Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area Five-day adventure in New Zealand’s North Island Accommodation in quality hotels and lodges for 4 nights (double occupancy) Daily transportation in a luxury minibus during the adventure All activities and experiences as in the itinerary Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland Māori Village Experience All meals outlined in the itinerary (from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 5, apart from one lunch) First aid kit Drinking water Safety equipment & maps Add-ons (available to add at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Transportation to Auckland One lunch Personal equipment Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

While this hiking adventure in New Zealand doesn’t require any specific hiking experience, good fitness is still a must . On most days, you’ll be hiking for several hours , but keep in mind that 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?

New Zealand’s weather is very changeable and cold weather can be experienced any time of the year, especially in the mountains. Lightweight and breathable fabrics while hiking are recommended. Merino or polypropylene underwear is great in cold weather and will keep you warm when it gets wet (unlike cotton). Don’t bring jeans for hiking! Hiking gear and personal items you should bring: Hiking boots or shoes Daypack (25-30L) Water bottle (1L) Waterproof raincoat (gore-tex or similar) Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton) Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene) Socks Warm hat or balaclava Long-sleeved shirt (sun protection) Short for hiking (or lightweight hiking trousers) Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece) Spare lightweight shoes or sandals Insect repellent Causal clothing for travel and evenings Dry bag for clothes/valuables Recommended items Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses Rain trousers Camera Swimsuit Towel (lightweight travel towels are great)

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this hiking and biking adventure in New Zealand’s North Island, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 13:1 . The maximum group size is 13 . A minimum of 2 people have to sign up for the tour to run. The standard price is based on twin-share rooms. Single occupancy can be arranged at an additional fee—you can add it to your booking at checkout. Solo travelers can 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 North Island hiking tour 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.

Getting there and meeting location

To start this tour, 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.

What about bad weather?

Tours are scheduled to fit with the seasons and ideal hiking conditions. When the weather does not cooperate, your guide will know the correct course of action to take. Whether that’s shifting to a more favorable location or postponing until conditions approve, your guide will know just what to do. In New Zealand, there are plenty of backup options for rainy days. In the event of predictably bad weather, you will be contacted prior to the trip to discuss suitable alternatives.

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.

Black Friday Escape deal for this adventure will go live in:

North Island | New Zealand

Venture Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

5.00

Mt Tongariro in the Tongariro National Park.

Emerald Lakes in Tongariro National Park.

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

From $2,586 ()

In local currency: NZ$4,600

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation & food
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

5 days

Season

November through March

Group size

Up to 13 people

Enter a world of geothermal marvels on a 5-day journey from Auckland to Wellington in New Zealand! Our schedule will be bursting with all those places you’ve been googling—witness Lake Tarawera in the backdrop of a mighty volcano, uncover the hidden treasures of a 15,000-year-old lava flow in Tongariro National Park, and plunge into a subterranean starry night of glowworms in the Waitomo Caves. On the world-renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we’ll explore emerald lakes, glacial valleys, crater pools, calderas and more. Leaving behind the wilderness, we’ll end our voyage with the charming capital of Wellington—pick an eclectic food place to lounge and scroll through your gallery overflowing with photos from the trip.

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!

From $2,586 ()

In local currency: NZ$4,600

Cancel in the first 48h for free

Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit

Travel and medical insurance available

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

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!

daneapalmer

This tour was absolutely amazing. Our guide (Justin) was extremely knowledgable, friendly, and fun! He planned the adventure around the weather and everyone’s needs. This was an unforgettable experience and I highly recommend it.

Show all reviews

Itinerary

Download itinerary

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.

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)
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)
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)
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)
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

New Zealand Hiking Tours

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Venture Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

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.

Accommodation & food

Accommodation

This adventure features a selection of well-appointed hotels and quality lodges, carefully chosen for their excellent locations. All rooms include ensuite bathrooms, and some lodges offer two-bedroom units. Rooms are either twin share or doubles, with solo travelers paired in a twin share room with a fellow traveler of the same gender.

Single occupancy is available for those seeking a private room. Designed for hikers who appreciate high-quality accommodations after a day on the trails, this hiking adventure ensures comfort and relaxation. Please note that accommodations are subject to availability, and equivalent alternatives may be provided if advertised properties are unavailable.

Food

All meals are included in this tour (apart from one lunch)—check out the itinerary to learn about them day-by-day. Your guides provide healthy and wholesome food, and include a lot of fresh produce. Getting everyone involved is just a part of the trip—there’s a good chance you may find yourself wielding a sharp knife or pushing the tea trolley around at lunchtime.

Customized trailes have a fold-down table and cooking area that’s just perfect for preparing picnics. Included dinners are in lodge restaurants or in a local pub.

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

Daniel Murphy

Hiking Guide & Co-owner of Hiking New Zealand

5.00(10 reviews)

Trevor S.

|February 2023

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

Ian C.

|February 2023

daneapalmer

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Five-day adventure in New Zealand’s North Island
  - Accommodation in quality hotels and lodges for 4 nights (double occupancy)
  - Daily transportation in a luxury minibus during the adventure
  - All activities and experiences as in the itinerary
    
    Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
    
    Māori Village Experience
  - All meals outlined in the itinerary (from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 5, apart from one lunch)
  - First aid kit
  - Drinking water
  - Safety equipment & maps
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Transportation to Auckland
  - One lunch
  - Personal equipment
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
While this hiking adventure in New Zealand doesn’t require any specific hiking experience, good fitness is still a must. On most days, you’ll be hiking for several hours, but keep in mind that 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.
New Zealand’s weather is very changeable and cold weather can be experienced any time of the year, especially in the mountains. Lightweight and breathable fabrics while hiking are recommended. Merino or polypropylene underwear is great in cold weather and will keep you warm when it gets wet (unlike cotton). Don’t bring jeans for hiking!

Hiking gear and personal items you should bring:
- - Hiking boots or shoes
  - Daypack (25-30L)
  - Water bottle (1L)
  - Waterproof raincoat (gore-tex or similar)
  - Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
  - Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene)
  - Socks
  - Warm hat or balaclava
  - Long-sleeved shirt (sun protection)
  - Short for hiking (or lightweight hiking trousers)
  - Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece)
  - Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
  - Insect repellent
  - Causal clothing for travel and evenings
  - Dry bag for clothes/valuables
Recommended items
- - Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses
  - Rain trousers
  - Camera
  - Swimsuit
  - Towel (lightweight travel towels are great)
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this hiking and biking adventure in New Zealand’s North Island, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 13:1.
  - The maximum group size is 13. A minimum of 2 people have to sign up for the tour to run.
  - The standard price is based on twin-share rooms. Single occupancy can be arranged at an additional fee—you can add it to your booking at checkout.
  - Solo travelers can 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 North Island hiking tour 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.
To start this tour, 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.
Tours are scheduled to fit with the seasons and ideal hiking conditions. When the weather does not cooperate, your guide will know the correct course of action to take. Whether that’s shifting to a more favorable location or postponing until conditions approve, your guide will know just what to do. In New Zealand, there are plenty of backup options for rainy days. In the event of predictably bad weather, you will be contacted prior to the trip to discuss suitable alternatives.
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.
A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining amount to be paid 90 days prior to departure. For bookings within four (4) months of the departure, full payment is required.

Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety-five (95) days before the departure, Client gets an 80% refund of the deposit back.
  - For cancellations twenty-one (21) to ninety-four (94) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of eighty percent (80%) of the full trip price.
  - For cancellations twenty (20) to eleven (11) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.