Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-day Mount Taranaki hiking adventure Pickup and drop-off from and to Rotorua City or Rotorua Airport All meals as indicated in the itinerary Accommodation: 3 nights in a boutique ensuite lodge Raincoats Hiking poles Add-ons: Single supplement Not included: Flights to and from New Zealand Transfers outside of New Plymouth & Rotorua City Meals not indicated in the itinerary Medical expenses Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

The walking trails on the hiking Mount Taranaki adventure are a range of easy to moderate difficulty , with some short sections classified as hard. We’ll be walking anywhere between 4 to 10 hours per day and you’ll need to carry a daypack with your lunch, water, raincoat, and warm layers. One or two walking tracks are easy-going underfoot, with a level gradient and little elevation gain. On Day 2 we’ll do the longer, more challenging walk on the Pouakai Crossing where the track surface will be less even, rockier, steeper, and with more infrastructure to negotiate like steps, platforms, boardwalks, and balustrades. Some tracks reach high points or lookouts near steep drop-offs, so those with vertigo or issues with heights may find some of the walks challenging. On the Pouakai Crossing in particular, we’ll be making elevation gains of 900m. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it. It’s a good idea to work in some stair training into your regular walking schedule before we go. If you are a regular walker, you’ll manage beautifully. The guides will provide a detailed briefing every evening about what is planned for the next day so you can be fully prepared. For more hiking adventures in New Zealand, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Hiking poles — recommended Worn-in hiking boots Light shoes or sandals for the evenings Warm hat Sleepwear Personal toiletries and medications Sunscreen & sunhat Blister kit & plasters Mobile phone and battery charging bank Bathing suit & towel Clothing: Several layers of wool, polypropylene or polar fleece (avoid cotton!) Shorts or lightweight trousers, preferably quick-dry Short-sleeved shirts, preferably quick-dry, polypropylene or wool: merino wool is ideal Long-sleeved shirt or sweater, wool or polypropylene Warm, windproof outer layer – Goretex or soft-shell jacket, or something similar Socks, wool, at least 2 pairs Leggings, wool or polypropylene Casual attire for informal evening meals Extra socks and thermal layers are always handy. Optional items: Waterproof over-trousers Warm gloves Facecloth or small towel for washing Insect repellent (sandflies and mosquitoes are not often present, but it’s handy to have just in case) Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to car sickness Personal hand sanitiser Face mask Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this hiking Mount Taranaki adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants. Hiking in New Zealand can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. 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, but must be 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.

What’s the accommodation like?

The accommodation is a 3-star boutique lodge set high on a ridge, surrounded by native bush beside a meandering river. Rooms are of generous proportions, providing the perfect place to relax at the end of each day. They are studio twin or double with ensuites, heating, fridges, TVs, hairdryers, and tea & coffee making facilities. All meals, snacks, one complimentary pre-dinner drink, and nibbles are included. Additional wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are available to be purchased throughout the evening meals at your own expense.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your hiking Mount Taranaki adventure is Rotorua City. To get there, most people fly into Rotorua (ROT) Airport . Your guides will pick you up from central Rotorua City or the Rotorua Airport between 8am and 8:30am. If you will have a private vehicle, you’re most welcome to meet your guides at Pureora Forest Park at 10am on Day 1. It’s also possible to meet your guides at the accommodation in New Plymouth on the evening of Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their 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. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

ROTORUA | NEW ZEALAND

Hiking Mount Taranaki: 4-Day Getaway in New Zealand

5.00 ()

Season

November through April

Duration

4 days

Accommodation

3-star boutique lodge

Difficulty

Guides

Brad Taylor, Walking Legends

Book a call

From $1,180 () / 4 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Food
Reviews
Things to know

They say Mt. Taranaki is a diva—and honestly, it’s earned the right to be. From every angle, this stunner steals the show, and over four unforgettable days, you’ll see why. We’ll trek through goblin forests straight out of a fairytale, stroll along scenic coastlines, and stand in awe of views that could launch a thousand travel blogs. With ancient trees as wise as Gandalf, waterfalls as timeless as The Lord of the Rings movies, and a boutique lodge as cozy as your favorite sweater, this trip is the perfect blend of nature, hiking, and good vibes. Come with us and see what the hype is about!

