With its breathtaking vistas, natural attractions and lush surroundings, New Zealand continues to be a hot destination for adventures and lovers of the great outdoors. For most in search for a getaway that blends movement, nature and genuine restoration, the destination delivers that in a multitude of ways.
Active Escapes, Tourism New Zealand’s latest campaign, enforces that serving as an irresistible invitation to explore the destination’s many natural attractions. The timing is impeccably perfect especially as travellers today are increasingly prioritising wellness, adventure and meaningful connection in their journeys.
Gateway To Adventure
Star Gazing from Pukaki hot pool.
The numbers don’t lie. Across the country, more than 1,555 walking and hiking tracks, 11 Great Walks and 23 Great Rides create a natural playground of astonishing variety. One moment you’re wandering along a wild coastline; the next, you’re climbing through alpine tussock, exploring an ancient forest or cycling past rolling vineyards.
The landscape is vast, diverse and accessible, catering to those who want to push hard as well as those who prefer to travel slowly and intentionally.
Global travel trends show this is exactly what people are looking for. A remarkable 94% of travellers now weave wellness into their journeys, while 60% are planning trips around sport or entertainment. Among Millennials and Gen Z, the journey itself—walking, biking, hiking—is just as important as the destination. New Zealand meets these shifting desires with remarkable ease, offering space to move, breathe and feel grounded in nature.
Natural Environment
These landscapes set the stage for an impressive calendar of running events that attract both elite athletes and enthusiastic first-timers. The Hawke’s Bay Marathon on 16 May 2026 sends runners weaving through vineyards, orchards and coastal paths before finishing in style at Elephant Hill Estate & Winery.
Race Tekapo on 19 September 2026 combines alpine trails with surreal lake views and access to the International Dark Sky Reserve, creating a race atmosphere that feels otherworldly. And for a bucket-list moment, the First Light Marathon in January 2027 lets runners greet the world’s first sunrise as they travel through the culturally rich landscapes of Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
All Walks Of Life
Hawkes Bay Marathon.
Yet adventure in New Zealand isn’t reserved for hardcore athletes. Families, casual walkers and newly active travellers will find countless gentle trails, lakeside loops and beginner-friendly cycling routes, all well signposted and maintained.
Travellers can set their own rhythm—whether that means joining a guided journey enriched with Māori stories and ecological insights, or heading out alone to explore at their own pace. New Zealand’s outdoors genuinely welcomes everyone.
Culture And Wonder
Biking at Queenstown Gardens.
And the country understands that active travel should be balanced with deep restoration. After a day spent moving through dramatic landscapes, travellers can soak in geothermal hot springs, stargaze in some of the clearest skies on Earth, explore award-winning wineries and distilleries or slow down with nourishing local cuisine.
Māori cultural experiences offer grounding, connection and a sense of being part of something larger than the adventure itself.
Ultimately, New Zealand’s Active Escapes are not just trips—they’re transformative experiences. They energise the body, clear the mind and offer space to reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, strolling with family, or simply seeking a renewed sense of purpose, Aotearoa’s trails, stories and landscapes create an uplifting journey you’ll carry long after you return home.
To explore the full list of New Zealand’s world-class running, walking, hiking & biking events & experiences, check out Active Escapes On Tourism New Zealand.
