New Zealand Ultimate Hiking Adventure

We meet at 7am at the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland before heading south to Rotorua, with a café stop on route to fortify those who missed breakfast. Rotorua is renowned for its steaming thermal vents, bubbling mud-pools and stunning lakes. The area is also rich in Māori and early European history, including the violent 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption that buried a Māori village. We continue to Lake Tarawera, where we catch the noon water taxi to access the trail’s midsection. Here, we start a hike alongside the clear waters of Lake Tarawera, enjoying the shade that towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs offer. Along the way, you can take a dip in the lake at one of the small pumice beaches. The trail offers glimpses of the expansive wilderness of forests, lakes, and volcanoes in the distance.

We spend the night at the Blue Lake camp by the lakeside, where we come together to prepare a meal. It’s an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and chat. Tonight, or in the morning, we’ll also organise our gear and pack our backpacks for the upcoming hike into the rainforest, ready for the next leg of our journey.

Hiking: up to 10 km/ 6 miles, 3 hours
Elevation: +480 m (1,500 ft), -380 m (1,200 ft)
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Blue Lake Holiday Park (either camp or cabins)

A leisurely start after packing all our kit and driving east, into the rugged forest ranges of Te Urewera. This is the traditional home of the Tūhoe (Māori tribe) and one of the last places to have been reached by European settlers. After about 2 hours of driving (picnic lunch on the way) minimum, we reach the Whirinaki Forest trail.

This is a preserved remnant of the vast forests believed to have covered the supercontinent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago. Our first hike is an easy one, on a descending track through native beech forest, to a simple forest hut beside the stunning Whirinaki River. We cook up our meal together and either stay in the hut or camp nearby with an evening campfire and time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Hiking: up to 8.5 km/ 5.3 miles, 5 hours
Elevation: +450 m (1,400 ft), -750 m (2,450 ft)
Lunch: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Whirinaki Hut (camp or hut)

This morning, our journey continues down the valley track. This wilderness is a hidden gem, far from the tourist crowds, so encounters with others are rare. Instead, we often have the privilege of spotting elusive blue ducks, robins, and hearing the distinctive call of the kaka, a large bush parrot. As we descend further into the valley, our path leads us beneath towering tree ferns and through some of New Zealand’s most magnificent podocarp rainforest trees.

For those who seek a little extra adventure, there’s an opportunity to explore a side track leading to an area of ancient rata forest. A 20-minute drive takes us to a cabin on a nearby rural property. Here you can enjoy a warm shower and unwind by the fire pit, sipping on a beer or wine.

Hiking: 14 km/ 8.7 miles, 7 hours
Elevation: +430 m (1,400 ft), -650 m (2,100 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: The Jail House Cabins

We start the day with a drive to the Volcanic Plateau and its myriad natural wonders. Explore an extraordinary thermal park, bathe in a natural hot river and view the impressive Huka Falls. Feel the spray here as the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest, plunges 11 metres into a stadium-like pool. Later we arrive at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Incredibly, this 600 square kilometre crater lake was formed in 186 AD by the most powerful volcanic explosion in recorded history.

At Taupō, we grab our takeaway food and head to a lovely lake-side spot. Here we can relax on the unusual pumice beach and in summer enjoy an evening swim before continuing to our lodge accommodation near Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park.

Hiking: up to 3 km/ 2 miles, 1.5 hours
Elevation: +/-55 m (180 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort or The Park Hotel

Tongariro National Park is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and the fourth oldest in the world. In 1993, the park became a UNESCO mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site. Although many hikers walk the busy one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing, few explore the more remote and drier east side of this volcanic range. Enjoy our secret side trips and short cuts but rest assured we will hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the world’s finest day walks, but at a less busy time of the day whenever possible.

We sort out gear and pack our backpacks ready for our two nights away. In the late morning, hike out of Whakapapa through tussock-grasslands and over the low saddle that cuts between the volcanoes Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. Late afternoon we arrive at the simple but modern Waihohonu Hut among patches of mountain beech forest beside a quiet stream. There are great mountain-views from the spacious common room.

Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 miles, 6 hours
Elevation: +/-300 m (1,000 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Waihohonu Hut

The trail to the next hut takes just 3 hours, so we have the morning to explore. Either amble (about an hour) to the splendid Ohineopango Springs and visit a historic hut and then return to the hut for lunch, or we can negotiate an adventurous off-trail route over ash-moraine ridges and skirt lava cliffs to reach a viewpoint high above a remote lake. After lunch continue on, traversing stony desert to an alpine hut at 1,400m situated on the edge of an old lava flow.

