New Zealand North Island Hiking Tour
A Showcase of Spectacular Nature
- Available: January, February, March, November, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
Highlights
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as one of the world's best one-day treks
- Marvel at the geothermal wonders, age-old forests, and pristine lakes of Rotorua
- Take in the enchanting trees of Whirinaki, one of the world's last prehistoric rainforests!
Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland
Day 1
Meet your MT Sobek guide at Auckland airport and enjoy a transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, meet your group at the lobby bar, then head out to a waterfront restaurant for your first taste of New Zealand.
Accommodation: Rydges Auckland Hotel
Transportation: 30-minute airport transfer
Meals: Dinner
Explore the Hauraki Gulf & Sip Wine on Waiheke Island
Day 2
Hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island, the largest island in Hauraki Gulf. Stroll along its undulating shorelines and admire gorgeous coastal headlands, vine-laden landscapes, olive groves, and pristine beaches of white sand. Transfer by shuttle to one of the island's most established wineries and enjoy a tasting of superb New Zealand wines before lunch. After returning to Auckland mid-afternoon, enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Rydges Auckland Hotel
Activity: 40-minutes walking
Transportation: 50-minute cruise and 10-minute shuttle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Rotorua & Hike the Tarawera Trail
Day 3
Drive to the town of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region, a beautiful area of lakes, geothermal landscapes, and lush forests. Starting from Lake Tarawera, one of 18 lakes in the region, embark on the Tarawera Trail that meanders through the bush to heavenly sand-strewn beaches where you will enjoy a trail lunch and a refreshing dip. Return by water taxi. After settling in the hotel, enjoy a lovely buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Rydges Rotorua
Activity: Up to 5 miles/2 to 4 hours hiking with 500' elevation gain and 750' loss
Transportation: 3.5-hour drive to Rotorua, 20-minute water taxi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venture into the Whirinaki Rainforest & Explore Rotorua
Day 4
Hike in the majestic Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park, an ancient podocarp forest with moss-laden trees up to 1,000-years old and 200-feet tall. Take a riverside loop hike, learning about this home of Ngati Whare people as well as more than 50 endangered species. Stop by a waterfall for a picnic. Back in Rotorua, visit Ohinemutu, a historic Maori village, and the vibrant Anglican church on Rotorua lakeshore. In the evening, feast on the traditional hangi dinner prepared in a ground pit and admire a Maori cultural performance.
Accommodation: Rydges Rotorua
Activity: 5 miles/3 to 4 hours hiking with 450' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5-hour private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Waiotapu Thermal Reserve & Explore Lake Taupo
Day 5
Start the day at the spectacular Waiotapu thermal reserve — an otherworldly landscape of steaming vents, sinter craters, bizarre colored lakes, and mud pools. Weather-permitting, savor a picnic by the mighty Huka Falls or take a swim in the lake. In the late afternoon, set off by public boat to explore Lake Taupo and visit contemporary Maori rock carvings in the northern ignimbrite cliffs (only accessible by water). Dine on the launch and soak up astonishing views across the lake to the volcanoes.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels
Activity: 1.5 hours/3 miles walking, 90-minute boat cruise (optional)
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey from Taupo to Tongariro National Park
Day 6
Start with breakfast at the hotel, then drive south skirting the eastern shore of New Zealand's largest lake, Taupo, formed by massive volcanic eruptions. Drive and hike around the bush-fringed Lake Rotopounamu, keeping an eye out for birds like the North Island robin and kaka. Rest over a picnic lunch at a beach, and then continue on to Tongariro National Park. Join your guide on one of the lower mountain walks, Taranaki Falls or Silica springs, either on the way to the hotel or after check-in.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel Ruapehu
Activity: 2 to 3 miles/1.5 to 3 hours hiking with 420' elevation gain and loss; Taranaki Falls 4 miles/1.5 to 3 hours hiking with 450' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Day 7
Set out for a full day of hiking over the UNESCO-listed Tongariro Alpine Crossing to the craters of Mount Tongariro. This world-renowned trek features striking volcanic terrain, old lava flows, active craters, steam vents, and emerald lakes. The track can be steep and rocky at times; as such, it is best suited to hikers who are very fit. Guests who prefer a more restful day can explore the area, walk to 50-foot Taranaki Falls, see the exhibits in the Park Visitor Center, and enjoy a lunch on their own.
Accommodation: The Park Hotel Ruapehu
Activity: 12.6-miles/9-hours hiking with 3,280' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Wellington & Explore the City
Day 8
In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital. Along the way, take in the dazzling imagery of Tongariro National Park, post-glacial river terraces of Rangitikei and the North Wellington coast. Savor an early lunch at a local cafe, and later the farewell drinks at a bar overlooking the marina. Spend the rest of the day exploring this lovely harbor city with a beach-lined waterfront, and a happening craft beer and art scene.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay
Transportation: 4.5-hour private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head Home or Transfer to Nelson
Day 9
Trip participants who are doing the North Island journey finish the tour in Wellington. This cozy and walkable city, often called the San Francisco of New Zealand, makes for an excellent extension of the trip for a day or two. Those who are continuing on the South Island leg of the trip will take a quick mid-morning transfer to Wellington airport, followed by a 45-minute scenic flight to the town of Nelson.
