New Zealand Ultimate Hiking Adventure

Your adventure starts at 7 am at the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland. Head south to Rotorua, an area with geothermal features such as steaming thermal vents, bubbling mud-pools and stunning lakes. The area is also rich when it comes to Maori and early European history. After a quick stop and picnic lunch by Lake Rotorua, you will veer off the beaten track, southeast into the Whirinaki to hike in a rainforest—a remnant of the vast forests believed to have covered the supercontinent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago. The hike will take you to the Whirinaki River where you will stay for the night. Cook up a meal together and either stay in the hut or camp nearby.

Accommodation: Whirinaki Hut
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 9.5 km/ 6 miles, 3 hours

Continue with the hike down the valley track. Since this hike is not part of the tourist trail, there is a chance that you will encounter rare blue ducks and robins and hear kaka (a large bush parrot) as you make your way through lush tropical vegetation. Later in the afternoon drive east into the rugged forest ranges of Te Urewera. This is the traditional home of the Maori people and one of the last places to have been reached by European settlers. After a two-hour hike through the rainforest, reach the remote lake Waikaremoana where the camping area is located.

Accommodation: Fisherman’s Cabins by the lake Waikaremoana
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 15 km/ 9.5 miles, 5 hours

Go on a 20-minute drive to the trailhead at the south end of the lake and begin the climb up the Panekiri Range. You will ascend through beech and tawa forest 500 meters above the lake. After lunch, hike some more along the fascinating Onepoto Caves trail. Enjoy a second night at the cabins.

Accommodation: Fisherman’s Cabins by the lake Waikaremoana
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 14 km/ 9 miles, 7 hours

Drive to the Volcanic Plateau and explore a thermal park where you can bathe in a natural hot river with views of the impressive Huka Falls. Feel the spray of the Waikato River as it plunges 11 meters into a pool the size of a stadium. Later you will arrive at the crater Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand formed by the most powerful volcanic explosion in recorded history. Spend some time at Taupo and later head to Whakapapa Village in the Tongariro National Park.

Accommodation: Lodge near Whakapapa Village
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 4 km/ 2.5 miles, 2 hours

During your 3-day stay in the Tongariro National Park—the oldest in New Zealand—you will explore the more remote and drier east side of this volcanic range, as well as the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing. On Day 5, hike out of Whakapapa through tussock-grasslands between the volcanoes Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. Arrive at the simple but modern Waihohonu Hut among patches of beech forest beside a quiet stream.

The next day either amble to the splendid Ohineopango Springs or walk the challenging off-trail route over ash-moraine ridges and skirt lava cliffs to reach a viewpoint high above a remote lake. Stop to enjoy fantastic views of the park’s three main peaks: Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe—you will maybe recognise the last one from the Lord of the Rings films. Spend the night at the Oturere “sardine tin” hut, a small, busy hut and your guides’ favorite!

Spend your last day in Tongariro by hiking through moon-like valley of lava flows and ash fields before reaching the remarkable Emerald Lakes. From here, join the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The next few hours take you through lava valleys, steaming craters, and brooding volcanoes before descending through bonsai-like alpine foliage and mineral-infused streams. An evening drive takes you back to your lodge near Whakapapa Village in the heart of the national park, where you’ll enjoy million-dollar volcanic views before dining in the alpine village.

Accommodation: Waihohonu Hut — Oturere Hut — Lodge near Whakapapa Village
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Days 5 and 6 / Breakfast and lunch on Day 7
Hiking: 8-15 km/ 5-9.5 miles, 3-8 hours per day

Drive south through the beautiful river valleys of the Rangitike to the nation’s
capital, Wellington. Arrive in the city mid-afternoon and explore the city’s restaurant and street food scene or spend some time bar hopping. Wellington is much more than the capital city! It’s the nation’s stylish hub for arts, culture, cafes, and politics.

Day 9 is a rest day in Wellington—take in its vibrant culture by visiting one of its many museums, going on a cable car ride or simply walking its streets and admiring the architecture. New Zealand’s capital is a compact city enclosed by the harbor and hills which makes it perfect for walking. Here are our top picks: National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), Beehive (Parliament House), Weta workshops (book in advance), Maritime Museum, Zealandia…

Accommodation: Bay Plaza, Oriental Parade
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 1 km/ 0.6 miles, 1-2 hours

After a flight across Cook Strait, meet your South Island guide at Nelson Airport. Head out of town around picturesque Tasman Bay to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Pack light and smart and take a boat ride to the beautiful Tonga Quarry. Enjoy a snack on the idyllic beach before starting the hike, following the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay—the camping location for the night.

Next day, depart from Bark Bay through the luxuriant mixed forest and across a high suspension bridge above the Falls River. Descend to the sand beaches of Torrent Bay, with attractions such as Falls River cascades and Cleopatra’s Pool, both perfect places for a refreshing swim. You will camp at the bright blue inlet of Anchorage.

On your last day in Abel Tasman, explore its magical coastline by waka (Maori canoe). After a traditional karakia (blessing) from your waka guide, learn about the waka team etiquette. Climb abord and paddle your way through several coves on the mainland and the wildlife refuge of Adele Island to observe a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals! Paddle into Kaiteriteri beach, reunite with your guide for lunch, and drive south to a private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers.