We stop to enjoy fantastic views of the park’s three main peaks: Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngāuruhoe. The latter starred as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. It’s an extraordinary landscape of active volcanoes and lava valleys. Evening provides an opportunity to share the hut with hikers from all over the world. Oturere ‘sardine tin’ Hut is small, quite busy, but still our favourite spot. We usually sleep in the hut, but sometimes we camp.

Hiking: 8 km/ 5 miles, 3 hours
Elevation: +650 m (2,100 ft), -350 m (1,150 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Oturere Hut

We hike through a moon-like valley of lava flows and ash fields before climbing steeply to the remarkable Emerald Lakes, which have graced the covers of many guidebooks. From here we join the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The next few hours of hiking takes us through an unforgettable wonderland of lava valleys, steaming craters and brooding volcanoes before our descent through bonsai-like alpine foliage and alongside mineral-infused streams. In good conditions, we have the option of climbing high on the volcanic peaks.

An evening drive takes us back to our lodge in the heart of the National Park—the perfect place to relax with a beer and enjoy million-dollar volcanic views before dining in the alpine village.

Hiking: 12 km/ 7.5 miles, 1 hour
Elevation: +500 m (1,600 ft), -800 m (2,600 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort or The Park Hotel

Driving south, we leave the volcanoes to descend through the beautiful river valleys of the Rangitikei and along the coast to Wellington, where we arrive mid-afternoon after a café break. Wellington is so much more than just New Zealand’s capital. It is also the nation’s stylish hub for arts, culture, cafés and politics. Enclosed by hills and a harbour, this compact city has many attractions within easy walking distance.

Options include enjoying the National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) or watching the political shenanigans of the ‘Beehive’ (Parliament House). Many visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant café scene and the accessible downtown area.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bay Plaza in Wellington

Enclosed by hills and a harbour, this compact city has many attractions within easy walking distance. Check out the vibrant city centre with museums, theatres, galleries and boutiques. It has been said that this pedestrian friendly city has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York and feels a bit like San Francisco. Take some time to soak in the creative vibes and check out the great craft beer and café scene during your visit. There are also some lovely city-bush-garden-hill top walks you can enjoy.

Craft the day to suit you—the National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), watching the political shenanigans of the ‘Beehive’ (Parliament House), bus-out to the wild south coast with views to the South Island, visit Weta workshops (book in advance to avoid any Orc-ward moments), the Maritime museum, and the truly remarkable almost-in-the-city ecological restoration project ‘Zealandia’.

Accommodation: Bay Plaza in Wellington

Regroup at reception to meet the shuttle to the airport for the short flight across Cook Strait to Nelson and the South Island. (Note: the transfer from Wellington accommodation to Nelson Airport is without a guide). You’ll be met by your South Island guide at Nelson Airport, introduced to those joining the Ultimate South Island tour and head out of town around picturesque Tasman Bay to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Your guide will advise you on how to pack light and smart as we ready ourselves for our next adventure – a two-night stay in the park. A boat cruise around the coast takes us to the beautiful Tonga Quarry. Enjoy a snack on the idyllic beach before starting our hike, following the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay where our tents and some gear were dropped by the boat. We pitch our tents and enjoy a delicious meal together before later falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.

Hiking: 4.3 km / 2.7 miles, 1.5-2 hours
Elevation: +/-300 m (980 ft)
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Bark Bay Camp

After a relaxed breakfast our departure from Bark Bay takes us through contrasting stands of mānuka and luxuriant mixed forest, over a low saddle and across a high and airy suspension bridge above the Falls River. Views open up to golden sand beaches on the descent to Torrent Bay where your guide may talk you into taking a side trip up to the Falls River cascades, a stunning swimming spot, or to Cleopatra’s Pool, a must do and the perfect place for a refreshing swim. If you are feeling nimble you can join the guide for a boulder hop further up the valley here exploring idyllic pools and waterfalls.

We camp tonight at the bush-fringed and bright blue inlet of Anchorage. Relax, read a book and go for a swim before meeting in the evening to cook and eat together.

Hiking: up to 12.2 km / 7.6 miles, 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite in Anchorage Bay

It’s time to hit the water and explore the Abel Tasman’s magical coastline by waka (Māori canoe).* After a traditional karakia (blessing) from your waka guide learn the etiquette associated with joining a waka team. Then it’s time to climb aboard and paddle. Depending on conditions, explore several coves on the mainland and the wildlife refuge of Adele Island to observe a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals—beautiful animals that were almost hunted to extinction in the 1800s. Along the way be enlightened by stories of local Māori history and customs. Paddle into the beautiful Kaiteriteri beach at around midday, to reunite with your Hiking New Zealand guide waiting with the backpacks.