Transportation: 45-minute flight (if continuing to Nelson)
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has been exploring the Pacific for over 20 years, working with the best local guides for immersive and fun experiences.
Our stellar North and South Island itineraries can be easily paired for a complete New Zealand adventure.
We bring you the best of New Zealand, from epic hikes and great hotels, to carefully selected local food and wine — as well as unique cultural insights.
Dates & Prices
- 2025
- 2026
- 2027
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2025
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,200 Single OccupancySpecial Details
Book this trip back to back with New Zealand South Island Hiking and get a free connecting flight between the islands!
Available
2026
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,195 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailableConfirmed - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancySpecial Details
Book this trip back to back with New Zealand South Island Hiking and get a free connecting flight between the islands!
Available - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancySpecial Details
Book this trip back to back with New Zealand South Island Hiking and get a free connecting flight between the islands!
Available
2027
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailable - $6,995 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,300 Single OccupancyAvailable
Go Private
Go Private with MT Sobek
Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.
Private Trip RequestPrivate Trip Requirements
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 13 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
January, February, March, November, December
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
9 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy
7 to 8 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $8,495 per person double occupancy
Optional:
$1,200 Single Occupancy
Private Trip Pricing: 2026
9 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy
7 to 8 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $8,495 per person double occupancy
Optional:
$1,300 Single Occupancy
Private Trip Pricing: 2027
9 guests from $7,195 per person double occupancy
7 to 8 guests from $7,595 per person double occupancy
6 guests from $7,795 per person double occupancy
5 guests from $8,495 per person double occupancy
Optional:
$1,300 Single Occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Trip pricing on the website is provided as an estimate and is subject to change based on rates at the time of request and seasonality.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Nov 23 - Dec 01, 2025
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Justin C.
Justin grew up on a dairy farm in the Manawatu region of the North Island. Wanderlust drew him away to work as a Department of Conservation ranger around the country, interspersed with periods of travel in Asia and South America. For over a decade, guiding has fulfilled Justin’s wandering spirit. A degree in sustainable communities coupled with an immense knowledge of New Zealand histories makes Justin a compelling person to chat to. Along the way, Justin has gained an intimate knowledge of New Zealand’s natural and cultural history. He delights in communicating this knowledge and connecting other travellers with New Zealand’s special places.
Louis D.
Born and raised on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, Louis spent his childhood enjoying the great outdoors and being introduced to Aotearoa’s conservation ethos. Homegrown and overseas adventures, a degree in International relations and Sociology, and working/volunteering across a range of conservation projects followed. All of which has culminated in Louis’ passion for connecting people to Aotearoa’s outdoor heritage, places, and species. A lover of stories, Louis hopes his enthusiasm and anecdotes will bring these places to life.
Matt H.
Growing up in New Zealand and Australia, Matt has always been curious about the world around him and for the past 15 years, he has made it his mission to experience the great NZ outdoors. An active leader in the New Zealand Alpine Club, Matt has loved hiking and running in the wilderness areas of the mountainous central North Island, and like all good Kiwis, he’s been ticking off the best of the South Island too. Matt has more than a few strings to his bow, and a cracking laugh he always travels with.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Moderately paced hikes up to five miles, with one 12-mile, on mostly rugged dirt trails. Also includes cultural walking tours, scenic drives, and boat trips.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
40-minutes walking
Day 3
Up to 5 miles/2 to 4 hours hiking with 500' elevation gain and 750' loss
Day 4
5 miles/3 to 4 hours hiking with 450' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
1.5 hours/3 miles walking, 90-minute boat cruise (optional)
Day 6
2 to 3 miles/1.5 to 3 hours hiking with 420' elevation gain and loss; Taranaki Falls 4 miles/1.5 to 3 hours hiking with 450' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
12.6-miles/9-hours hiking with 3,280' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Comfortable, contemporary and amenity-laden hotels and lodges, mostly located by splendid natural sites.
Weather
Expect changeable weather in New Zealand's temperate, ocean-controlled climate. Temperatures range from high 50-90°Fs from January to March.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative will meet you and you will take a group transfer to the hotel.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
US citizens can travel to New Zealand without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. To do so, Americans must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before departure. Click here for more details.
What is the Tongariro Crossing like?
This is a full day's hike of over 12 miles on a well-built track. The trail is sometimes steep, sometimes rocky and uneven and at times a scree slope. This hike is only for very fit hikers, but we offer options for others.
At what altitudes will we be hiking?
Maximum elevation is about 6,233' on the Tongariro crossing.