There are dozens of private walks dotted around New Zealand. Use this ‘trip finder’ to discover those best suited to you.
Overnight walking excursions on private land are not a new phenomenon, but they’re a growing one. While the number of private walks offered in New Zealand has fluctuated over the past 35 years, this year sees a renewed interest, among landowners, in diversifying into agri-tourism. This coincides with increased public interest in comfortable, authentic and supported walking trips.
This summer several new private walks will open their gates, adding to those that already cater to a wide range of guests. Some even offer singles’ weekends.
The experiences on offer are as diverse as the people who walk them. Many traverse scenic stretches of Aotearoa’s coastline; others explore inland forested conservation covenants, and still others explore the golden tussock of the high country. Each is a unique offering characterised by the nature of the landscape and the operators who welcome guests to their piece of paradise.
Private walks offer a more personal and comfortable journey than most public tracks. Almost all are self-guided and provide meal options for the duration of the stay. Tracks where visitors walk from hut to hut transport luggage, so only a day pack is required. The ease of walking and the comfort of the accommodation create quality time to connect, retreat and relax.
Lodgings typically have separate guest bedrooms, hot showers and flush toilets. Some offer a soak in a hot tub, the use of ebikes, or relaxing outdoor dining spaces.
They are classic Kiwi walks with a few home comforts.
– Gary Patterson has walked all NZ’s private walks and operates the mobile app and website privatewalks.nz. He will publish a book about these walks in 2026. Prices shown are current at time of publication.
Auckland
A self-guided 12km loop, from historic Mataia Homestead, which traverses farmland and forest with views over Kaipara Harbour.
Cost $10 for day walkers.
Accommodation from $600/night (max. 12 guests)
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered No
Season November 1–April 30
Contact www.mataia.co.nz
Coromandel
A self-guided, 2–3 day hike on a large coastal farm on the northern tip of Coromandel Peninsula. The 33km trail includes DOC-style trails, farm tracks and restored cottage accommodation with gourmet food and hot showers. Optional ebike ride on the last day back to Colville (extra cost).
Cost $850/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season September 26–May 1
Contact www.pahicoastalwalk.co.nz
Waikato
A self-guided trip across neighbouring farms, through podocarp forest and riparian plantings with long (12km, 5–6hr) and short (8km, 2–3hr) loop tracks.
Cost One night, $395; two nights, $645
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season October 24–April 12
Contact www.matahuruvalleywalk.co.nz
Waikato
A 39km self-guided, 3-day hike over farmland, across ridgelines and through rainforest, with chalet-style accommodation.
Cost $880/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season November 1–March 31
Contact www.realnative.co.nz
Waikato
A 6km overnight walk through native bush, limestone outcrops, forestry and farmland to a 25-bunk cabin with fabulous views.
Cost $95/person or $1500 exclusive booking
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered No
Contact www.dundlehill.com
King Country
A 31km walk on black-sand coastline, through rainforest, a historic pā site and the working Nukuharaki Station. Stay at rustic luxury accommodation for three days and nights and enjoy nourishing meals.
Cost $800/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season November 1–March 31
Contact www.nukuwalk.co.nz
Bay of Plenty
A 32km self guided 2-3 day hike over farmland, ridge lines and through rainforest alongside the Waioeka River.
Cost $750/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season October 1 – May 31
Contact www.wairatastation.com
Gisborne
A self-guided or guided selection of short and long day walks in the high country, with the farmhouse and its hot tub as your base.
Cost From $200 for two people per night
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Optional
Season Mid-November to mid-April
Contact www.haurata.co.nz
Hawke’s Bay
Choose from a 1-day self-guided or guided catered walk, or a 2-day, 2-night self-guided or guided catered walk on a 1214ha sheep and beef farm.
Cost From $95/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season October 24–end of June; outside those dates on request
Contact www.tearatipi.co.nz
Whanganui
A lodge-to-lodge, 30km self-guided walk through native bush, river valleys and farmland, with mountain views of Tongariro National Park.
Cost $995/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season September 4–May 31
Contact www.blueduckstation.co.nz
Hunterville
Two self-guided, fully catered day walks totalling 28km with a night’s accommodation at the shearers’ quarters.
