Walking Legends
Walking Legends
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Lake Waikaremoana, Great Barrier Island & Coromandel Peninsula. Walking Legends provide all-inclusive guided walk packages on the North Island's Great Walks. Small groups led by an experienced, friendly guide. Includes boutique accommodation, transport from Rotorua, hiking equipment, and great NZ-style meals and wine. Our guided hiking tours make it easy and rewarding to experience some of New Zealand's best walks, and to explore the remote and dramatic wilderness areas of the North Island.
Rotorua, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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(23 reviews)
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5.0
200 reviews
Excellent
179
Very good
15
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Michael R
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
I had a wonderful time on the Coromandel trip thanks to Brad, Cathy and fellow travellers. Everything was thoughtfully organised and Brad's local knowledge and experience meant we got the most out of our trip. The accommodation was cosy and comfortable, and the food was plentiful and delicious. Thanks also to Charmaine for her beautiful cooking. I would definitely recommend Walking Legends and hope to return for a another trip.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this, it's really good to know you were happy and satisfied with our product and service. It's always a pleasure to host our hiking friends and we'd love to have you back in the future.
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dennis H
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
One of our best trekking trips ever. Brad of Walking Legends is an excellent guide and host. For 12 days Brad provided us with amazing treks, transport and food and accomodation. We highly recommend the 12 day Bucket list trip in NZ North Island.
Our highest regards, Dennis and Sandra, Perth, Western Australia.
Our highest regards, Dennis and Sandra, Perth, Western Australia.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Dennis & Sandra! What a pleasure to have crossed paths with you and spent such a great time on tour with you both. You make excellent trail companions! Thanks for the laughs and the stories.
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maria P
6 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Many flowery superlatives could justifiably be attached to this review but for ease of covering all the nuances that make up the whole Walking Legends package I will simply tick off the facts:
Pre tour support:
* very sound, user friendly website housing all necessary information,
* if, perchance, there was a question both Cathy and Kelsi are very friendly, efficient and speedy in returning any query,
* confirmation emails are sent in a timely warm manner. Kelsi has a very engaging manner.
Accommodation:
* quality of accommodation is very high considering it is a hiking tour. After coming off the trail you can enjoy either baths, hot showers or spas whichever is relevant to the property.
Dining:
* again this is a hiking tour but you are being spoilt at the end of the day with fine NZ cheese and wine.
On the Coromandel trip, your hostess is Charmaine and she is a 5 star chef.
* lunch packs become the ‘surprise’ of the day and include healthy snacks, fresh fruit and necessary protein.
Guide:
Our guide for the 12 Day Bucket List was Brad and the entire group benefited from his knowledge and interactive manner. I was the ‘solo’ on the trip but never felt outside the group. Brad would endeavour to walk or engage each person during the day. This would have a dual purpose; social as well as checking on our welfare. He would ask about our feet ie blisters or sore leg muscles.
Just a further comment on Brad’s knowledge of the areas of the North Island included in the tours … it is close to encyclopaedic!! It is also obvious that he and Cathy are passionate and protective of their environment.
Company Infrastructure:
* it is clear that clients benefit by the standing Walking Legends has within the community. This relates to superb meals and service at restaurants as well as prompt shuttle assistance.
Safety:
* high attention to safety of clients and staff. That is underpinned by thorough knowledge of area and weather patterns and use of government sites.
But Fun:
* so all of the above just flows seamlessly in the background while we, the clients enjoy a marvellous experience not to be forgotten!!!
Pre tour support:
* very sound, user friendly website housing all necessary information,
* if, perchance, there was a question both Cathy and Kelsi are very friendly, efficient and speedy in returning any query,
* confirmation emails are sent in a timely warm manner. Kelsi has a very engaging manner.
Accommodation:
* quality of accommodation is very high considering it is a hiking tour. After coming off the trail you can enjoy either baths, hot showers or spas whichever is relevant to the property.
Dining:
* again this is a hiking tour but you are being spoilt at the end of the day with fine NZ cheese and wine.
On the Coromandel trip, your hostess is Charmaine and she is a 5 star chef.
