The Gen XY Lifestyle
Planning Your 2026 Adventure: New Zealand Offers the Ultimate ‘Active Escape’ for Runners, Hikers, and Cyclists
With global demand for wellness-driven travel soaring, Tourism New Zealand is inviting travellers to book their 2026 adventures, offering a perfect balance of strenuous activity and restorative natural beauty across its spectacular landscapes.
If your holiday plans for 2026 involve more than lying on a beach, New Zealand’s “Active Escapes” are designed for you. Tourism New Zealand is encouraging travellers to seek a renewed sense of energy and connection through the country’s world-class active adventures.
The appeal lies in meeting the modern traveller’s need for meaningful, wellness-led experiences. According to recent global reports, 94 percent of travellers now weave wellness and activity into their journeys , and 77 percent prioritise the right experience over cost, seeking transformative adventures.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, visitors can explore over 1,555 walking and hiking tracks, 11 iconic Great Walks, and 23 Great Rides, weaving through ancient forests, volcanic valleys, and alpine peaks.
Engineered for Every Level
New Zealand’s trails are designed to cater to everyone, from families and beginners to seasoned adventurers.
- Beginners: Options include gentle coastal walks, lakeside loops, and beginner-friendly cycling tracks.
- Moderate Adventurers: They can enjoy half-day hikes, vineyard trails, and forest paths.
- Experienced Athletes: They will find multi-day treks and technical trail races that offer unforgettable achievements in dramatic landscapes.
All tracks are well signposted and maintained, making them suitable for solo travellers or multi-generational families.
World-Class Running Events for 2026
For those planning to push their endurance in 2026, New Zealand’s running calendar is a major draw. Key events currently open for planning and booking include:
- Hawke’s Bay Marathon | 16 May 2026: Set in the renowned food and wine region, this scenic course takes runners through vineyards, orchards, and coastal paths. The event caters to all abilities, from the full marathon to a kids’ dash, culminating at the Elephant Hill Estate & Winery.
- Race Tekapo | 19 September 2026: Offering stunning lake and mountain views in the heart of Lake Tekapo, this destination race provides unique alpine courses and access to the famed International Dark Sky Reserve. It offers seven race distances for every trail lover.
Looking ahead to 2027, the First Light Marathon in Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers the chance to be the first in the world to greet the sun at a coastal marathon tracing Māori land and celebrated chardonnay country.
Beyond the Finish Line: Rest and Recovery
In New Zealand, the focus on activity is balanced by an emphasis on restoration. Every active escape includes the space to recover and recharge.
Travellers can unwind by:
- Soaking in geothermal hot pools.
- Stargazing under the world’s largest Dark Sky Reserve.
- Indulging in nourishing local cuisine and exploring world-class wineries.
- Connecting with Māori cultural experiences for deeper understanding and grounding.
This intentional blend of movement and meaning is designed to leave visitors with a sense of clarity, calm, and fulfilment.
Pictures credit to Tourism New Zealand
