We meet at 7am in downtown Auckland before travelling south to Rotorua, stopping for coffee on the way. Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity, volcanic landscapes, and rich Māori history shaped by the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption. From Lake Tarawera we take a midday water taxi to access the trail, hiking beside clear lake waters under towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs, with time for a swim and wide views across forest, lakes, and distant volcanoes.

Hiking: up to 10 km (6.2 mi) · 3 hours
Elevation: +480 m (1,575 ft) / -380 m (1,200 ft)
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (cabins or camping)

After packing our gear, we drive east into the rugged forest ranges of Te Urewera, the traditional homeland of the Tūhoe people and one of the last regions settled by Europeans. After a picnic lunch en route, we reach Whirinaki Forest, a preserved remnant of ancient Gondwanaland forest. Our hike descends gently through native beech forest to a forest hut beside the Whirinaki River, where we relax, swim, and enjoy a shared evening meal surrounded by wilderness.

Hiking: up to 8.5 km (5.3 mi) · 3.5 hours
Elevation: +450 m (1,400 ft) / -750 m (2,450 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Whirinaki Hut (hut or camping)

We continue deeper into the Whirinaki valley on a remote and peaceful track where encounters with other hikers are rare. The day is rich in birdlife, with chances to spot blue ducks, robins, and hear the call of the kākā. Walking beneath towering tree ferns and magnificent podocarp rainforest, we explore one of New Zealand’s most pristine ecosystems. An optional side track leads into ancient rata forest. Later, a short drive brings us to rural cabins where we unwind with hot showers and an evening by the fire.

Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi) · 5 hours
Elevation: +430 m (1,400 ft) / -650 m (2,100 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Whirinaki Adventures cabins

Today is a travel-focused day as we drive onto the Volcanic Plateau. Along the way we explore geothermal highlights, bathe in a natural hot river, and feel the power of Huka Falls as the Waikato River plunges into a roaring gorge. At Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand, we enjoy takeaway food by the shore before continuing to Tongariro National Park. We arrive at our lodge near Whakapapa Village in time to relax and prepare for the alpine days ahead.

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

Today we tackle the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world’s great day hikes. The trail climbs steadily toward volcanic craters before traversing a dramatic landscape of lava fields, steaming vents, and emerald lakes. The descent passes mineral streams and alpine vegetation, offering ever-changing views. This is often the most physically demanding day of the trip, but also one of the most rewarding. After completing the crossing, we return to our lodge for a well-earned dinner and rest.

Hiking: up to 21 km (12 mi) · 7–8 hours
Elevation: +900 m (3,000 ft) / -1,250 m (4,100 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort

After yesterday’s big effort, we enjoy a slower-paced morning before driving to the eastern side of the park. Today’s walk follows a quieter route across open tussock country and patches of beech forest, offering a different perspective of the volcanic plateau. We arrive at Waihohonu Hut by early afternoon, with time to relax, explore nearby viewpoints, and enjoy sweeping volcano views from the common room. In the evening, we share stories with hikers from around the world.

Hiking: up to 10 km (6 mi) · 3 hours
Elevation: +/-150 m (500 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Waihohonu Hut (hut or camping)

Leaving the hut, we climb gently through mountain beech forest before crossing old glacial moraine ridges and skirting lava-filled valleys. The route traverses dry scoria landscapes to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking an alpine lake. After a picnic lunch, we descend through rolling tussock grasslands back toward Whakapapa Village. A short drive brings us to our lodge, where we enjoy hot showers and a celebratory final evening together.

Hiking: up to 18 km (11 mi) · 6–7 hours
Elevation: +350 m (1,150 ft) / -350 m (1,150 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private lodge/motel near Tongariro National Park

We drive south, leaving the volcanic plateau behind and descending through the river valleys of the Rangitīkei before following the coast to Wellington. After a café stop, we arrive mid-afternoon. The compact capital city is known for its arts, culture, museums, and vibrant café scene. The remainder of the day is free to explore on foot, visit Te Papa, or simply enjoy the harbour-side atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bay Plaza, Oriental Parade

Enclosed by hills and a harbour, this compact city has many attractions within easy walking distance. 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. 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, Oriental Parade

After meeting the shuttle, we fly across Cook Strait to Nelson, where we regroup with our South Island guide. Driving along Tasman Bay, we reach Kaiteriteri and take a boat into Abel Tasman National Park. After a beach stop, we hike the coastal track to Bark Bay, where our campsite awaits. The evening is spent cooking together and falling asleep to the sound of waves.

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

We leave Bark Bay after breakfast, hiking through mixed forest and crossing a high suspension bridge above the Falls River. The track descends toward golden beaches and clear waters at Torrent Bay, with optional swims at Cleopatra’s Pool or nearby cascades. Continuing along the coast, we reach Anchorage, where the afternoon is free for swimming, reading, and relaxing before another shared evening meal.

