How Fit Should You Be to Really Enjoy New Zealand?

There’s something about New Zealand that inspires adventure. It may be the landscape or the attitude of the people, it may even be successful tourism campaigns have encouraged you into thinking we’re all a bit wild and courageous. But that’s not necessarily true; really, we eat far too much meat and dairy and live just as sedentary a lifestyle as you probably do.

We do, very occasionally, hike in National Parks and climb mountains, but these are peppered across the space of a life time and not crammed into four weeks of mountain biking, white-water rafting, multiday hiking madness.

So can you do and see the best of New Zealand’s attractions within a couple of weeks with just a reasonable level of fitness?

In a word, sure. Once here you may find yourself swept away with the action NZ inspires and be surprised by what you can do when you put your mind to it. The gorgeous landscapes reward even the smallest of efforts – climbing that hill is suddenly so much easier when you can marvel at the view (albeit sweaty and tired).

For those with limitations beyond fitness – New Zealand caters well to travellers with disabilities and most attractions can be reached with accessible vehicles. You won’t be missing out.

Don’t forget to pace out your activities with rest days in between and don’t let peer pressure get to you - hike at your own pace. You also don’t need to do it all, you’re going to love New Zealand and it won’t be the only visit in your lifetime.

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