You can walk slowly past the rocky outcrops, turquoise lakes and exotic wildlife on a new scenic walking tour of New Zealand. “Walking New Zealand: Splendor of the South Island” by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations takes you past some of the most celebrated landscapes of the island with plenty of time built in to soak in the surrounding beauty.
The walking tour features two to six miles of walking a day, plus transfers. The company offers participants free use of their custom VBT walking poles, help from two or three trip leaders as well as on-tour vehicle support, in case any travelers become fatigued from walking.
The trip takes you past varied panoramas, including the alpine landscapes of Nelson Lakes National Park, secluded coves of Abel Tasman Coastal Track and wildlife-filled wetlands in Awaroa. Groups not only walk, but can also paddle a kayak through the Marlborough Sounds’ inlets, soak in the thermal waters of Hanmer Springs and ride on a 75-minute charted cruise past dramatic coastline.
The itinerary leaves plenty of time to explore each of the trip’s remote lodges and sample local cuisine like Greenshell Mussles.
“Walking New Zealand” is one of VBT’s eight new walking trips for 2014. For more information, visit www.vbt.com/tours/new-zealand-walking.