Hiking: up to 12.2 km (7.6 mi) · 4 hours
Elevation: +/-700 m (2,300 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Anchorage Camp (camping)

This morning we explore the coast by waka, learning paddling techniques and Māori customs before heading out on the water. Depending on conditions, we visit coves and Adele Island to observe fur seals and coastal wildlife. We paddle into Kaiteriteri around midday, rejoin our guide, and drive south to a private riverside campsite near Murchison. The day ends with an organic, home-cooked meal overlooking the river confluence.

Hiking/Paddling: 11 km (6.2 mi) · 3 hours paddling
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Private riverside campsite (tents)

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

After driving through the Buller Gorge, we stop at Charleston for a short coastal hike among dramatic headlands and wild surf. In Paparoa National Park, we begin our main hike up a limestone river canyon. The first section is easy walking before transitioning to river crossings and boulder hopping. We camp beneath the enormous Ballroom Overhang, a natural limestone shelter, with time to explore a nearby side canyon.

Hiking: 7.4 km (4.6 mi) · 2.5–3 hours
Elevation: +300 m (980 ft) / -220 m (720 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Ballroom Overhang (wild camping)

After a relaxed morning, we hike back out of the canyon and head north to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Continuing down the coast, we arrive in Hokitika, once a bustling goldrush town and now known for greenstone carving and seaside charm. The evening is free to explore town, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, or relax at our centrally located hotel.

Hiking: 6.8 km (4.2 mi) · 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (660 ft) / -280 m (920 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel (or Stumpers)

Today we cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail, riding through native forest, across rivers, and past historic gold-mining sites. The ride is unguided but well marked, with support from local partners. We finish in Kumara and celebrate with a drink before driving east across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass village. Tonight we stay in a private alpine hut and prepare dinner together.

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

Our overnight hike follows the Edwards River into a rugged alpine valley. This is classic backcountry travel, with multiple river crossings and steep, slippery sections requiring hands-on scrambling. The effort is rewarded with dramatic mountain scenery and solitude. Edwards Hut sits just above the bushline, offering sweeping views of the valley. In the evening, listen for the call of the great spotted kiwi.

Hiking: 9.4 km (5.8 mi) · 4–5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (2,100 ft) / -210 m (690 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Edwards Hut (hut or camping)

Those keen can explore further up the valley toward Falling Mountain before packing up and hiking back down. After lunch, we drive east as the landscape opens into braided rivers, tussock plains, and limestone formations. Passing Castle Hill and Rakaia Gorge, we arrive in Methven, a welcoming alpine town. The evening is spent relaxing in comfortable accommodation with a hearty meal.

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

We drive into the stunning Mackenzie Basin, framed by glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. By late morning we arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and hike toward Sealy Tarns, with the option to continue higher toward Mueller Hut. The trail offers breathtaking views of valley glaciers, icefalls, and towering moraine walls. We return the same way and spend the evening at a private hut surrounded by the Southern Alps.

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

After a relaxed breakfast with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, there are several options today. You may join a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier or hike to the Red Tarns for panoramic alpine views. Alternative walks include the Hooker Valley Track or time to relax in the village. By mid-afternoon, we drive south over Lindis Pass to Lake Hāwea, where we dine out locally.

Hiking: 3.7 km (2.3 mi) · 2 hours
Elevation: +/-380 m (1,250 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: The Camp, Lake Hāwea (cabins)

We stop in Wānaka for coffee before driving up the Matukituki Valley to the trailhead. Hiking across open flats, we enjoy constant alpine views and glimpses of Mt Aspiring between the peaks. Reaching Aspiring Hut by early afternoon, there’s an optional steep climb* toward Cascade Saddle for those wanting extra elevation and views. Kea are often seen in this area, adding character to the day.

Hiking: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) · 2.5 hours
Elevation: +200 m (660 ft) / -110 m (360 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Aspiring Hut

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

We retrace our steps out of the Matukituki Valley, enjoying easy walking and morning light on the peaks. After lunch in Wānaka, we drive over the Crown Range with expansive views of the Wakatipu Basin before continuing south past Te Anau. We camp for two nights in the remote and beautiful Eglinton Valley, with hot showers and a relaxed evening.

Hiking: 8.9 km (5.5 mi) · 2.5 hours
Elevation: +110 m (360 ft) / -200 m (660 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley Campsite (camping)

We drive into Fiordland National Park, passing hanging valleys and sheer granite cliffs. At Milford Sound, we join a scenic cruise beneath waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, keeping watch for dolphins, seals, and penguins. Later, we hike to Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, enjoying alpine views over the Hollyford Valley. We return to camp for a second peaceful night in the valley.

Hiking: 7.2 km (4.5 mi) · 3 hours
Elevation: +/-490 m (1,610 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Eglinton Valley Campsite (camping)

After breakfast, we take a short walk to a nearby waterfall before making our final drive to Queenstown. Arriving early afternoon, the rest of the day is free to explore the town, relax by the lake, or enjoy optional activities. In the evening, we regroup to celebrate the journey and share a final meal together.

Hiking: 2 km (1.2 mi) · 45 minutes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Heritage Queenstown (or Pinewood Lodge)

The tour concludes this morning as your guide departs. For those staying on, Queenstown offers endless options for adventure, hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the lakeside setting. Our team is happy to provide suggestions to help you make the most of your remaining time.