Accommodation: Bark Bay Camp — Camp in Anchorage Bay — Campsite near Murchison
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (except for breakfast on Day 10)
Hiking: 7-12 km/ 4.3-7.5 miles, 3-5 hours on Days 10 and 11
Paddling: 15 km/ 9.5 miles, 3 hours on Day 12

Experience the wild West Coast and its dramatic headlands, wild waves and secluded bays. Afterward, you will hike to a limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park whose attractions include mountains, canyons, caves, rivers, wilderness areas and coastlines. Learn how to cross rivers with the help of your guide as some boulders can be slippery! Your campsite for the night will be under a massive fluviatile cave—Ballroom Overhang.

Accommodation: Campsite under the Ballroom Overhang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 km/ 5 miles, 4 hours

Hike through the canyon in the morning and head to Punakaiki to check out the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes afterwards. Continue down the coast to Hokitaka—once thriving goldrush town where you can now buy pounamu (greenstone), a material used by the early Maori people for tools, jewelry and weapons. You can eat out in the town and later relax on the beach.

Accommodation: Lodge accommodation in Hokitika
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 6 km/ 3.8 miles, 3 hours

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 after 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.

Accommodation: Kennedy Lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Biking: 39 km/ 24 miles, 4-5 hours

On Day 16, you will head on a challenging overnight hike which will take you up the Edwards River to the Edwards Hut located on top of a beautiful alpine valley. It’s 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. At nightfall listen out for the distinct call of the national bird, the kiwi.

The next day explore further up towards the Falling Mountain, where the views of the surrounding peaks open up even more. Later, you will head east and witness the dramatic changes in scenery on the way to Mt Somers. Enjoy the views of wide braided rivers, tussock grassland, and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill. Leave the main highway following an inland route past lake Lyndon, through Rakaia Gorge and on to the village of Methven.

Accommodation: Edwards Hut — Village of Methven
Meals: Breakfast and lunch (+dinner on Day 16)
Hiking: 7-9 km/ 4.3-5.5 miles, 5-6 hours per day

Drive along the western margin of the Canterbury Plains and into the stunning Mackenzie Country, famous for huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. Arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and hike up to Sealy Tarns and possibly Mueller Hut. Enjoy views across two valley glaciers on Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mt Cook—the highest peak in New Zealand. Your accommodation for the night is in the heart of the Southern Alps. In the evening, watch the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook turn from white to pink.

On Day 19 you can either join a local operator for a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier or join your guide for a hike up the steep slopes of Sebastopol to the Red Tarns. You can also take a rest day and relax in the hut or visit the information center to learn more about the park’s natural history and the history of mountaineering in the area. By mid-afternoon, you will continue the journey south through to the Central Otago region and the glacial lake Hawea ringed by mountains

Accommodation: Wyn Irwin Lodge — Campsite near the shores of Lake Hawea
Meals: Breakfast, lunch (+dinner on Day 19)
Hiking: 4-10 km/ 2.5-6 miles, 2-6 hours

Drive to Wanaka—a vibrant lakeside resort town where you can grab some coffee before heading on up the Matukituki Valley. Take in gorgeous alpine views as you hike across grassed flats to Aspiring Hut—your accommodation for the night. Catch glimpses of Mt Aspiring between high peaks. Climb through beech forest to the bush line on the Cascade Saddle Track in the afternoon. Enjoy the uninterrupted view across the upper Matukituki to Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps and encounter cheeky keas—alpine parrots found in the area.

Accommodation: Aspiring Hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 14 km/ 8.6 miles, 6 hours

Day 21 starts with the return hike to Wanaka along the floor of this wide glacially formed valley. Once you are back in Wanaka the group can regain the energy with a lakeside picnic and laidback swims in the lake. After the picnic, a remarkable drive over the Crown Range, offering breathtaking summit views of the Wakitipu Basin and Lakes. By late afternoon, you’re past Te Anau and well on your way to Milford Sound. Camp for the next 2 nights at the beautiful Eglinton Valley campsite, relaxing and making the most out of the welcome hot showers.

Accommodation: Eglinton Valley campsite
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 9 km/ 5.5 miles, 3 hours

Drive beneath imposing granite cliffs and hanging valleys into the heart of Fiordland National Park—a World Heritage Site and one of the largest national parks in the world featuring spectacular fjords and the huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri. Cruise the pristine waters of Milford Sound and admire cascading waterfalls while encountering its amiable inhabitants: dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. Later hike up to Key Summit, the final section of the famous Routeburn Track and another one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Afterwards, return to the Eglinton Valley and enjoy your second night there.

You can also choose a kayaking option today! In that case, you will be picked up at 6:30 am by the kayak company to travel to Milford Sound. Paddle for 3 hours in double kayaks to waterfalls, spotting rare wildlife.

Accommodation: Eglinton Valley campsite
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cruise: 2 hours
Hiking: 7 km/ 4.5 miles, 3 hours

Take a short hike to check out a beautiful waterfall near the campsite before the final drive to Queenstown where you will arrive in the early afternoon. The lodge is within easy walking distance from town—spend the afternoon according to your interests. Set against the dramatic Southern Alps, Queenstown is known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. You can travel up the Skyline Gondola to enjoy some show-stopping views, or have a leisurely stroll through the Queenstown Gardens before heading for dinner somewhere downtown. In the evening, celebrate with the group all the hikes and adventures you have had over the last three weeks. The next day you will say goodbye to New Zealand or continue touring on your own!

Accommodation: Pinewood Lodge, Queenstown on Day 23
Meals: Breakfast and lunch on Day 23
Hiking: 2km/ 1.2 miles, 45 minutes on Day 23