Inspiration for your first walking holiday: 7 easy trips

New Zealand is nature’s playground, with a thrilling variety of landscapes to discover, from fjords and glaciers to beaches and forests. And what better way to discover it than on a walking holiday? On this trip we travel both the North and South Islands, making sure to visit all of the must-see attractions. Hike among the bubbling mud pools and hissing geysers of the Waimangu Valley, in the shadow of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, and across golden beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park. We also walk the Queen Charlotte Track, a coastal route that weaves through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

Our two-week walking holiday in Vietnam includes the must-visit cities of Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. And to experience rural life, we spend two nights in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, in an eco-friendly lodge with breath-taking views over the mountains, forests and terraced fields of the area. The lodge is a perfect base for two days of walking past paddy fields, through local villages and along a scenic river – ending in a peaceful ride on bamboo rafts back to our base.

Exploring one of Greece’s most beautiful islands, this 8-day Corfu Trail walking tour explores golden sandy beaches, picturesque villages, and lush olive groves. Your first hike brings you to the ruined monastery of Arkoudillas as well as the island’s southernmost beach. Later in the trip, you’ll work your way through the winding neighbourhoods of Lefkimmi and admire the view of the east and west coast, before arriving in Santa Barbara for authentic homemade cuisine.