Hiking New Zealand's North Island

Itinerary

• Day01

  Arrive in Auckland

  Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails! Take time to relax and explore before an evening briefing with your guide, then head out tonight for a celebratory group welcome dinner.

  • Accommodation: Heritage Hotel - Auckland
  • Meals: Dinner
• Day02

  Explore the Hauraki Gulf & Islands

  Wake for a cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to iconic Rangitoto Island, the youngest volcano in New Zealand, and home to flourishing native flora and fauna. Take an easy to moderate hike through lava fields and forests to the island's summit at 850 feet. Stunning panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf await. Descend from the summit towards Islington Bay, where you'll take a boat to Waiheke Island - a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches. Wine taste at one of the boutique wineries on this "island of wine" before returning to Auckland.

  • Accommodation: Heritage Hotel - Auckland
  • Activity: 2.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 800' elevation gain and loss
  • Transportation: Three 25-minute private boat transfers
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day03

  Journey to Rotorua

  After breakfast, head south to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. On arrival, stretch your legs with a hike through the nearby coastal redwood forest. Options for the afternoon include a gentle hike at stunning Blue Lake, an immersive cultural tour through Ohinemutu to the Te Papaiouru Marae, or an afternoon of leisure in Rotorua.

  • Accommodation: Jet Park Hotel
  • Activity: 1.5 hours/3.5 miles easy hiking
  • Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day04

  Experience Geothermal Wonders & Maori Culture

  Rise for an action-packed day filled with cultural, historical and natural wonders. Start at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, which preserves and promotes Maori culture through traditional Maori arts and crafts. Next, head to Orakei Korako Geothermal Park — only accessible by a short ferry ride across the lake — for a boardwalk hike amid geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. Enjoy lunch in the lakefront town of Taupo and then tackle the 1.5-hour Huka Falls hike ending at the Aratiatia Rapids and Aratiatia Dam. Watch in wonder as the dam opens at 4pm. The rapids are one of the most popular natural attractions on the North Island and a highlight of your adventure!

  • Accommodation: The Cottage Mews Motel
  • Activity: 1.5 hours/4 miles Huka Falls hike; 1.5-2 hours geothermal park walk
  • Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day05

  Kayak Lake Taupo & Hike Lake Rotopounamu

  Start the day with a morning kayak tour of the impressive Mine Bay Maori Rock. Return to Acacia Bay for lunch and then drive south beside stunning Lake Taupo, New Zealand's biggest lake. Next, take a beautiful 3-mile hike around Lake Rotopounamu - one of the best short walks in the North Island. Its surrounding native forest and is well-loved by birdwatchers! End the walk with a short drive to Whakapapa for a two-day day at The Chateau.

  • Accommodation: The Chateau
  • Activity: 3 hours kayaking and 3 hours hiking
  • Transportation: 25-minute private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day06

  Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

  Wake early today to tackle the 11-mile Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which starts in the Mangatepopo Valley and finishes at the Ketetahi road. The crossing passes over spectacular volcanic terrain. Cold mountain springs, lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an enjoyable and memorable trip. Mount Tongariro (6,489 feet) has 12 separate ash cones and was immortalized as Mordor and Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. UNESCO-listed Tongariro was also the first national park in New Zealand, recognized both for its Maori culture as well as its volcanic features.
  
  Optional local activities are available for those who prefer to spend the day relaxing. Dinner tonight is at The Chateau.

  • Accommodation: The Chateau
  • Activity: 6-7 hours/11 miles hiking with 2,625' elevation gain and 3,772' elevation loss
  • Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day07

  Cycle the Ohakune Coach Road

  Originally used by horse-drawn coach as a connecting route between the two rail heads of the unfinished North Island trunk line, the Ohakune Old Coach Road is steeped in history and creates a stunning cycling trip. Drive 30 minutes to Horopito and cycle 9 miles to Ohakune via the Ohakune Coach Road. This exciting adventure through a bush corridor on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu is a journey back in time.

  • Accommodation: Raumati Sands Resort
  • Activity: 2-3 hours/9 miles easy cycling
  • Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day08

  Go Kiwi Spotting on Kapiti Island

  Wake for a boat ride across the thriving marine reserve to verdant Kapiti Island, where you'll enjoy a two-day kiwi spotting adventure! Seeing kiwis in their natural habitat is a New Zealand must and you'll begin your expert-led search in Rangatira, located in the middle of the island. Follow forest trails by day (and at night) to spot kiwis and a variety of other endangered native birds within the lush regenerating bush. Experience genuine Maori hospitality throughout your stay.

  • Accommodation: Kapiti Island
  • Transportation: 20-minute boat transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day09

  Search for Kiwis & Transfer to Wellington

  After breakfast, head out for a second day of kiwi spotting at the north end of Kapiti Island. Follow grassland and forest tracks, and enjoy wonderful views of freshwater Okupe Lagoon. This afternoon, return to Wellington via ferry and private van, and end your adventure with a special farewell group dinner.

  • Accommodation: Bolton Hotel
  • Transportation: 20-minute ferry ride and 45-minute private van transfer
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day10

  Depart from Wellington

  Enjoy breakfast before a group transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights.

  • Meals: Breakfast