Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day North Island hiking adventure Accommodation for 4 nights in quality hotels and lodges Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour Luggage transfers All activities and experiences as in the itinerary Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland Māori Village Experience All meals, as outlined in the itinerary (apart from one lunch) First aid kit Drinking water Safety equipment & maps Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them Add-ons (available to add at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Transportation to Auckland One lunch Personal equipment Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this New Zealand hiking tour, great fitness is required. Most days involve up to 4–5 hours of physical activity , with walking on tracks that are generally in good condition. On some days you’ll carry a backpack weighing around 4–5 kg (8–10 lbs) , containing personal gear and essentials. While no previous hiking experience is required, a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the journey. Day 4 features 21 km (12 miles) of hiking with 900 m (3,000 ft) of elevation gain. Still, there’s an option for a more restful day. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.

What do I need to bring?

You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person , this will be transported in the support van. Several layers of wool, polypropylene and/or polar fleece will ensure you remain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather. No cotton shirt hiking/kayaking in the wet, please! Cotton gets cold when wet and it’s difficult to dry. Clothing you should bring: Raincoat (gore-tex or similar) Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene) Hiking boots or good hiking shoes Spare lightweight shoes or sandals Shorts or lightweight trousers (preferably quick-dry) Short-sleeved shirt (quick-dry, polypropylene or wool) Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton) Socks Warm hat or balaclava Sun hat Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece) Swimsuit Towel (lightweight travel towels are great) Extra socks and polypropylene layers are always handy—ensure you have enough warm items! Comfortable clothing for non-hiking days as well. Spare clothing can be left in the secure trailer when we are away on the hikes, so don’t worry about the extra weight! Note that there are only limited opportunities to do laundry during a tour, so quick-drying clothing is an advantage. Equipment you should bring: Daypack Flashlight/headlamp Drink bottle or camelback (1L) Small daypack Sunscreen and sunglasses Insect repellent Personal toiletries, medication, and first aid Walking poles (optional) Gaiters (optional)

How much driving can I expect?

Daily driving times vary throughout the trip. Some days involve very little driving , while on a typical day we spend around 2–3 hours in the vehicle . On a handful of days, driving times will be longer, giving you a chance to rest, relax, and enjoy New Zealand’s ever-changing scenery along the way. We travel in a comfortable luxury minibus , towing a lockable trailer that carries food, equipment, and your main luggage. Roads range from sealed highways to unsealed backcountry roads , adding to the sense of adventure. And if there’s a great photo opportunity, vineyard, or memorable ice cream stop—our guides are always happy to pull over.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 13:1 . It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 13 participants. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this New Zealand hiking adventure is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers are welcome —they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of this tour is Auckland . To get there, most people fly into Auckland International Airport . From there, you can take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Auckland city center. You’ll meet your New Zealand hiking guide and the rest of the group in Auckland at 6.30am on Day 1 of your tour. This means that you should be in Auckland at least a day prior to the start of the tour, as it starts early in the morning.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

North Island | New Zealand

North Island Hiking: Deluxe 5-Day Adventure

5 days | Easy to Moderate | 5.00

From $2,758 ()

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Think of New Zealand as the ultimate shape-shifter. One minute it’s rolling green hills, the next it’s steaming volcanoes, glowworm-lit caves, lush rainforests and buzzing cities—all packed into a surprisingly compact corner of the Pacific. Floating at the edge of the world, the country is split between the rugged South Island and the warmer, wilder North Island, which just happens to be our playground on this trip. Over five all-inclusive, hotel- and lodge-based days, we’ll chase the places you’ve been endlessly googling—volcanic lakes, ancient lava flows, emerald craters and underground starry skies—then wrap it all up in Wellington with great food, great vibes and a camera roll you’ll be proud to show off.

