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Tramping can be a great form of exercise as you get older. It helps you maintain your health, enjoy nature, see some great scenery, and enjoy some sunshine.
If you’re worried about being “too old” to hike, don’t. The team at Lifetime Retirement have put together a list of private walks that provide a unique way to explore some of the stunning landscapes New Zealand has to offer, without giving up (all) your creature comforts.
You can read the original article here: Walk this way: explore some of NZ’s best private walks Or you can read the article published in full below and tell us what you think in the comments section.
Walk this way: explore some of NZ’s best private walks.
If the idea of lugging a heavy pack up hill and down dale and cooking freeze-dried meals by torchlight no longer stirs your spirit (and hats off to you if it does!), it doesn’t mean you should pack away your hiking boots for good.
Private walks provide a unique way to explore some of the stunning landscapes New Zealand has to offer, without giving up (all) your creature comforts. With catered meals, luggage transport, and curated accommodations, these experiences are ideal for those who want to stay active without sacrificing convenience. Whether it’s coastal views, native bush, or luxury lodgings, there’s a private walk to suit every taste.
1. Pahi Coastal Walk
Located in the Coromandel Peninsula, the Pahi Coastal Walk is a three-day adventure over private farmland and Department of Conservation (DOC) tracks. The 26–34 km trail offers breathtaking 360-degree views, native bush, farmland and almost constant vistas of the stunning Coromandel coastline.
A decent level of fitness helps for the main tracks, but there are gentler options available and you can choose e-biking or shorter trails on the final day. Crucially, your packs are transported, and home-cooked meals ensure you’re well-fuelled for the journey.
- Season: Late September to early May
- Cost: $850 per adult (17+)
- Catering: Fully catered
- More info: Click to View Here
2. Banks Track
Set on the Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, this 31 km track opened in 1989 as New Zealand’s first privately-owned track and starts and ends in picturesque Akaroa. It takes you through volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, over coastal cliffs and into otherwise inaccessible bays. Over two or three days, walkers enjoy panoramic views, side trails, and abundant wildlife.
Your luggage is transported and unique nightly accommodations are run by local farming families. Highlights include a historic farm cottage, a bath under the stars, and a penguin colony at Flea Bay. The track allows no more than 16 walkers daily, so there’ll be no traffic jams to contend with. Accommodation includes hot showers and flush toilets and, if you’d prefer separate sleeping quarters, you can book a private room with bedding included (for an additional cost).
- Season: 1 October to 30 April
- Cost: From $450 per person
- Catering: Self-catered (fully equipped kitchens available)
- More info: Click to View
3. Tora Coastal Walk
Home-cooked meals and well-appointed rural accommodations—including Whakapata Cottage and Stony Bay Lodge, which provides front-row seats to the everchanging Tora sea—add a touch of luxury. Your luggage, including your favourite beverages for a post-walk tipple, are transported for you. All meals are provided, locally-sourced and homecooked by a team of passionate chefs. The track is one-way and numbers are limited to 14 people per day. With moderate fitness required, this walk is perfect for groups and offers an idyllic mix of wilderness and warm hospitality.
- Season: late September 2024 to early May
- Cost: $1,065 per person
- Catering: Fully catered
- More Info: Click to View
4. Kawakawa Station Walk
Located in the Wairarapa, this three-day walk showcases diverse landscapes, from the foot of the Aorangi Forest Park to the bush-clad high country down to the braided river streams and views out to the stunning South Wairarapa coast. Highlights include 360-degree panoramas from “The Ant” and stays in rustic accommodations like Jakeb’s Cabin and Purple Hut. The cabins are solid with large built-in bunk beds, an open-air kitchen and a bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet.
Home-cooked meals feature locally sourced ingredients, and all luggage is transported for you. With walks ranging from 4 to 5 hours per day, the Kawakawa Station Walk is ideal for moderate fitness levels and promises a memorable journey with little other than native bush, ancient trees and bird song for company.
- Season: 1 October to 30 April
- Cost: $900 per adult
- Catering: Fully catered
- More info: Click to View
5. Kaikoura Coast Track
This two-day walk on the Kaikoura Coast covers 26 km of dramatic scenery, including marine life, tussock-covered farmland, and regenerating bush. Walkers enjoy uncrowded trails with only 10 people per day. Day one offers beach walks and fossil exploration, while day two includes panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains and Pacific Ocean.
Each night you’ll enjoy comfortable upper-end backpacker accommodation provided by conservation minded farming families with a huge knowledge of the local area. Accommodation includes warm, clean cottages with hot showers and equipped kitchens. You can pay extra for catered meals, featuring hearty, home-style cooking.
- Season: 1 October to 30 April
- Cost: From $260 per person
- Catering: Optional (catered meals available for an extra cost)
- More info: Click to View
6. Matahuru Valley Walk
Nestled in North Waikato, the Matahuru Valley Walk offers one- or two-night retreats with a range of walking options. Trails take you through farmland, native bush, and along the Matahuru Stream, with highlights including riparian plantings and panoramic views, including Mt Ruapehu and the Coromandel.
Accommodation at the secluded Tui Ridge farmhouse combines rustic charm with modern comforts. Meals are prepared using seasonal, local ingredients, and shorter walking options make this experience accessible for all fitness levels.
- Season: late October to mid April
- Cost: From $645 per adult
- Catering: Fully catered
- More info: Click to View
Please note that both HealthCarePlus and Lifetime do not endorse, recommend, or receive compensation for these products/services.
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