Cost $850/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season November 1–March 31
Contact www.drysdalestation.co.nz
Hawke’s Bay
A 30km self-guided, 2–3-day farm experience on foot or ebike against the backdrop of the Ruahine Range.
Cost $800/person
Grade Easy
Catered Yes
Season October–August
Contact www.blackburnridge.co.nz
Wairarapa
A 24km self-guided, 2-day hike overlooking the Wairapapa coastline, staying at self-contained cottages with a swimming pool and spa.
Cost $595/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season October–April; winter walks on request
Contact www.whareamawalk.co.nz
Wairarapa
A self-guided 5hr hike along the historic Orui Station coast, the Whareama River, and the undulating hills of Pōhatu Farm.
Cost $80/person, minimum 2
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season 25 October–27 April
Contact www.pohatufarm.com
Martinborough
A self-guided 39.5km, 3-day walk through farmland, native bush, hilltop ridges with 360-degree views and the rugged Tora Coast. One of the original private walks in New Zealand.
Cost $1065/adult (children $895)
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season September 16–May 1
Contact www.toracoastalwalk.nz
Martinborough
A 2–3-day self-guided walk on a working farm with rolling hills, native bush and breathtaking views of the White Rock and Tora coasts. Accommodation includes a restored bushman’s cottage and hot tub. Dog friendly.
Cost $560 per night for up to 2 people, $150 per extra person with a maximum of 8
Grade Moderate
Catered No
Season All year round
Contact www.lastresortwalk.co.nz
Wellington
A 25km self-guided, 3-day hill country and coastal walk with outstanding views of Palliser Bay. Includes 3 nights’ accommodation in cabins and cottages.
Cost $900/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season October 1–April 30
Contact www.kawakawastation.co.nz
Marlborough
A 33km 3-day, 2-night hiking and glamping combo with sweeping ridgelines, swimming holes and a peak climb.
Cost $1295/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season End of November to end of May
Contact www.aschworth.co.nz
Kaikōura
A 26km 2-day hike along the sweeping Kaikōura coastline, over rolling hills and bush-filled gullies, with upper-end backpacker-style accommodation.
Cost $280/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Upon request
Season October 1–April 30
Contact www.kaikouratrack.co.nz
Kaikōura
Guided day hikes (4–6hr) of varying difficulty at Puhi Peaks Station, the country’s highest privately owned property.
Cost From $150/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered Yes
Season September–February
Contact www.kaikourawilderness.co.nz
Canterbury
A self-guided 2–3-day walk on a working sheep, cattle and honey farm with a protected conservation reserve. Stay at rustic accommodation and explore regenerating forest and sub-alpine ridgelines. Optional hunting tours.
Cost From $285/person self-catered or $625/person catered
Grade Moderate
Catered Yes
Season October 15–March 15
Contact www.islandhillsstation.com
North Canterbury
A 16km day walk through rolling pastures, rugged hills and untouched native bush with two nights’ accommodation.
Cost $300/person
Grade Moderate
Catered No
Season November–April
Contact mtguardianwalkways.com
Akaroa, Canterbury
A 31km 2–3-day walk taking in cliffs, coastline and conservation areas.
Cost From $220/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered No
Season October 1–April 30
Contact www.bankstrack.co.nz
Fairlie
Stay at New Zealand’s oldest surviving backcountry hut on this minimum 16km, 2–3-day walk that follows the route of pioneer shepherds.
Cost $395/person
Grade Easy–moderate
Catered No
Season November–April
Contact www.walkfourpeaks.co.nz
Canterbury
A 31km 2-day hike that combines peaks, caves, waterfalls and native bush on two neighbouring farms. Between 250m–1000m elevation gain each day, majestic views over the Rakaia River and the Canterbury Plains and spacious accommodation.
Cost $895/person
Grade Moderate
Catering Yes
Season February–May 2026 (inaugural season)
Contact www.rockridge.nz
Southland
A 27km 1–2-day trail for walkers and mountain bikers with sweeping views and high-country huts.
Cost $20/person, accommodation from $140 a night.
Grade Moderate
Catered No
Season Open year-round for walkers
Contact www.welcomerock.co.nz
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