Adventure Highlights

Unlike anything else in the world: Not your ordinary hiking trip—we’ll also get a taste of the indigenous culture and discover otherworldly landscapes
Surreal experiences: One day we’ll be diving into the underground world illuminated by glowworms, the other we’ll be exploring Tongariro’s geothermal peculiarities
All-inclusive journey: Forget about the logistics, your guides take care of that—quality lodgings, all food, transfers… A carefree vacation awaits!

Duration

5 days

Season

November through March

Group size

Up to 13 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

Discover the underground world of bioluminescent Waitomo Caves, take a swim in Lake Tarawera and explore the Tongariro National Park. The park, which is one of the oldest ones in the world, safekeeps the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging hike along which you’ll find green lakes, glacial valleys, lava flows and more. Excellent ensuite rooms in quality hotels and lodges and an eclectic mix of restaurants will make your evenings just as enjoyable as your days spent outdoors.

Day 1: Auckland — Rotorua

Meet your North Island guide and the rest of the group in the Rydges Hotel foyer at 6:30am, then head south through classic patchwork farming country alongside the Waikato River. We’ll make a quick café stop en route to Waitomo for those who need a coffee and a bite to eat. Upon arriving in the Waitomo Caves area, descend into the vaulted galleries of Ruakuri Cave, adorned with limestone formations and sparkling crystals. Be enchanted by thousands of tiny glowworms clinging to the ceiling, mimicking a starlit night sky. Later, emerge into the daylight for a scenic loop walk through an impressive limestone canyon.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Rotorua, a volcanically active region and the heart of Māori cultural tourism in New Zealand. This evening, enjoy a group dinner in the city, rounding off a full and fascinating first day.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 2 km (1.3 miles), 2 hours
Elevation: +/-60 m (200 ft)

Day 2: Rotorua — Lake Tarawera

A short drive leads us to the stunning forests and beaches of Lake Tarawera. Take a scenic water taxi ride to the lake end. From here we hike back alongside this beautifully clear lake, enjoying the shade that towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs offer. Plunge into the lake to cool off at any one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up. There are astonishing views all along this trail, and usually the chance for a natural hot creek dip along the way. This is an expansive wilderness of forest, lakes and volcanoes.

After we return, we have the chance to look around Rotorua including the short Redwoods Trail. Later explore through the historic waterfront area including the fascinating Faith church. Rotorua is also the centre of Māori cultural tourism in New Zealand and late afternoon we enjoy an evening meal and cultural performance.

Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.2 miles), 4 hours
Elevation: +480 m (1,500 ft), -250 m (900 ft)

Day 3: Tongariro National Park

Aerial view of the turquoise lake nestled between rolling hills with a mountain peak in the distance.

In the morning, we explore some of the incredible geothermal areas just south of Rotorua. Stroll along boardwalks that weave past bubbling mud pools, mineral-rich hot springs, and plumes of rising steam—this surreal landscape is unlike anywhere else. Grab a coffee before we continue south to Huka Falls, where the mighty Waikato River is forced through a narrow rock chasm, creating a powerful surge of water. We’ll stop for a café lunch in the lakeside town of Taupō, then travel along the shores of Lake Taupō to reach Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park. We’ll spend the next two nights at a hotel on the park’s edge—an ideal base for exploring the area.

In the afternoon, stretch your legs on a scenic hike to Taranaki Falls, where water tumbles 20 meters over an ancient lava flow formed some 15,000 years ago. Later, unwind and enjoy a group dinner in the comfort of your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 10 km (5.5 miles), 2-4 hours
Elevation: +/-200 m (600 ft)

Day 4: Tongariro alpine crossing

Join your guide today for a full-day hike on the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing—widely regarded as one of the world’s best day walks. The well-formed track climbs steadily, at times steeply, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Take time to admire dramatic landmarks like the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and active steam vents that make this trail so unforgettable. After a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding day, celebrate your achievement over dinner, perhaps with a glass of fine New Zealand wine.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the village: take a scenic walk to Soda Springs or Taranaki Falls, or simply sip coffee while exploring the excellent exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this charming alpine setting.

