New Zealand is one of the world’s great walking destinations, but you do not need to be super fit to enjoy it.
On a MoaTrek small group tour of New Zealand, short walks are part of the way we experience the country. You might stroll through native forest, walk to waterfalls, follow a coastal track to a seal colony, wander beside an alpine lake, or take an easy path to a mountain viewpoint.
Many of these walks are in or around New Zealand’s spectacular National Parks, including places like Abel Tasman, Tongariro, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, Westland and Paparoa.
Most walks are short, scenic and flexible. Some are included as part of the day’s touring, while others are optional walks you can enjoy during free time.
This makes the walks especially well suited to travellers who want to enjoy New Zealand’s scenery up close, including active seniors who prefer shorter, manageable walks rather than long hikes.
Your Kiwi Guide will explain what to expect, including the distance, track conditions, timing and weather, so you can walk as much or as little as you choose.
How walking works on a MoaTrek tour
Walking on a MoaTrek tour is designed to fit naturally into the day, not take over the whole holiday.
Some walks are gentle strolls to viewpoints, beaches, waterfalls or gardens. Others may be longer, but are still manageable for many guests who enjoy regular gentle exercise.
Some MoaTrek travellers enjoy doing every walk available. Others prefer shorter sections, viewpoints, photo stops or simply taking in the scenery at a relaxed pace. Both styles work well on a MoaTrek.
Included, guided and free-time walks
There are a few different types of walks on a MoaTrek tour:
- Included walks are built into the day’s itinerary. They are usually short, scenic and manageable for guests who enjoy gentle exercise.
- Guided walks are led by your Kiwi Guide or a local guide.
- Free-time walks are optional walks travellers can enjoy independently in places like Wellington, Queenstown, Wanaka or Kaikoura.
Whether a walk is included, guided or optional, your Kiwi Guide will explain the route, timing and conditions before you set off.
Short Walks with MoaTrek
These are some of the short walks and gentle walking experiences you may enjoy while travelling with MoaTrek.
Some are included in the itinerary, while others are optional walks you can enjoy during free time, depending on your interests, weather and the day’s timings.
Included on all MoaTrek Small Group Tours
These walking experiences are part of all our tours: the 21 Day Kakapo, 17 Day Kaka and 12 Day Kiwi. Choose a walk below to read more
- Abel Tasman Coastal Track
- Aoraki/Mt Cook short walks
- Haast Pass forest walks
- Ship Creek
- Franz Josef Glacier Valley Lookout
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
- Cape Foulwind seal colony
Included on 21 Day Kakapo and 17 Day Kaka only
Included on 21 Day Kakapo only
Optional free-time walks
- Auckland waterfront and Devonport
- Rotorua Lakefront and Government Gardens
- Wellington Waterfront
- Queenstown Gardens and local walks
- Wanaka Lakeside Walks
- Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
A Closer Look at MoaTrek’s Main Short Walks
Here is more detail on the main scenic walks, including what makes each one special, how the walking usually feels, and why our travellers enjoy them.
Some walks are built into the day’s itinerary, while others depend on weather, track conditions and timing. Your Kiwi Guide will always explain what to expect on the day.
Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: Abel Tasman National Park
Best for: Golden beaches, native forest, coastal views
Distance: Around 8 km / 5 miles point to point, depending on the section walked
Time: Around 3 hours walking
Grade: Easy
Abel Tasman is often a favourite walking experience on a MoaTrek tour.
For walkers, choose either the shorter 4km guided walk to Pitt Head or the longer 7km guided hike through to Apple Tree Bay, along a section of the Great Walks trail..
Or, if that all sounds too energetic, enjoy your picnic lunch while relaxing on the beach – you could even jump in for a swim.
Abel Tasman Walking
Enjoying a walk in Abel Tasman National Park is a favourite for MoaTrek travellers.
Aoraki/Mt Cook Short Walks
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour,Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Best for: Alpine views, glaciers, mountains, photography
Distance: 3 km / 1.8 miles return for Kea Point Track
Time: Around 2 hours return
Grade: Easy to moderate
Aoraki/Mt Cook is one of the most spectacular places in New Zealand for short walks.
From the village, there are easy walking options with huge mountain views. You do not need to walk far to feel surrounded by the Southern Alps. Depending on timing, weather and track conditions, your Kiwi Guide will help you make the most of your time here.
Haast Pass Forest Walks
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: Mt Aspiring National Park and Haast Pass
Best for: Waterfalls, native forest, mountain rivers
Distance: Short walks, distance varies by stop
Time: Timing depends on the stops made that day
Grade: Easy
The drive through Haast Pass is full of short walking opportunities.
This is a beautiful part of the South Island where lakes, rivers, beech forest and mountain scenery all come together. Rather than one long hike, this section of the tour is about short stops and easy walks that let you experience the landscape up close.