* lunch packs become the ‘surprise’ of the day and include healthy snacks, fresh fruit and necessary protein.
Guide:
Our guide for the 12 Day Bucket List was Brad and the entire group benefited from his knowledge and interactive manner. I was the ‘solo’ on the trip but never felt outside the group. Brad would endeavour to walk or engage each person during the day. This would have a dual purpose; social as well as checking on our welfare. He would ask about our feet ie blisters or sore leg muscles.
Just a further comment on Brad’s knowledge of the areas of the North Island included in the tours … it is close to encyclopaedic!! It is also obvious that he and Cathy are passionate and protective of their environment.
Company Infrastructure:
* it is clear that clients benefit by the standing Walking Legends has within the community. This relates to superb meals and service at restaurants as well as prompt shuttle assistance.
Safety:
* high attention to safety of clients and staff. That is underpinned by thorough knowledge of area and weather patterns and use of government sites.
But Fun:
* so all of the above just flows seamlessly in the background while we, the clients enjoy a marvellous experience not to be forgotten!!!
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria, you're an absolute superstar. Thank you for such delightful feedback. I will share this with the team and I know it will give them the late-season boost they need. It was an honour and a pleasure to spend time on tour with you, I still chuckle at your "Bonnie & Clyde" moment! Until we see you again, take care of yourself.
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kor M
Brisbane, Australia194 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
We did the Tongariro Northern Circuit in late March. Walking Legends were outstanding in every respect and the scenery was everything you would expect - just marvelous. The pre-trip arrangements were clear, packs and sleeping bags lent at no extra cost (a great service), and the guides were friendly, hardworking and very attentive. A tip: don't skimp on cold weather or rain gear as the weather changes every few minutes. Also, if the weather is very misty and rainy and the park rangers issues a recommendation AGAINST going over the Tongariro Crossing, you might want to reconsider the trek. This isn't because it's hazardous (although it could be) but because when it's raining and misty, you can't see anything at all. We were lucky to get great weather over the Crossing but encountered rain on Day 3 (Waihohonu Traverse to Whakapapa Village) and had to skip the Tama Lakes because we couldn't see them! We met quite a few people headed in the opposite direction toward the Crossing in the rain, but sadly they wouldn't have been able to see anything......
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome comments here, thank you! You're absolutely right and this is great advice to anyone undertaking a hike in the Tongariro National Park. The weather does change quickly and it's an extreme environment. The Department of Conservation does a great job with issuing a detailed weather forecast through NIWA and if this forecast hits parameters within a danger zone, they close the track to all walkers, including us. Luckily on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, we're able to access the bulk of the Circuit track from other entry points and still complete as much of the track as we can.
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S Joy
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Solo
My experience with Walking Legends (Coromandel) exceeded all of my expectations.
Each moment - from the first phenomenal waterfall hike - to our group dinners - create lifelong memories.
I highly recommend the tour, the guides, and the company.
Each moment - from the first phenomenal waterfall hike - to our group dinners - create lifelong memories.
I highly recommend the tour, the guides, and the company.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you - this is so warm and heartful and we're delighted to have fulfilled your expectations of a North Island guided hiking tour. Aroha nui.
Written 11 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Go1
London, UK36 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had 4 days of walking in the beautiful north island. Our guide was Brad who runs this company with his wife Cathy. Each of the 4 days was unique and different.
There is attention to every detail and everything is provided , all we had to do is enjoy our time in the beautiful scenery.
The group was international ,United by its love for nature. The physical abilities were varied and the walks are organised so each member can walk in its own pace.
We learnt a lot about the Kiwi way of life through Brad.
The recent cyclone closed certain tracks so Brad had to come up with alternative tracks. As said these tracks were amazing!
A few members of the group were repeat customers which attests to the quality of the company. Thanks Brad and Cathy!!!
There is attention to every detail and everything is provided , all we had to do is enjoy our time in the beautiful scenery.
The group was international ,United by its love for nature. The physical abilities were varied and the walks are organised so each member can walk in its own pace.
We learnt a lot about the Kiwi way of life through Brad.
