Walk This Way

From the intrepid adventurer through to a garden stroll, New Zealand has hundreds of short walks to partake in on your travels… whatever walk of life you are from.

Christchurch & Canterbury

Canterbury is a walker’s paradise, and the Scenic Hotel Cotswold is a great base to discover the lot. An easy stroll from the hotel is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park with meandering gentle paths suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Slightly further afield, there are a number of walks for whether you’re after sea views, a mountain climb or a city stroll. Check out the Christchurch City Council site and find your ideal a walk. One of our favourites is the Godley Head Track which is just over 8km long and suitable for low to medium abilities – taking around 1-2 hours. Discover some local remnants of WW2 and take in the incredible views of the harbour and ancient volcanic geography as you walk this popular scenic track in Christchurch.

Hamilton & Waikato

The mighty Waikato is known for its variety of walks from short strolls through to overnight escapes. When staying at Heartland Ambassador Hotel in Hamilton, a great way to spend an hour or so is at the Taitua Arboretum, only 15 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Lakes, woodland gardens, birdlife and all set on 22 hectares of open space, you will be able to stroll till your walking legs are content through this impressive collection of mature trees and nature.

Glacier Country & the West Coast

Arguably one of the most quintessential walks here in New Zealand though is the short walk around the majestic Lake Matheson on the West Coast. The mirror reflection given by this lake on a still day is an iconic image in every kiwi experience album. There is a 40-minute option from the car park to the jetty, or you can take in the whole majesty of the lake with a circuit track taking around 1.5 hours. An Instagram must and idea for travellers staying at Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier or Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

These however are just a couple of the incredible adventures you can have here in Aotearoa…. Check out Walking New Zealand or visit some of the local destination websites around where you are travelling this summer.

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