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North Island Hiking: Deluxe 5-Day Adventure
Date and group size

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Accommodation options

Price is based on twin-share rooms. Choose how many members of your group would like to stay in single occupancy rooms during the trip.

Select your adventure protection

Redpoint travel protection
Weather shifts, flights cancel. Core and Premium include Redpoint travel protection to cover you when they do. Standard follows 57hours' booking policy. See full coverage
Every booking, whichever you pick
Cancel within 48h of booking 100% refund
Cancel 120+ days before departure (Any or no reason) 50% refund
Full coverage details
Basic Standard terms Most popular Core protection Recommended Premium protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund 100% refund 100% refund
Cancel 120+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
50% refund 50% refund 75% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
75% refund 100% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel under 120 days (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p. Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p. Up to $100,000 p.p.
Basic Standard terms
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 120+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
50% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
Cancel under 120 days (Any or no reason)
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Most popular Core protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 120+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
50% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
75% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
Cancel under 120 days (Any or no reason)
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p.
Recommended Premium protection
Cancel within 48h of booking
100% refund
Cancel 120+ days before departure (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel any time (Covered reason)
100% refund
Cancel any time (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Cancel under 120 days (Any or no reason)
75% refund
Travel: canceled flights, lost baggage, delays
Up to $1,000 p.p.
Rescue, evacuation, and medical coverage
Up to $100,000 p.p.
Cancellation policy

The percentages in the table above are of the full trip price, not of what you’ve paid at the time of booking.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of booking receive a full refund on all plans, including booking fees and insurance. After the 48-hour window, your refund depends on your selected protection plan and when you cancel. Core and Premium plans extend your cancellation rights beyond the Standard policy:

  • With Core, a covered reason gets you 75% of your trip cost back — even the day before you go.
  • With Premium, a covered reason gets you 100% of your trip cost back — and any other reason gets you 75%, right up to the day you leave.
What counts as a covered reason
  • Sudden illness or injury — yours, a travel companion’s, or an immediate family member’s, confirmed by a doctor
  • Death of a traveler or an immediate family member
  • A natural disaster affecting your destination or your departure point
  • A government travel advisory against travel to your destination

Changing your mind isn’t a covered reason. Premium is the only plan that covers that. Documentation is required for all insurance claims.

Everything the travel insurance covers

Both plans include travel insurance through Redpoint Travel Protection. Core insures 75% of your trip cost; Premium insures 100%.

Maximum per person:

  • Trip cancellation — up to 100% of your trip cost
  • Cancel for any reason — up to 75% of your trip cost (Premium only)
  • Trip interruption — 150% of the trip cost limit
  • Trip delay — $200 a day, $1,000 max
  • Itinerary change — $250
  • Single occupancy supplement — up to 100% of trip cost
  • Missed connection — $1,000
  • Travel inconvenience — $250 each, $750 max
  • Pet return — $1,000 per pet
  • Baggage and personal effects — $2,500, max $300 an item
  • Baggage delay — $600, after 12 hours
  • Baggage delivery — $100 per trip
  • Emergency medical expenses — $100,000
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation — up to $1,000,000

These are maximums. What a claim actually pays depends on what you can document and on the policy’s exclusions — pre-existing conditions and undeclared activities among them. We’ll send the full policy wording with your confirmation.

Reserve deposit (50%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0
North Island Hiking: Deluxe 5-Day Adventure
Itinerary
North Island Hiking: Deluxe 5-Day Adventure
Date(s)
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Number of travelers
1 Person
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Pay deposit now, the rest by
Travel and medical insurance available
Earn $0.00 Adventure credits
  • 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 6:30 am, 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: Up to 2 km (1.2 miles), 2 hours
      Elevation: +/-60 m (197 ft)

    • A short drive leads us to the stunning forests and beaches of Lake Tarawera, where we take a scenic water taxi ride to the far end of the lake. From here, we hike back along the beautifully clear shoreline, shaded by towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs. Cool off with a dip at one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up, and there’s usually a chance for a soak in a natural hot creek along the way.

