Where to Walk: the 5 Best National Parks Tours

1.Abel Tasman National Park: Sailing and Self-Guided Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 238 reviews · 8 hours · from $80Our pick

Sail from Kaiteriteri with a skipper such as Inky, Claudia, or Frank, passing Split Apple Rock and New Zealand fur seals. After lunch at Anchorage Bay, follow the marked coastal track through bush and beaches to Marahau on a self-guided walk of about 3.5 to 4 hours.

“Was a fantastic day, with lots of excitement!! Great sail, saw some seals and tour guides made it worthwhile while we lost and found our anker again! The walk was very enjoyable and it was a fantastic day”

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2.Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · from $537Top rated

Fly from Hobart with Par Avion into Southwest National Park, then cruise Melaleuca Inlet and Bathurst Harbour, walk through the bush, and enjoy lunch in the wilderness. Pilots and guides such as James, Callum, Dave, and Peter have been praised for their local knowledge and friendly style. Allow about eight hours.

“Boat ride of the national park The lake was like glass Made for great photos and A special lunch and morning tea Was a cherry on top.”

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3.Bayahibe: National Park Jungle Walk & Snorkeling in Cenotes

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 171 reviews · 3 hours · from $55Best value

Gaëlle and Julien lead a three-hour, small-group trip from Bayahibe into Cotubanama National Park. You’ll walk a jungle trail, descend into Chicho Cave, and snorkel in 25°C spring water beneath stalactites and stalagmites. Hotel pickup, equipment guidance, and a post-tour aperitif are included.

“It was such a friendly and inviting tour to be a part of! The guides were wonderful. The tour itself was very hot for the walk part, but then snorkeling in the cave was amazing and was the perfect way to cool off. We loved it!”

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4.Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 2h 30m · from $86

Cruise from Stewart Island into Paterson Inlet, then spend about 90 minutes walking Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary with an English-speaking guide. Expect bird calls, native trees, beaches, and possible sightings of weka, robins, saddlebacks, yellowheads, seals, penguins, and seabirds.

“The entire activity was great and our guide, Natasha, was excellent. We saw many birds close up including one endangered type. Highly recommended.”

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5.Abel Tasman National Park: Cruise, Walk & Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 100 reviews · 6 hours · from $122

Start at Kaiteriteri with a water-taxi ride to Anchorage Bay, walk the Pitt Head Loop and Te Pukatea Bay, then join a yacht or catamaran for afternoon sailing. English-speaking crew members may include Inky, Claudia, Nick, Frank, or Angela. Lunch is optional.

“Excellent - Frank and Angela made the sailing trip so enjoyable for us. They let us have a swim and even sail the boat. Great day out.”

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