After a picnic lunch and a restock on supplies in Motueka we drive south to a private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers. Enjoy an organic meal that is home-cooked by our hosts. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

*Note: The waka experience requires a minimum of 6 people. With smaller groups, we return to Kaiteriteri via water taxi.

Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 miles, 3 hours paddling
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Private rustic campsite

After driving through the Buller Gorge our first stop and experience of the wild West Coast is at Charleston. We take a short hike through lush West Coast bush checking out the dramatic headlands, wild waves and secluded bays. Afterwards enjoy a picnic lunch and pack up for our next hike that takes us up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park. Established in 1987, this park covers more than 30,000 hectares. Its attractions include mountains, canyons, caves, rivers, wilderness areas and coastlines.

The first half of the trail is on a relatively flat well-formed track, while the second half involves multiple river crossings and sections where the riverbed itself is our route. Some boulders here can be slippery and good hiking shoes or boots are essential. Learn from your guide how to cross rivers safely, supporting each other by linking arms. We collect firewood along the way and set up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang, a fluviatile cave. For those that are keen on more hiking, join the guide and explore up a beautiful side canyon following the stream until it disappears into a cave.

Hiking: 7.4 km /4.6 miles, 2-3 hours
Elevation: +300 m (980 ft), -220 m (720 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Campsite under the Ballroom Overhang

We hike back out through the canyon this morning after a leisurely start and head first to Punakaiki to check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Then it’s down the coast to tonight’s accommodation in Hokitika. A thriving goldrush town in the 1870s, it is now a great place to buy pounamu (greenstone), which was highly valued by early Māori for tools, jewellery and weapons.

Tonight’s lodge accommodation is centrally located and just a short distance from the beach. Tuck into traditional Kiwi fish and chips on the beach or eat at one of the many cafés in this bustling little seaside town. On arrival in Hokitika, we get fitted out with bikes for tomorrow’s ride.

Hiking: 6.8 km / 4.2 miles, 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (660 ft), -280 m (920 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Stumpers in Hokitika

Grab coffee at a local coffee shop and get ready to cycle the stunning West Coast Wilderness! Pedal your way through majestic native forest, cross crystal-clear rivers, and pass old reservoirs and water races which date back to the gold rush days. What comes afterwards is the drive into the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass—a national park famous for its rugged peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails.

Cycling: 38.1 km / 23.7 miles, 4 hours
Elevation: +610 m (2,000 ft), -670 m (2,200 ft)
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Kennedy Lodge

While not as well-known as some of the other National Parks visited on the tour, Arthur’s Pass will awe you with its rugged peaks, wild rivers and adventurous hiking trails. Our overnight hike takes us up the Edwards River to the Edwards Hut which sits just above the bushline with a great view up this beautiful alpine valley.

It is a challenging hike on a real ‘kiwi-style’ track. There are several river crossings and parts where you will need to use your hands for extra grip as the trail is rugged with steep slippery sections. We either camp or stay in the hut depending on how many other hikers are there. At nightfall listen out for the distinct call of our national bird, the kiwi. Roroa or great spotted kiwi are known to inhabit this area.

Hiking: 9.4 km / 5.8 miles, 4-5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (2,100 ft), -210 m (690 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Edwards Hut

Make the most of being in this wonderfully remote alpine valley by joining an optional hike this morning to explore further up towards Falling Mountain, where the views of the surrounding peaks open up even more. After returning to the hut we pack up and hike back out to the road having lunch along the way.

Heading east away from the divide the scenery changes dramatically with the steep forested slopes of the west replaced with wide braided rivers, tussock grassland, mountains flanked with scree and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill. We leave the main highway following an inland route past Lake Lyndon, through Rakaia Gorge and on to the village of Methven where we stay overnight.

Hiking: 9.4 km / 5.8 miles, 4-5 hours
Elevation: +210 m (690 ft), -640 m (2,100 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Ski Time

We spend the morning driving along the western margin of the Canterbury Plains and into the stunningly beautiful Mackenzie Country, an intermontane basin of huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. By late morning we arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook village ready to maximise our afternoon with a hike with daypacks up to Sealy Tarns and possibly as far as Mueller Hut. Enjoy views across two valley glaciers to icefalls on Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mt Cook. Towering moraine walls, glacial lakes and the frequent rumbling of distant avalanches are reminders of nature’s sheer power in this dynamic landscape.

We return via the same track to our accommodation at a private hut, in awe of our position in the heart of the Southern Alps, surrounded by mountains of such commanding presence. With luck, we can watch the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook turn from white to pink with the sun’s last rays.