Accommodation: Hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: up to 21 km (12 miles), 7-8 hours
Elevation: +900 (3,000 ft), -1,250 m (4,100 ft)

Day 5: Tongariro — Wellington

Rest your legs this morning as we travel south through rolling green hill country toward New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Once there, take a leisurely stroll along the lively waterfront or dive into the country’s rich history and culture at the renowned national museum, Te Papa.

Wellington is compact and full of character—explore its heritage houses tucked along improbably steep streets, or simply soak up the city’s vibrant café and restaurant scene. It’s a place made for wandering and discovering.

Meals: Breakfast

Photo gallery

Accommodation & food

Accommodation

This tour features a selection of comfortable hotels and quality lodges, each chosen for their excellent standards and beautiful settings. All accommodations include ensuite bathrooms, and some lodges offer two-bedroom units. Rooms are configured as twin shares or doubles. Solo travelers will be paired in a twin room with another guest of the same gender, unless a single occupancy room is requested at checkout.

Designed for those who appreciate a touch of comfort after a rewarding day on the trail, this trip prioritizes high-standard lodging. While the listed accommodations are planned, equivalent alternatives of similar quality may be used if availability changes.

Food

Meals are a highlight of the trip—a time to rest, refuel, and unwind together after active days outside. Your guides coordinate everything, with the group pitching in to keep things relaxed and social. Expect hearty, satisfying camp food: barbecues, fresh salads, pancakes, curries, pasta, stir-fries, and simple one-pot meals on more remote nights (including a few well-loved “secret” recipes). There’s always a solid supply of snacks—chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, biscuits—and your guides carry all the cooking equipment needed, from gas burners and frying pans to portable stoves for overnight hikes.

Vegetarian diets and most common food intolerances can be accommodated. If you have specific or restrictive dietary needs, please let us know when booking so your guides can plan accordingly.

Adventure, packed to go

North Island Hiking: Deluxe 5-Day Adventure

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Chai

Having grown up in the outdoors, Chai feels very much in his element guiding guests through bush and over mountains. His father was an avid adventurer, often taking him up cliff faces, down rivers and across lakes. Nowadays he finds great reward in sharing New Zealand’s outdoors with friends and visitors alike. Chai’s broad experience in the outdoor industry has traversed the New Zealand and Nepalese whitewater kayaking scene, to employment as a hiking guide.

5.00

Malcolm

Even before he could walk, Malcolm was carried through New Zealand wilderness in a pack on his father’s back. Since those early days, he has hiked, climbed, sea kayaked, a mountain biked throughout the country and the globe. Malcolm squeezed in time to get a degree in physical geography and co-authored a guidebook, Classic New Zealand Adventures. Based in Auckland Malcolm keeps the North Island team singing and itineraries humming.

5.00

Daniel

Daniel started out as a hiking guide in Spain in the 90s, and later on he became a backcountry guide in New Zealand. Daniel has the enviable job of tour research and development, so he’s always on the go. Other than hiking, he loves spending his time mountain running and biking.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (11 reviews)

Jacqueline G.

|January 2026

The most fun I think inhave ever had. Well worth it.

Trevor S.

|February 2023

A real challenge due to NZ heavy rain but we all dried out

Ian C.

|February 2023

We certainly were given a very high adventure experience - some of the weather was very challenging, but it certainly made it a very memorable trip, especially the first day of the Northern Tongariro Circuit!

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day North Island hiking adventure
  - Accommodation for 4 nights in quality hotels and lodges
  - Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour
  - Luggage transfers
  - All activities and experiences as in the itinerary
    
    Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
    
    Māori Village Experience
  - All meals, as outlined in the itinerary (apart from one lunch)
  - First aid kit
  - Drinking water
  - Safety equipment & maps
  - Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Transportation to Auckland
  - One lunch
  - Personal equipment
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
To join this New Zealand hiking tour, great fitness is required. Most days involve up to 4–5 hours of physical activity, with walking on tracks that are generally in good condition. On some days you’ll carry a backpack weighing around 4–5 kg (8–10 lbs), containing personal gear and essentials. While no previous hiking experience is required, a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the journey.

