Walking New Zealand January 2026

For walkers keen to explore New Caledonia beyond the beach, Toutazimut Eco tours offers guided hikes through Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue - an hour from Nouméa. The seven-hour adventures blend scenic walking trails, freshwater swims, and a traditional French picnic by the river, all led by bilingual guides. Nature lovers may even spot the elusive Cagou, New Caledonia's flightless bird. ‘This soft-adventure day trip is a great add-on to any itinerary for active travellers looking to connect with the natural heart of the destination,’ says Flight Centre's Rowena McCarron. ‘With convenient pick-up in Nouméa and small-group options, Toutazimut makes it easy to showcase the wild, authentic side of New Caledonia.’…

Ireland's greenways offer a safe and sustainable way to experience the island's scenery and historical and cultural sites by foot, or on pedal bike or ebike. At the recent European Greenways Awards which promotes examples of best practice, Ireland's Great Western Greenway won a special green award for its holistic approach to sustainability, community engagement and environmental stewardship. The jury praised the route's environmental innovation such as solar- powered compactor bins, electric bike charging stations and public furniture made from reused wind turbine blades. The 49km greenway in County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way follows the disused Westport to Achill railway line. One of the island's newest greenways, Limerick Greenway took third prize in the excellence category. It also follows an old railway line, this one running 40km from…

Albany Tours in West Australia has launched a twilight hike experience to coincide with the breathtaking ‘Lighting the Sound’ event by Kari Kola, occurring over three magic weekends in Albany/Kinjarling in March 2026. Beginning in the late afternoon, the hike will depart from Whalers Cove and conclude at Uredale Point, for the most spectacular vantage point of this world-first, exclusive installation. Along the way, guests will marvel at the otherworldly surroundings of King George Sound, Princess Royal Harbour and Bramble Beach, before enjoying a gourmet bush food picnic and a warm beverage for the return journey. The expert, fully guided tour shares the stories of Menang elder, Uredale.…

Dwellingup's growing reputation as a Trail Town has received a significant boost with the opening of Stage 2 of the Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail network. With Stage 2 now complete, visitors to the region can now explore a world-class 68km trail. Just over an hour from Perth, Dwellingup is known for its towering forests, winding rivers and array of wildlife, providing the perfect surroundings for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and canoeing. Its varied natural attractions include Lane Poole Reserve, a section of the famous Bibbulmun Track and the picturesque Murray River. Correction The December issue number 333 cover shows walkers at “Dimrill Dale”, a Lord of the Rings film location on Mount Owen in Kahurangi National Park, not Walkers on their way to Mt Taranaki.…

Whether it's a weekend visit or a quick pit-stop while passing through the central plateau on State Highway One, Taupō is a worthy detour to stretch the legs and soak up some nature. Here are eight walks from a few minutes to half a day that are well worth ticking off this summer. Aratiatia Rapids SH5 Rotorua-Taupō Highway Watch a middling stream transform into a thundering river surging through a narrow volcanic gorge when the Aratiatia dam gates open at scheduled times during the day. The turquoise waters of the Aratiatia Rapids rise rapidly, before falling 28 metres over one kilometre—it's well worth the visit. Linger for the reverse show as the water drains away. View from the bridge, or walk to the signposted clifftop lookouts. Need to know: Suitable…

Join YOU Travel & Cruise Whitianga on an unforgettable, handcrafted journey along the legendary Camino de Santiago. This experience has been thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of the Camino, blending history, culture, and breath-taking landscapes with authentic Spanish traditions. Your adventure begins in the medieval town of Sarria, perched high above a winding river. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the charm of cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture. This popular starting point is perfect for easing into the Camino, surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with quaint villages that invite you to pause and explore. As you walk, the path reveals its stories. You'll pass peaceful farms, ancient ruins, and beautiful churches dedicated to St James, one of the Twelve Apostles. His legacy is woven into the…