Hiking: up to 9.2 km / 5.7 miles, 6 hours
Elevation: +/-1,180 m (3,870 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Wyn Irwin Lodge

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast together with a postcard view of Aoraki/Mt Cook from our dining room window. There is the option today of joining a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (from NZ$795). A helicopter flight will take you onto the upper glacier where you’ll attach crampons to your boots to explore ice formations and ice caves and no doubt marvel at the jagged landscape. Those not heli-hiking can join the guide for a hike up the steep slopes of Sebastopol to the Red Tarns for more stunning views. If there is need to rest the legs today, either relax at the hut, take a walk on the valley floor or visit the information centre to learn more about the park’s natural history and the feats of pioneering mountaineers.

An alternative hike option for those wanting to stride out on their own today, is the spectacular Hooker Valley Track (3hrs,10kms), this trail starts from near the hut and meanders its way gently up the valley to the Hooker Glacier Lake, crossing 3 big suspension bridges along the way. By mid-afternoon we re-unite with the heli-hikers and depart Aoraki/Mt Cook to continue our journey south through the Mackenzie Country and over Lindis Pass into the Central Otago region. We stay tonight near the shores of Lake Hāwea, a glacially formed lake over 35kms in length ringed by mountains. Take the night off cooking and dine at a local restaurant.

Hiking: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles, 2 hours (or optional heli-hike 10.2 km / 6.3 miles, 3 hours)
Elevation: +/-380 m (1,250 ft) (or optional heli-hike +/-270 m (890 ft))
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: The Camp cabins

We drive to Wānaka township this morning to grab a coffee and take a wander around this vibrant lakeside resort town before heading on up the Matukituki Valley to the road end. Here we shoulder overnight packs and enjoy stunning alpine views as we hike across grassed flats to Aspiring Hut. Catch glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring (3033m) between high peaks.

There is the option* this afternoon of the steep yet well-rewarded climb through beech forest to the bush line on the Cascade Saddle Track. Cheeky and inquisitive kea (alpine parrots) may check out our group as we rest to take in the uninterrupted view across the upper Matukituki to Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps, so we might need to keep a wary eye on our things (kea love shiny zips).

*Optional extra hike: 4.9 km (3 miles), 3 hours hiking, elevation +/- 710 m (2,330 ft).

Hiking: 8.9 km / 5.5 miles, 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (660 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Aspiring Hut

We start our return hike early this morning enjoying the pretty views and easy walking along the floor of this wide glacially formed valley. Once we are back in Wānaka recharge with a lakeside picnic and you may want to dive into the lake for a swim.

Next up is a remarkable drive over the Crown Range, offering breath-taking summit views of the Wakatipu Basin and lakes. By late afternoon, we’re past Te Anau and well on our way to Milford Sound. We camp for the next two nights at the beautiful Eglinton Valley campsite, relaxing and making the most of the welcome hot showers.

Hiking: 9 km/ 5.5 miles, 3 hours
Elevation: +110 m (360 ft), -200 m (660 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley campsite

This morning we drive beneath imposing granite cliffs and hanging valleys into the heart of Fiordland National Park. This amazing World Heritage Site is one of the largest national parks in the world, with its huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri and spectacular fiords. By mid-morning, we are at Milford and ready to join one of the world’s great day-cruises. Our vessel takes us out to Anita Bay and the entrance to Milford Sound. Enjoy stunning views of cascading waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, which soars 1722 metres above the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals, which often play near the boat.

Before returning to Eglinton Valley, we take a hike up to Key Summit. This is the final section of the famous Routeburn Track, which is another of New Zealand’s Great Walks. An informative nature walk passes through a transition from forest to alpine vegetation and prolific birdlife, and views over the Hollyford Valley to the Darran Mountains are spectacular.

*Please advise us at the time of booking if interested in the kayaking option, as space is limited, cost is NZ$139.

Hiking: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles, 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,610 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity: 2-hour cruise or Milford kayaking option
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley campsite

After breakfast we take a short hike to check out a beautiful waterfall near our campsite, where you may want to soak up one last little bit of Fiordland by jumping under for a bracing shower. We then make our final drive to Queenstown arriving in the early afternoon.

The afternoon is free for you to use as you wish. Our lodge is within easy walking distance to town. We meet up in the early evening and head out to celebrate the great hikes and adventures we have had together over the last two weeks.

Hiking: 2 km / 1.2 miles, 45 minutes
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Pinewood Lodge in Queenstown

Your guide departs early this morning, marking the end of the tour. For those staying on in Queenstown you will be spoilt for choice of adventure activities to try. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and is surrounded by stunning landscapes with superb hiking and cycling tracks. Don’t hesitate to ask one of our helpful team for tips of great hikes and other activities to do in the area!