Day 4 features 21 km (12 miles) of hiking with 900 m (3,000 ft) of elevation gain. Still, there’s an option for a more restful day.

Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person, this will be transported in the support van.

Several layers of wool, polypropylene and/or polar fleece will ensure you remain a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather. No cotton shirt hiking/kayaking in the wet, please! Cotton gets cold when wet and it’s difficult to dry.

Clothing you should bring:
- - Raincoat (gore-tex or similar)
  - Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene)
  - Hiking boots or good hiking shoes
  - Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
  - Shorts or lightweight trousers (preferably quick-dry)
  - Short-sleeved shirt (quick-dry, polypropylene or wool)
  - Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
  - Socks
  - Warm hat or balaclava
  - Sun hat
  - Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece)
  - Swimsuit
  - Towel (lightweight travel towels are great)
Extra socks and polypropylene layers are always handy—ensure you have enough warm items! Comfortable clothing for non-hiking days as well. Spare clothing can be left in the secure trailer when we are away on the hikes, so don’t worry about the extra weight! Note that there are only limited opportunities to do laundry during a tour, so quick-drying clothing is an advantage.

Equipment you should bring:
- - Daypack
  - Flashlight/headlamp
  - Drink bottle or camelback (1L)
  - Small daypack
  - Sunscreen and sunglasses
  - Insect repellent
  - Personal toiletries, medication, and first aid
  - Walking poles (optional)
  - Gaiters (optional)
Daily driving times vary throughout the trip. Some days involve very little driving, while on a typical day we spend around 2–3 hours in the vehicle. On a handful of days, driving times will be longer, giving you a chance to rest, relax, and enjoy New Zealand’s ever-changing scenery along the way.

We travel in a comfortable luxury minibus, towing a lockable trailer that carries food, equipment, and your main luggage. Roads range from sealed highways to unsealed backcountry roads, adding to the sense of adventure. And if there’s a great photo opportunity, vineyard, or memorable ice cream stop—our guides are always happy to pull over.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 13:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 13 participants.
  - Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this New Zealand hiking adventure is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
The starting point of this tour is Auckland. To get there, most people fly into Auckland International Airport. From there, you can take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Auckland city center.

You’ll meet your New Zealand hiking guide and the rest of the group in Auckland at 6.30am on Day 1 of your tour. This means that you should be in Auckland at least a day prior to the start of the tour, as it starts early in the morning.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  - Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

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Hiking

Hiking New Zealand’s North Island: the Highlights and the Hidden Gems

Forged by fire and fantasy, New Zealand’s North Island is a hiker’s paradise ripe with rainforests to explore, caves to spelunk, and volcanoes to crest. The sheer spectacle of these South Pacific landscapes can convert anyone into an honorary Kiwi. Te Ika-a-Māui—which is Māori for the North Island—is dotted with hidden gems, both natural and cultural—from glowworm caves and prehistoric rainforests to Maori cultural centers and Lord of the Rings backdrops. Avid adventurers will delight in uncovering the less-traveled trails, while film and literature aficionados will treasure the iconic sights, including Gollum’s Pool and the ominous Mt. Doom. To learn what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the Fellowship and hike New Zealand’s North Island, check out this one-hour session hosted by Daniel and Grace. The duo is highly passionate about exploring and conserving wild places, and, with decades of guiding experience under their belt, they know all the nooks and crannies of this small, yet grand, island. From pre-hike prep and logistical tips to bucket-list locations, Daniel and Grace uncovered why the entire hiking world is “Tolkien” about the North Island!

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

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