These short stops give you time to step out into the landscape, rather than only seeing it through the coach window
Ship Creek
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: West Coast, near Haast
Best for: Coastal forest, wetlands, wild West Coast scenery
Distance: Under 2 km / 1.2 miles combined
Time: Under 1 hour for both tracks
Grade: Easy
Ship Creek is a wonderful short walking stop on the West Coast.
There are easy walking options through coastal forest, wetlands and dune landscapes. It is a great example of how quickly the scenery changes in New Zealand, from mountain passes to rainforest to wild coastline.
This is not a strenuous walk. It is more about stepping into the landscape, hearing the birds, seeing the forest and getting a feel for the remote West Coast.
Franz Josef Glacier Valley Lookout
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: Westland Tai PoutiniiNational Park
Best for: Glacier scenery, river valley views, West Coast landscapes
Distance: 1.7 km / 1 mile return
Time: Around 30 minutes return
Grade: Easy
Franz Josef is one of the easiest places in New Zealand to experience glacier country.
The walk to the glacier valley lookout gives you a sense of the scale of the valley and the power of the ice that shaped it. The environment here changes over time, so the exact access can depend on weather, safety conditions and track status.
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: Paparoa National Park
Best for: Coastal scenery, limestone formations, blowholes
Distance: 1.1 km / 0.7 miles loop
Time: Around 20 minutes, allow extra for photos
Grade: Easy, mostly paved with a few steps
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes is one of the easiest and most rewarding short walks on the West Coast.
The paved loop takes you through unusual limestone formations that look like stacks of pancakes. At high tide, the sea can surge through the blowholes, adding plenty of drama to the short walk.
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour, Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Where: Near Westport
Best for: Seals, coastal views, wildlife
Distance: 3.2 km / 2 miles
Time: Around 2 to 3 hours
Grade: Moderate
Cape Foulwind is a favourite short walk for wildlife and ocean views.
The track leads to viewpoints where you can see New Zealand fur seals on the rocks below. The coastline is wild, open and very photogenic, with the Tasman Sea stretching out beside you.
For guests interested in wildlife and photography, this is one of the most appealing short walks.
Karangahake Gorge
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour
Where: Between Auckland and Rotorua
Best for: Native bush, river scenery, gold mining history
Distance: Varies depending on the route chosen
Time: Timing varies
Grade: Easy to moderate
Karangahake Gorge is one of those places many visitors would never find on their own, which is exactly why it makes such a good MoaTrek stop.
The walk follows the river through native bush and past relics of the area’s gold mining past. It is scenic, interesting and a lovely contrast to the drive between Auckland and Rotorua.
Both the Kakapo and Kaka itineraries include a walk in Karangahake Gorge before continuing towards Rotorua.
Taranaki Falls
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour
Where: Tongariro National Park
Best for: Volcano views, waterfalls, alpine scenery
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles loop
Time: Around 2 hours
Grade: Easy to moderate
Taranaki Falls is one of the standout short walks in Tongariro National Park.
The walk gives you a wonderful taste of this World Heritage landscape, with views of volcanic peaks, open alpine country and the waterfall itself. It is a proper walk rather than just a quick viewpoint stop, but it is still very achievable for many travellers who enjoy gentle exercise.
On both the Kakapo and Kaka tours, MoaTrek walks to Taranaki Falls while travelling through Tongariro National Park.
Muriwai Gannet Colony
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour
Where: Auckland’s west coast
Best for: Coastal views, seabirds, first taste of New Zealand scenery
Distance: Short stroll, distance varies
Time: Timing varies
Grade: Easy
Your Kakapo tour begins with a stroll to the gannet colony above Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s wild west coast. It is a gentle way to stretch your legs after arriving in New Zealand and a lovely first introduction to the country’s dramatic coastline.
From the viewing area, you can see the gannet colony, the surf below and the rugged black-sand coast stretching into the distance.
This is not a long walk, but it is a memorable start to the journey.
Flagstaff Hill, Russell
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour
Where: Russell, Bay of Islands
Best for: Bay of Islands views, early New Zealand history, harbour scenery
Distance: 2.5 km / 1.5 miles return
Time: ~1 hour
Grade: Easy to moderate
Flagstaff Hill is a short scenic walk in Russell with wide views over the Bay of Islands. It is a lovely way to understand the landscape around Russell and get a sense of the area’s early history.
The walk rewards you with views across the harbour, islands and surrounding coastline, making it a memorable short walk on the Kakapo tour.
Haruru Falls, Paihia
Included in: Kakapo 21 Day Tour
Where: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Best for: Riverside walking, boardwalks, waterfalls and native bush
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles one way
Time: ~2.5 hourse
Grade: Easy to moderate
Haruru Falls is a scenic walking option near Paihia, with riverside scenery, native bush and waterfall views.
Depending on timing and conditions, this is a pleasant way to enjoy the Bay of Islands beyond the harbour and coastline, with a different mix of forest, water and local scenery.
