for the Maori, as it is where the Pacific and Tasman seas come together. It’s also the place where spirits leave New Zealand to go to the underworld. In traditional funerary rituals, recently deceased people were washed with the waters of the Te Waiora-a-Tane, which are considered sacred.
The Pohutukawa tree, which grows on the rocks of Cape Reinga, is an ancient tree that is said to be the pathway that spirits use to reach the underworld. The tree is also said to survive in even the most difficult conditions.
Cape Reinga is also the furthest north tourist destination in New Zealand. It’s about six hours by car from Auckland. It’s best to visit during a clear, sunny day in winter, when the temperature is cooler.
Coromandel Peninsula
Located in New Zealand’s north island, Coromandel is an incredibly popular place for holidaymakers to visit. Aside from the beaches, the region offers a range of activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Hiking is a great way to experience the area’s scenery. You can hike the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, which is a one-way track that links Stony Bay and Fletcher’s Bay. This scenic route is 10km (6.2 miles) in length and takes most people 3.5 hours to complete.
One of the most popular day walks in Coromandel is the Pinnacles Walk. This multi-day hike takes you through regenerating kauri forest to the summit of a kauri hut. It is a great way to experience the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It is also a popular overnight hike.
The Coromandel Peninsula offers one of the world’s hottest beaches. Temperatures can reach 64 degC during the day, and can dip to a low of 12 degC during the evening. The area is home to hot water holes, which can be found at low tide. This is a great place to visit, but you will need to be fit to get there.
A popular way to get around Coromandel is by renting a car. You can also travel around the area by bus. But if you want to see some of the more remote areas, renting a car is the way to go. It also gives you access to the walking tracks that are located in the area.
A great place to visit while in Coromandel is the Coromandel Town. The town offers a range of services and amenities, and there are many places to eat and stay.
Queenstown
During the winter, Queenstown is a winter wonderland. It has snow-capped mountains and glistening blue lakes. There is also a range of activities available to visitors. Some of the best things to do in Queenstown include skiing, jet boating, and bungy jumping.
There are a few winter hiking tours you can take in Queenstown. Among them is the Milford Day track walk. This is a short and sweet hike that will give you fantastic views of Mount Cook. The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow.
Another must see is the Routeburn track day walk. This is a very popular guided day hike that is easy to follow and includes transport. The route has some informative commentary and offers some excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
The best part about this hike is that it is free. The route is also quite easy to follow, and is relatively easy for even the most fit of hikers.
The Queenstown Winter Festival is one of the largest winter events in New Zealand. This four day event includes a variety of ticketed events and entertainment. Some of the more fun and exciting events include a dog derby, a mountain-bike race on snow, and fireworks.
There are also a number of smaller winter festivals that take place throughout Queenstown. The most popular are the Winter Wonderland Festival and Snow Machine Festival. The Winter Wonderland Festival is a fun and exciting event that celebrates the beginning of the snow season in Queenstown. The Snow Machine Festival will also be held over Coronet Peak.
The other best thing to do in Queenstown during the winter is take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. This is a very popular activity and can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Rotorua
Visiting Rotorua on new zealand winter hiking tours is a great way to enjoy the area. The city is known for its geothermal pools, mud pools, and native bushland. It is also a great destination for mountain biking. Rotorua is located on the North Island of New Zealand. It is also surrounded by a beautiful lake and green mountains.
Rotorua is also home to a few thermal parks. There are two main thermal parks in the city. Wai-O-Tapu is the more famous thermal park. It is a short walk to the main area of the park.
The other thermal park in Rotorua is Waimangu. It is a more serene park. It features a large sinter terrace, which looks like a steaming rice terrace. It is also home to several geysers and boiling mud pools. The area is also home to a few cycling trails that negotiate geothermal fields.
Te Pa Tu is a four-hour evening experience. It costs 245 NZD. The price includes entry to the park, dinner, and a drink. It also includes a Maori cloaked Jesus.
Rotorua can get very crowded in the summer months. However, the shoulder season from March to May is a great time to visit. There are fewer tourists, and the prices are discounted.
Rotorua is also home for a variety of cultural tours. These vary in size and in what they offer. There are several types of tours, including Maori tours, and birding tours. Often, the tours include food and drinks.
A Rotorua tour can also include visiting the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This site is located in Te Puia, a short drive from Rotorua. It is part of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. It also features a Maori village.
