Venture Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

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