Walking New Zealand January 2025

As the awareness and popularity of Korea increase, a number of operators are adding new or enhanced tours. Intrepid has just launched a nine-day Cycle South Korea tour which explores the country's world-class cycle routes, from rivers and beaches to city streets. Visitors can cycle through Seoul, the seaside city of Gangneung, Sokcho, Gyeongju and Busan, and discover the Four Rivers Bike Path. Crooked Compass offers a journey along the ‘Dream Road’ on its Cherry Blossoms and Nomads tour. Visitors can hike through forests brimming with cherry blossoms and in Mt. Songnisan National Park, they stay in a tradtional Buddhist temple stay, experiencing alms under the New Korea toursmaking waves starlit sky, mountain meditation and tea ceremonies. Tomato Travel offers an Ancient South Korea 2025 itinerary that visits Seoraksan National…

The Gobbins Cliff Path once billed the most dramatic coastal walk in Europe is proving a big hit with international visitors. Numbers are up significantly in the last two years and 2024 is on pace to surpass visitor numbers for 2023, which itself was a record breaking year. The Gobbins is a three kilometre cliff face walk carved into the County Antrim coastline a, 30 minutes drive from Belfast. It's an experience like no other, steeped in history, surrounded by natural beauty and teeming with wildlife.…

Walkers can experience Ireland's breathtaking landscapes on their own terms with Hilltoptreks’ self-guided walking tours through the country's most iconic trails. The Wicklow Way, stretching 130km through the “Garden of Ireland,” offers a blend of forest trails, glacial valleys and historical sites. For coastal explorers, the Dingle Way presents a journey along the Wild Atlantic Way with seascapes, beaches and villages steeped in history, music and culture. The Kerry Way is one of Ireland's longest walking routes, circling the scenic Iveragh Peninsula with sweeping views of lakes, mountains and rugged coastlines. What sets these tours apart is Hilltoptreks’ knowledge of the routes and the support to allow visitors to fully embrace the Irish countryside while enjoying the flexibility and independence that self-guided adventures offer. www.hilltoptreks.com/self-guidedwalks-in-ireland info@hilltoptreks.ie…

This summer DOC intends to pilot paid parking at three South Island visitor hotspots to help manage visitor pressure and support conservation. The pilot is funded by $3.8 m from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Work includes car park improvements and introducing paid parking systems for car parks at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and on the West Coast, and White Horse Hill, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury. People from across New Zealand and the globe are drawn to our stunning landscapes and nature. It's DOC's job to protect and restore nature and ensure these experiences are good, says DOC's Heritage & Visitors Director Catherine Wilson. “These three car parks are among our busiest. We can't just keep building bigger car parks – it doesn't solve the issue…

The first stage of Te Ara Mangawhero, the 21.4km eco-tourism hiking/cycling trail connecting Tūroa and Ohakune on Maunga Ruapehu, has officially opened to the public. Te Ara Mangawhero creates a journey through nature between the alpine environment near Tūroa and the historic Ohakune Old Coach Road and onwards to the Tasman Sea. Weaving along the old Bennett and Punch bush tramway and in and out of the ngāhere, the trail crosses the Mangawhero Stream over a number of bridges, with spectacular views of Maunga Ruapehu. Whanganui District Council Mayor and chair of the Mountains to Sea Partnership, Andrew Tripe, says it's a world-class section, strengthening the Mountains to Sea Great Ride. ‘This partnership between Ngāti Rangi and the local community will provide enduring benefits for both the Ruapehu and Whanganui…

In the heart of Waikato, the Maungatautari Scenic Reserve offers a lush, peaceful escape into New Zealand's natural beauty. One of the most popular hikes in this area is the walk up to Mt Pukeatua. This trail provides a fantastic opportunity to experience an ancient, predator-free forest filled with thriving native flora and fauna. Whether you're an experienced hiker or someone simply looking for a bit of adventure, this walk is sure to leave you enchanted. Getting to the Trail The Maungatautari Scenic Reserve, located about 30 minutes from Cambridge and an hour from Hamilton, is a protected ecological island, designed to foster native species and shield them from predators. To get there, take Maungatautari Road, which will lead you to the reserve's entrance. From here, you'll find the start…