Adventure highlights

Amazing hikes

Hike the heights of Mt. Taranaki and soak in views that stretch to infinity
Wildlife encounters

Spot native birds like kōkako and kākā in their natural, protected habitats
Kiwi hospitality

Cozy lodge, hearty meals, and the warmest of welcomes—relax in true Kiwi style

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Dive into a four-day hiking trip through the breathtaking landscapes of Mt. Taranaki and Egmont National Park. We’ll hike ancient podocarp forests, cross wetlands with mountain reflections, and explore seaside paths along the Tasman Sea. From the legendary Pouakai Crossing to hidden gems like Wilkies Pools, each trail reveals stories carved by time. We’ll end each day in a boutique lodge with hearty meals, Kiwi hospitality, and views to rival the hikes themselves.

Your guides will pick you up from central Rotorua City or the Rotorua Airport before heading south-west alongside the Waikato River and into the heart of the North Island’s mighty King Country. We’ll skirt around the forested fringes of the Pureora Forest Park, warm up our legs on a short loop trail, and walk part of the epic Timber Trail cycleway. Pureora Forest Park provides a home for native birdlife like the kōkako, kākāriki (green forest parrot), and kākā (brown forest parrot).

We’ll continue down the western coast of the North Island to the picturesque seaside town of New Plymouth, and then go on a short 30-minute jaunt to the Lake Mangamahoe Reserve. After settling into our cozy lodgings, we’ll share a two-course Kiwi-style meal.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6 km / 4 mi, about 2 hours
Drive time: 4 hours (with breaks)
Accommodation: 3-star boutique lodge
Today, we’ll set off on one of New Zealand’s greatest one-day hikes, the Pouakai Crossing. This trail leads us through an incredible variety of landscapes – ferny ‘goblin’ forest, fragile wetlands, subalpine scrub, and reflective tarns mirroring the stunning peak of Mt. Taranaki.

From the Mangorei Road trailend, we’ll return to our lodgings where we can revive our weary muscles with a hot shower before meeting in the cozy lounge for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. Tonight, we’ll share a delicious two-course meal in the lodge’s onsite restaurant overlooking the gorgeous grounds and raise a toast to an unforgettable day on Mt. Taranaki.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 19 km / 12 mi, 8 to 10 hours
Elevation: 900 m / 2,952 ft
Drive time: 40 minutes
Accommodation: 3-star boutique lodge
On Day 3, we’ll travel around the south-eastern side of Mt. Taranaki to experience a different perspective of the Egmont National Park. We’ll start with a hike through native kamahi forest into Dawson Falls, a single-drop cascade feeding New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating hydro-electric power generator, and likely one of the oldest in the world!

We’ll visit Wilkies Pool via a loop-track through ‘goblin-forest’ dripping in ferns and moss to a series of clear pools formed from 20,000-year-old lava flows. To finish things off, we’ll visit the York Road Loop track, a fascinating loop trail steeped in history, including a huge concrete bath sand trap and a long fern-walled canyon, hand cut for railway wagon access. Later on, we’ll enjoy our final dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10 km / 6 mi, about 4 hours
Drive time: 1 hour
Accommodation: 3-star boutique lodge
After a final hearty breakfast, we’ll pack up our kit and farewell the majestic Taranaki Mounga. We’ll briefly visit the Puke Ariki Museum, which holds a wealth of historic artefacts and precious carvings unique to the Taranaki people.

We’ll finish things off with a gentle walk along the famous Coastal Walkway. This wide, shared pathway clings to the edge of the township. Beginning at the iconic Len Lye kinetic sculpture, we’ll make our way along the pathway to reach the beautifully sculptural Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. This is an important point of genealogy for Taranaki Māori.

We’ll enjoy our final picnic lunch near the Waiwhakaiho River before setting out for home. Your guides will have you safely back in Rotorua around 5–6pm to meet your onward travel arrangements.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Hiking: 8 km / 2 mi, about 2 hours
Drive time: 4 hours (with breaks)

Hiking Mount Taranaki: 4-Day Getaway in New Zealand

Adventure Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guides

5.00

Brad Taylor

Brad is a hiking veteran with over 21 years experience in the North Island outdoors. Originally trained as a whitewater rafting guide, Brad made the switch to trail adventures early and has never looked back. Brad holds a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care First Aid Qualification. He takes a particular interest in the Lake Waikaremoana, Coromandel and Great Barrier Island areas and has hiked the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk over 100 times!

5.00

Walking Legends

Founded in 2003, Walking Legends aims to reconnect people to nature and each other, while having fun along the way. For owners Brad and Cathy Taylor, the North Island’s Great Walks are a case of love at first hike, as they found their happy place on some of New Zealand’s most spectacular trails. Sharing a passion for all things outdoors, Brad and Cathy champion the preservation of our beautiful New Zealand backcountry through conservation and sustainable tourism – ensuring our tours are designed for maximum enjoyment and minimum impact.