Auckland Waterfront and Devonport
Best suited to: Before your tour
Best for: Harbour views, cafes, first-day fresh air
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles loop for the waterfront route, or 5 km / 3 miles for Devonport
Time: Around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the route and stops
Grade: Easy
If you arrive in Auckland before your tour starts, the waterfront is a lovely place to stretch your legs after a long flight.
You can stroll around the Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter and the city waterfront, or take the ferry to Devonport for harbour views, historic streets and a gentle walk around the coast.
Rotorua Lakefront and Government Gardens
Included in: Free time on Kakapo 21 Day Tour and Kaka 17 Day oour
Best for: Gardens, lake views, geothermal atmosphere
Distance: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles full loop
Time: Around 30 minutes for a brisk walk, up to 2 hours with stops
Grade: Easy
Rotorua is easy to explore on foot during free time.
You can wander through Government Gardens, along the lakefront, or around nearby streets and parks close to the hotel. This is a gentle way to experience the town without needing to join a formal activity.
Wellington Waterfront
Included in: Free time on Kakapo 21 Day Tour and Kaka 17 Day Tour
Best for: Waterfront, cafes, Te Papa, city atmosphere
Distance: Just over 3 km / 2 miles one way
Time: Around 1 to 2 hours with stops
Grade: Easy
Wellington is one of New Zealand’s easiest cities to explore on foot.
Queenstown Gardens and Local Walks
Included in: Free time on Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour and Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Best for: Lake views, gardens, mountain scenery
Distance: Around 2 km / 1.2 miles loop for Queenstown Gardens
Time: Around 20 minutes
Grade: Easy
Queenstown has several short walks close to town, including the Queenstown Gardens and lakeside paths.
These are ideal if you want a relaxed walk between activities, shopping, cafes or optional day tours. Your Kiwi Guide can also suggest local walks depending on your interests and energy levels.
Wanaka Lakeside Walks
Included in: Free time on Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour and Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Best for: Lake views, photography, relaxed exploring
Distance: Flexible lakeside walking, distance varies
Time: Flexible, depending on your route and stops
Grade: Easy
Wanaka is a beautiful place for an easy lakeside stroll.
Once you arrive, you may have time to explore the lakefront, enjoy the views and take photos. For many travellers, this is less about doing a formal walk and more about enjoying one of New Zealand’s most scenic small towns at your own pace.
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Included in: Free time on Kakapo 21 Day Tour, Kaka 17 Day Tour and Kiwi 12 Day Tour
Best for: Seals, coastline, mountain and ocean views
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles from South Bay to Point Kean. Add around 4.5 km if walking back into town.
Time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours from South Bay to Point Kean. Allow under 1 hour extra if walking back into town.
Grade: Easy to moderate
Kaikoura is famous for marine wildlife, but it is also a great place for a coastal walk.
If you prefer to keep your feet on land, you may be able to enjoy part of the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway during free time. The walk offers views of the coastline, seabirds, seals and the Kaikoura mountains.
How Fit do I Need to be?
You do not need to be a serious walker or hiker to enjoy a MoaTrek tour. Most walks are short and scenic, and many can be shortened or skipped if you prefer. If you can comfortably walk around your neighbourhood, a park or a golf course, you will likely enjoy many of the walks on tour.
Your Kiwi Guide will always explain what to expect before each walk.
Are These Walks Suitable for Seniors?
Yes. Most of the short walks on MoaTrek tours suit active seniors who enjoy gentle walking, viewpoints, gardens, coastal paths and national park scenery. You do not need to be a serious hiker, and there is often flexibility to do a shorter section, take your time or simply enjoy the scenery.
You can also read more about our New Zealand tours for seniors, including how our small group tours are designed for comfort, flexibility and a relaxed pace.
What Should I Bring for Short Walks?
You do not need specialist hiking gear for most MoaTrek walks, but we do recommend packing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Layers for changing weather
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- A small daypack
- Water bottle
- Camera or phone
- Walking poles, if you already like using them
New Zealand weather can change quickly, especially in alpine and West Coast areas, so layers are useful even for short walks.
Are Walks Compulsory?
No. One of the best hings about a MoaTrek tour is the flexibility.
Some walks are part of the shared day, but your Kiwi Guide will explain the options. In many places, you can choose a shorter version, walk to the first viewpoint, take your time, or simply enjoy the surroundings without doing the full walk.
This is especially true in Abel Tasman, where the itinerary allows guests to walk as much or as little as they choose.
Talk to Us About Walking on Tour
If walking is one of the things you are looking forward to most, we can help you choose the MoaTrek tour that suits you best.
Some guests love doing every short walk available. Others prefer gentle strolls, viewpoints and time to relax. Both styles work well on a MoaTrek tour.
Our friendly team can help you understand what each tour includes, how active the days are, and which itinerary best matches the way you like to travel.
