Slow down & look around
Into the forest
Leafy paths, towering trees and time to enjoy the details. A gentle wander or a longer trail, at your pace.
Rotorua based · New Zealand exploredYour walk…
Your walk…
your way.
Private walking experiences, curated just for you. The places you’d love to see. The pace that suits you. A day that feels like yours.
Explore · Discover · EnjoyPrivate experiences for 1–3 peopleA gentle few hours to a bigger adventureTransport arranged around your walk
A different way to exploreWe don’t sell walks.
We don’t sell walks.
We create walking
experiences.
Forest or mountains? Lakes or waterfalls? A gentle few hours or something that gets the heart pumping?
Tell us what you enjoy and we’ll create a walking experience around you. One spectacular walk, three completely different short walks, or several days of discovery.
There is no standard Kiwitrails itinerary — because there is no standard Kiwitrails client.
The possibilitiesWhere would you
Where would you
like to go?
Start with what appeals to you. We’ll shape the route, time and level of effort together.
Make a day of it
Lakes & viewpoints
Open views and waterside walking. Choose one rewarding route or combine a few shorter walks.
Follow your curiosity
A little more adventure
Waterfalls, hills and longer days on the trail. Tell us your experience and ambitions; we’ll explore what fits.
Simple from the startYou bring the curiosity.
01 02 03
You bring the curiosity.
We take care of the planning.
Tell us about you
Your fitness, walking experience, what you’d love to see and how much time you have. Solo, a couple or a small private group.
We curate your experience
First-hand knowledge of New Zealand’s trails helps us create a day, or several days, around you. We agree the itinerary and price with you.
We arrange the logistics
Private transport, drop-off and collection arranged around your experience. Depending on the plan, walk independently or have company along the way.
Meet your walking host
Hi, I’m Mike.
I’m based in Rotorua, and I’ve explored over 1,000 trails across New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island. Kiwitrails brings that first-hand experience to a walking day created around you.
It started with a run.
I started running in 2006 to lose weight. What began as a way to get fitter became a love of trail running and exploring New Zealand on foot. Over the years, I’ve completed approximately 160 half marathons, 16 marathons and nine ultramarathons.
52 weeks. 55 challenges.
After my mother died in Hospice in Palmerston North, running became a way to give something back. In 2012, I ran the Tarawera Ultra Marathon and raised $5,100.
Then came 52 in 52: a challenge to complete a half marathon or longer every week for a year. I started on my birthday, 4 May 2013, and finished on 3 May 2014. By the end, I’d completed 55 half marathons or longer and raised around $33,000 for Hospice. Most of those events were on trails. Watch my 52 in 52 story on YouTube ↗
Still exploring. Now sharing it.
My walking and running have taken me through forests, along coastlines and into the mountains. Since 2006, I’ve covered over 34,000 kilometres (over 21,000 miles) and climbed over a million metres (over 3.28 million feet). The Routeburn Track in 2025 was another opportunity to get out amongst the scenery that makes New Zealand so special. The following month, I walked the Milford Track, completing all of New Zealand’s walkable Great Walks — the remaining Great Walk is a canoe journey.
That experience helps me match the right trail to the person walking it. Whether you want an easy day of scenery, a rewarding challenge or a mix of short walks, we start with you: your interests, your pace and what makes a great day outdoors.
With Kiwitrails, I want to share the places I’ve explored and help you enjoy a walking experience that feels like your own.
1,000+NZ trails explored
34,000+kilometres walked & run
(over 21,000 miles)
(over 21,000 miles)
1 million+metres climbed
(over 3.28 million feet)
(over 3.28 million feet)
Your next adventure starts hereHelp us create your
Help us create your
perfect walking day.
No fixed itinerary to squeeze into. Tell Mike a little about yourself, and start a conversation about your walk.
Rotorua based, with walking experiences across New Zealand. Each experience is planned and priced individually.
Before you lace up.
Do I need to be an experienced walker?
No. Tell Mike about your fitness and experience so your walk can be planned to suit you. A gentle scenic outing is just as welcome as a longer challenge.
Is this a group tour?
Your experience is private, for you and your companions. The usual maximum is three clients.
Can I combine several short walks?
Yes. One spectacular walk, several different short walks, or forest in the morning and a waterfall in the afternoon — the day is shaped around your interests.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on the itinerary, duration, transport and arrangements. Start with an enquiry and Mike will discuss a tailored plan and quote with you.
What if the weather or access changes?
The plan depends on suitable weather and track access. Any changes will be discussed with you; if unsafe weather or access prevents your experience, you can reschedule or receive a refund less the administration fee agreed at booking.