      After we return, there’s time to look around Rotorua, including the short Redwoods Trail, and explore the historic waterfront area with the fascinating St. Faith’s Church. In the late afternoon, we enjoy an evening meal and a Māori cultural performance.

      Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
      Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
      Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles), 4 hours
      Elevation: +480 m (+1,575 ft) / -250 m (-820 ft)

      Hiking near Lake Tarawera
    • 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. 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 (6.2 miles), 2–4 hours
      Elevation: +/-200 m (656 ft)

      Aerial view of the turquoise lake nestled between rolling hills with a mountain peak in the distance.
    • Today, there’s the option to join your guide 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 outstanding. After what is often a long and physically challenging day, enjoy a well-earned dinner and swap stories with your hiking group.

      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 (optional crossing): Up to 21 km (13 miles), 7–8 hours
      Elevation (optional crossing): +900 m (+2,953 ft) / -1,250 m (-4,101 ft)

      Two hikers Tongariro
    • 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. Wander past heritage houses tucked along improbably steep streets, or simply soak up the city’s vibrant café and restaurant scene. The tour concludes in Wellington in the late afternoon, around 5 pm.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Cable car in Wellington.
    • 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 (double occupancy)
        • Almost all meals, as outlined in the itinerary
        • Activities and experiences as in the itinerary:
          • Māori Village Experience
          • Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
        • Luxury minibus transportation for the duration of the tour
        • Luggage transfers
        • Walking poles — leave us a note if you need them
        • First aid kit
        • Drinking water
        • Safety equipment and maps

      Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

        • Single occupancy room

      Not included:

        • Transportation to Auckland and from Wellington
        • Some meals (see itinerary)
        • 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.

      On more challenging days, expect altitude gains of up to 600 m (1,969 ft). On Day 4, you can take on the optional Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with up to 21 km (13 miles) of hiking over 6–8 hours and 900 m (2,953 ft) of elevation gain. If you’d prefer a more restful day, there are shorter walks around the village instead.

      All walks in the itinerary are guided, but your guide can suggest shorter self-guided walks if you’d like to do a little more or a little less on some days.

      Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.

      Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand hiking adventures!

    • You are allowed to bring up to 120L of luggage per person, which will be transported in the support van.

      New Zealand’s weather is very changeable, and cold weather can be experienced at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Lightweight, breathable fabrics work best for hiking, and merino or polypropylene layers will keep you warm even when wet. No cotton, please. It gets cold when wet and is difficult to dry. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.

      Clothing you should bring:

        • Hiking boots or shoes
        • Spare lightweight shoes or sandals
        • Waterproof raincoat (Gore-Tex or similar)
        • Rain trousers
        • Thermal underwear (top and bottom, wool or polypropylene)
        • Warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
        • Long-sleeved shirt (for sun protection)
        • Shorts or lightweight hiking trousers
        • Socks (we suggest 3 pairs)
        • Warm hat or balaclava
        • Gloves or mittens (wool or fleece)
        • Sun hat
        • Swimsuit
        • Casual clothing for travel and evenings

      Equipment you should bring:

        • Daypack (25–30 L)
        • Water bottle (1 L minimum, 2 L for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)
        • Dry bag for clothes and valuables
        • Sunscreen and sunglasses
        • Insect repellent (sandflies are common)
        • Towel (lightweight travel towels are great)
        • Camera
        • Personal toiletries and medication

      Walking poles are available on request—just leave us a note when booking.

      Laundry facilities are available most nights, either as a hotel laundry service (additional charge) or as self-service facilities for hotel guests. You can charge devices in the vehicle (bring a charger adaptor) and at the hotels.

      Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

    • 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 15:1.
        • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 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 adventure starts in Auckland and finishes in Wellington. 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 the Rydges Hotel foyer (59 Federal Street, Auckland) at 6:30 am on Day 1. As the tour starts early in the morning, plan to arrive in Auckland at least a day before.

      The tour ends in Wellington at around 5 pm on Day 5, so keep this in mind when booking onward travel or accommodation.

    • 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.

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