Historic Walking Areas in New Zealand

THE 10 BEST New Zealand Historic Walking Areas

Historic Walking Areas in New Zealand

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Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
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31 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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Showing results 1-30 of 31

What travellers are saying

  • jasan05
    Hiroshima, Japan20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    In all honesty it was great !!! Throughly enjoyed it albeit physically taxing (coming from a woman in her mid 50s who hasn’t done mtb ever before ).
    If you want more details read on below ….
    Just a brief note to the department of conservation - there seems to be some areas that they have forgotten to pave - significantly sized “cobblestones” to ride over, slushy areas where one could bog down…
    Apparently this is “literally tech” according to my MTB afflicted 15yo son who could have done the course in 45mins if he wasn’t waiting for his parents and siblings.

    Furthermore , we protest at the number of uphills - there are a couple - there is no indignancy in walking the bike up. The white wine at the end still tasted great whether one walked or rode up. My husband thought he was 18yo (late 50s) was hero riding and came to grief when one of the rocks came up and tried to bite him. The Apple Watch , turns out, has a falls assessment and offered to call emergency services . We declined - as only injury was to ego.

    Would thoroughly suggest. Views are amazing (we had a sunny day). We hired bikes through TCB - very helpful and informative. They tricked us to the start of the ride and even took family (proof of life) photos !!!
    Written 7 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Momelco
    Denver, CO85 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Port Hills is a short distance from Christchurch and offers many different trails/tracks to hike, which are bucketed under the following broader areas:
    - Victoria Park, Sugarloaf Circuit
    - Bowenvale Reserve Walks
    - Mt. Vernon Park and Rapaki Walks
    - Halswell Quarry Walks
    - Bridle Path to Godley Head Walks
    - Crater Rim Walkway
    - Kennedys Bush and Ohinetahi Walks
    - Head to Head Walkway and Harbour Walks

    I had limited time and ended up hiking the Maori Gardens Track, which is part of the Head-to-head Walkway. It's located off of Sandy Beach Road near Sandy Bay and estimated to take 30 minutes. The street is a side street and can easily be missed. There is limited parking and a port-a-potty or port-a-loo although it did not look well-maintained.

    The trail is really narrow and not marked well. The end of the track comes to an abrupt end when it intersects or meets the Governor’s Bay Road. You essentially need to turn around and go back. The views are pretty and if you have limited time, would recommend this track.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TWal1
    Canberra, Australia2,926 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a self-guided walk through Arrowtown’s Chinese Settlement which dates back to the gold rush in the 1860s. It tells the story our the Chinese influence on the goldfields, their personal drive and commitment and desire to build a better life. They were determined people who made a significant contribution to this community. Recent archaeological excavations have helped us to learn more about how these people lived about 160 years ago. Worth a visit.
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Compass515864
    Hamilton, New Zealand9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a shared cycle/walkway. We have both walked and cycled it many times from Bell Block to the Ports.
    It's just fantastic the changing views of the sea and farmland, bridges, swimming pool etc.
    When cycling you have to be really careful as people walking with headphones on don't hear you ringing your bike bell and others just seem to be watching cloud formations and just seem to wander in front of you.
    Would be great if everyone could walk/cycle to the left.
    Written 4 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jaroslav Nečas
    Brno, Czech Republic1,420 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I did not walk entire trip, just the first part from city to Auckland domain where you can enjoy views into the crater and out across the city,
    Written 15 November 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • g n
    Auckland Central, New Zealand417 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The attraction is quite some way from the main settled areas of Waiheke, and the road is rough. The walk from the carpark is hilly, our kids of 9 and 12 coped fine, but if you can't walk freely it might be a bit tough. The tour itself was excellent. Tim is a passionate and knowledgeable custodian of tunnel system, and he and Ezra were excellent guides. They brought to life a forgotten piece of NZ's military history, I would recommend this tour
    Written 16 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • taup0traveler
    Taupo, New Zealand6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Opepe is a bush remnant close to Taupo on the Taupo - Napier Road. It is well worth visiting for an hour or more. Some of the mature podocarps are unique, in that they must have survived some of the Taupo eruptions. Nowadays a team of dedicated volunteers work to control animals pests which means native birds are getting a much better deal and fill the air with delightful song. In amongst the bush are some historical remains dating back to the time of the Armed Constabulary.
    Written 15 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FushNChips
    Christchurch, New Zealand234 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just stunning. So many amazing trails to run or walk and the 360 degree views from the top are amazing. Perfect for a family day out
    Written 13 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NorthStar44236870158
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was a wonderful visit enjoyed by the whole family. Would definitely recommend. Owner spent time telling us some of the history that complimented our visit
    Written 17 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RossAndLuther
    Crete22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an overnight stop in Waikouaiti and by chance walked to the beach. It is long and sandy and may have horses training on it.

    We had a swim as well as chatting with the many friendly locals.

    We will stay longer if we get the chance.
    Written 26 January 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aria Z
    shanghai16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Quite demanding as there are lots of steps.
    We only did stage 1,2 and 3, as there are plenty if shades to hide along the way.
    Written 23 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • VickiBrooklyn
    Motueka, New Zealand76 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked from Marfells Beach. The tide was coming in quickly and we nearly got wet feet. This is a lovely easy walk along the sand and high tide area. The lighthouse was being painted when we were there but it still looked majestic. Seeing all the seals below the lighthouse made the walk even more special. This walk took about 1.5 hours each way (longer on the way back as it was just after high tide and we had to dodge the wave surges under the cliffs). I recommend doing the walk on an outgoing tide as it really is easier walking on the hard sand.
    Written 4 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • platypus150
    Melbourne, Australia27,761 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    In the centre of the main road, almost impossible to reach through the traffic is the memorial to a local soldier who survived the war only to die rescuing people from a fire.
    Written 14 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kiwi_kevin_15
    Auckland Central, New Zealand68 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unfortunately the mission was closed but the view from the Mission House was amazing. Shame it wasn't open but still worth the extra cycling effort to go up and look out.
    Written 3 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Irish_Kiwi77
    Wellington, New Zealand1,292 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was interesting to see the different native plants and what they were used for (you are provided a page giving info on the plants at the entrance). The village and surrounding buildings were interesting and gave some insight into Maori village life. There is a $10 entrance fee for adults. On the downside the buildings and place does need some maintenance/refresh, a number of the buildings roofs need to be replaced and the paths could do with a bit of cleaning and could be more clearly marked. I would say there are some better places in the Bay of Islands area to get a feel for Maori life.
    Written 13 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.