The recent cyclone closed certain tracks so Brad had to come up with alternative tracks. As said these tracks were amazing!
A few members of the group were repeat customers which attests to the quality of the company. Thanks Brad and Cathy!!!
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Omer, thank you for this wonderful feedback! It really means a lot to us. We loved showing you all the little hidden parts of the backcountry that we don't often get to take guests to. Thanks for trusting us and allowing us to do something a bit different than our usual. Arohanui to you and Nitsa.
Written 17 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James D
2 contributions
Feb 2023
Brady, Cathy, Jeremy, and Hamish were amazing! I highly recommend working with Walking Legends. We spent two days with them in Tongariro National Park as a group of 25 university students and faculty. Brad was a very knowledgeable naturalist and happily shared his understanding of Tongariro's flora, fauna, and geological history. There were also some great tales about shooting locations for the Lord of the Rings. Importantly, Walking Legends was extremely flexible and safety oriented. When winds from Cyclone Gabrielle made an alpine hike unsafe, we pivoted to another great walkabout in the nearby forest. There was always one of three guides at the back of our group to ensure that everyone could walk at their own pace and stay accounted for. Furthermore, the food they prepared for us was darn delicious and quite abundant. They accommodated dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegetarians, and vegans) without blinking an eye. Finally, the lodging they hired was absolutely ideal for our group. I enthusiatically recommend this thoughtful, hard-working crew!
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jay! It was an absolute pleasure to host your group. The students were so well-mannered and respectful, they're a real credit to your educational institution. We hope you continued on to enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand! Say 'hi' to the crew from all of us.
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anne P
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Waikaremoana is a really special place. Walking Legends did an amazing job of sharing this beautiful hidden gem of New Zealand with our group. The food, the walks, the legends shared made this a trip to remember!
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Anne, that is awesome feedback. We're glad you got so much out of the trip. I hope you'll be able to make a return visit to the area and spend more time!
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise H
Swansea, UK172 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I booked from UK. Cathy and Sarah so helpful and prompt in answering all my questions. Was my first visit to NZ. Such lovely and friendly other hikers on the trip (I was on my own). Hosts, food and lodgings at Great Barrier Lodge were wonderful. Each of the four days was very different, each fantastic in their own right. And Jeremy, what an amazing guide. The age range was 12-56 and he kept everyone engaged, was so knowledgeable and fun to be with. Cannot recommend Walking Legends and Great Barrier Island enough. I will definitely do another walking holiday with them again if I'm fortunate enough to revisit New Zealand one day.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much Louise! We're so pleased you had such a great experience here in New Zealand. We'll pass this feedback on to everyone, they'll be chuffed. We'd love to see you again, give us a buzz if you're ever down our part of the world in the future.
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nr0we
Te Puke, New Zealand68 contributions
Jan 2023
Walking Legends, you truly are amazing. We did the Coromandel 4-day explorer. We were based at Hush accommodation in Coromandel town which was so lovely. The Pinnacles walk was the highlight for me as it was a walk, I'd always wanted to do but never got around to. We also drove around places we had never been to before.
Guides were amazing. Thank you, Hamish, Elaine and Kathy. We just love the knowledge you share and the care you take in making sure everyone has what they need. Food was sooo yummy, thank you Charmaine.
This was our 4th walk with Walking Legends and certainly won't be our last, you really are the best.
Guides were amazing. Thank you, Hamish, Elaine and Kathy. We just love the knowledge you share and the care you take in making sure everyone has what they need. Food was sooo yummy, thank you Charmaine.
This was our 4th walk with Walking Legends and certainly won't be our last, you really are the best.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ngaire! That really means a lot to us. We were so pleased to have you, you make such excellent trail company. Congratulations on completing The Pinnacles - truly awesome achievement.
Written 19 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann B
Auckland Central, New Zealand178 contributions
HI, what time of the year were you there? and what were temperatures like??
thanks
Hilda011
Whakatāne, New Zealand20 contributions
Hi there, the hikes are in different locations throughout the North Island. Which area in particular are you interested to know the temperatures for?