Food

Food

Mount Taranaki hiking adventure is a fully catered walk so that means all your meals, snacks and hot drinks will be taken care of while you’re out on the trails. There’s a pre-set menu with two or three different options to choose from. All evening meals are prepared, and served, by the lodge hosts in their on-site restaurant overlooking a beautiful meandering river valley.

Breakfasts are a mix of cooked and continental options with plenty of tea and coffee. The packed lunches are made fresh daily with hearty sandwiches or wraps, fresh seasonal fruit, energy snacks, or baked goods. Evening meals are 2-course, Kiwi-style meals full of fresh veggies, crisp salads and decadent desserts.

5.00 (3 reviews)

Craig B (source: Google Reviews)

Well organised, great hikes, fantastic food and good company. Definitely will do another trip.

Simon O’Dowd (source: Google Reviews)

Fantastic team to spend 4 days hiking with. Very knowledgeable and well organised. Strongly recommend. Thanks for a great time

Gina Lai

Fab experience with nice friendly guide, Brad who is knowledgeable and prioitises the groups safety. Good variety of walks and forests to explore. Accommodation and food was great. Fun group of like minded of travellers to be with.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-day Mount Taranaki hiking adventure
  - Pickup and drop-off from and to Rotorua City or Rotorua Airport
  - All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  - Accommodation: 3 nights in a boutique ensuite lodge
  - Raincoats
  - Hiking poles
Add-ons:
- - Single supplement
Not included:
- - Flights to and from New Zealand
  - Transfers outside of New Plymouth & Rotorua City
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Medical expenses
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
The walking trails on the hiking Mount Taranaki adventure are a range of easy to moderate difficulty, with some short sections classified as hard. We’ll be walking anywhere between 4 to 10 hours per day and you’ll need to carry a daypack with your lunch, water, raincoat, and warm layers.

One or two walking tracks are easy-going underfoot, with a level gradient and little elevation gain. On Day 2 we’ll do the longer, more challenging walk on the Pouakai Crossing where the track surface will be less even, rockier, steeper, and with more infrastructure to negotiate like steps, platforms, boardwalks, and balustrades. Some tracks reach high points or lookouts near steep drop-offs, so those with vertigo or issues with heights may find some of the walks challenging.

On the Pouakai Crossing in particular, we’ll be making elevation gains of 900m. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it. It’s a good idea to work in some stair training into your regular walking schedule before we go. If you are a regular walker, you’ll manage beautifully. The guides will provide a detailed briefing every evening about what is planned for the next day so you can be fully prepared.

For more hiking adventures in New Zealand, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Hiking poles — recommended
  - Worn-in hiking boots
  - Light shoes or sandals for the evenings
  - Warm hat
  - Sleepwear
  - Personal toiletries and medications
  - Sunscreen & sunhat
  - Blister kit & plasters
  - Mobile phone and battery charging bank
  - Bathing suit & towel
Clothing:
- - Several layers of wool, polypropylene or polar fleece (avoid cotton!)
  - Shorts or lightweight trousers, preferably quick-dry
  - Short-sleeved shirts, preferably quick-dry, polypropylene or wool: merino wool is ideal
  - Long-sleeved shirt or sweater, wool or polypropylene
  - Warm, windproof outer layer – Goretex or soft-shell jacket, or something similar
  - Socks, wool, at least 2 pairs
  - Leggings, wool or polypropylene
  - Casual attire for informal evening meals
  - Extra socks and thermal layers are always handy.
Optional items:
- - Waterproof over-trousers
  - Warm gloves
  - Facecloth or small towel for washing
  - Insect repellent (sandflies and mosquitoes are not often present, but it’s handy to have just in case)
  - Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to car sickness
  - Personal hand sanitiser
  - Face mask
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this hiking Mount Taranaki adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.
Hiking in New Zealand can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

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, but must be 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 accommodation is a 3-star boutique lodge set high on a ridge, surrounded by native bush beside a meandering river. Rooms are of generous proportions, providing the perfect place to relax at the end of each day. They are studio twin or double with ensuites, heating, fridges, TVs, hairdryers, and tea & coffee making facilities.

All meals, snacks, one complimentary pre-dinner drink, and nibbles are included. Additional wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are available to be purchased throughout the evening meals at your own expense.
The starting point of your hiking Mount Taranaki adventure is Rotorua City. To get there, most people fly into Rotorua (ROT) Airport. Your guides will pick you up from central Rotorua City or the Rotorua Airport between 8am and 8:30am.

If you will have a private vehicle, you’re most welcome to meet your guides at Pureora Forest Park at 10am on Day 1. It’s also possible to meet your guides at the accommodation in New Plymouth on the evening of Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their 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.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.