|
Highlights: Be awed by the extent of wilderness that is hidden in the North Island. Hiking in New Zealand North Island through Jurassic-like rainforest and among active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, kayak an ancient crater lake, marvel at glowworms, and camp on an untamed beach. This trip visits an incredible number of hard-to-get-to and little-known places.
It was exactly what it said it was: a great bunch of people lead by an excellent guide into remote areas. Rob, UK
One of the best hiking experiences ever in my life so far. Truly inspiring. Jaana Koskela, Finland
I loved that we stayed well away from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist spots. Emily, Australia
I wasn't sure what to expect having just arrived in New Zealand but it was the best decision I have made. Experience New Zealand the New Zealand way. Sandra, UK
"After experiencing your Northern Safari, one word sums up the trip, 'FANTASTIC'. Many thanks Malcolm for an outstanding insight into the New Zealand few travelers see, the secret places. I have enjoyed jokes laughter, great food and wines, hikes and swims in hot pools plus wonderful views. Hope the safaris will be as good in the South Island." John, England
Itinerary
This trip visits an incredible number of hard-to-get-to or little-known places. We explore the volcanic areas of the North Island in Tongariro National Park, climb on the volcanoes, and soak in hot pools, and also visit New Zealand's best example of mature Jurassic rainforest. Many people are surprised at the extent of wilderness that is hidden in the North Island.
On the first day, we drive via Rotorua so we can pick you up from there late morning. This means you can easily spend time there prior to joining us.
Day 1 Wednesday Join trip in Auckland /Rotorua - 10km/2 hours walking
We have a short briefing by our guide before driving south to Rotorua, where we do a big food shop. Rotorua is also an optional pick-up point (by arrangement). A little further south, we stop beside a forest lake for a picnic lunch and organise our backpacks for the walk into Whirinaki Forest Park. This Park covers an area of 60,000 hectares and is famous for its Jurassic-like rainforest. Its podocarp trees are an ancient off-shoot of the conifer family and evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago.
Our first afternoon of walking is an easy one, walking on a track through native beech forest to a simple forest hut beside a river. While we cook our meal, there is time to relax and your guide will brief you on what to expect over the next 9 days. It's also time to introduce yourselves and be amazed at the talents of your fellow travellers.
NOTE: We stop at a cafe a couple of hours into the trip if you need to grab a quick breakfast. No need to wear your hiking gear, we will totally reorganise our packs when we stop for a picnic lunch. Useful things to have in your daypack are: camera, wallet.
Day 2 Thursday Whirinaki - 7km/6 hours hiking
This morning, we continue along the easy valley track for 1.5 hours before hiking up a side river, through a beautiful gorge, where we learn river-crossing techniques, to the next hut/camp.
We stop for lunch on the way and often have a quick swim in the cascades, which boast crystal-clear water you can drink. This remote wilderness is completely off the tourist trail. We often see rare blue duck and robins, and hear kaka (a large bush parrot). Enjoy an evening campfire, the sounds of the bush, and the feeling of being a million miles from anywhere.
Day 3 Friday Rotorua - 10km/5 hours hiking
Our hike takes us out through cascading creeks on a rougher trail. We hike over a small pass into the world-renowned Whirinaki rainforest of weeping ferns and forest giants.
We are met at the track exit at midday before driving to the Rotorua area. This amazing area is festooned with thermal activity. On the way, we have a swim in a natural hot river hidden in bush, complete with a small hot waterfall. Arriving at our accommodation/campground, we have time for a shower before we turn in for the night.
Day 4 Saturday Rotorua Lakes - 15km/5 hours kayaking
Up early to kayak (optional extra) on Lake Tarawera, an ancient crater lake with beautiful sand beaches surrounded by forests. This area is rich in Maori history. We paddle past the site of a Maori village that was buried under ash from the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, and through numerous steaming thermal springs along the lake edge.
At lunch, we soak in a hot stream in the bush. Then, we drive south to a thermal area before vehicle-camping beside the impressive aqua-blue waters of the Waikato River.
Day 5 Sunday Taupo - 5km/1.5 hours walking
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading a short distance south to the clear waters of Lake Taupo for some swimming and relaxing. Lake Taupo, a 600sq km volcanic caldera crater created in 186 AD by the largest volcanic explosion known to human-kind, is the largest lake in New Zealand.
After lunch, we drive to Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was New Zealand's first National Park. It was gifted to the people of New Zealand by a far-sighted Maori chief who saw the gift as a way of protecting the tapu (respect, sacredness, preciousness) of this land, in particular the summits of its active volcanoes.
We take an afternoon hike across alpine grasslands, between these smouldering volcanoes, to a hut set in native beech forest beside a stream. In warm weather, we usually camp nearby.
Day 6 Monday Tongariro World Heritage Area - 7km/4 hours hiking
We explore this area of beech forest, springs, and desert landscapes before hiking to the next hut/camp on the remote side of Tongariro National Park. The volcanoes in the park rumble from time to time. They most recently erupted in September, 1995, when Mt Ruapehu (at 2797m, it is the highest mountain in the park) spewed clouds of ash and steam. Another, much younger volcano, Mt Ngauruhoe, is almost perfectly symmetrical and stands 2291m. All around this scarlet moonscape, turquoise and green-blue crater lakes add their surreal colours to the landscape.
Day 7 Tuesday Tongariro National Park - 11km/6 hours hiking
We hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up a steep section to the emerald lakes, our usual lunch stop. We cross the volcanic plateau, which boasts lava valleys and steaming explosion craters, before descending on the western side. In good conditions, there is an option to climb one of the volcanic peaks.
A short drive takes us to an excellent wee lodge in a sleepy little farming town, which our group has all to itself. We enjoy glorious hot showers, relax in front of a fire, and cook up a big meal. Sometimes we check out the classic kiwi "gumboots at the door" rural pub down the road.
Day 8 Wednesday Waitomo - 1 hour caving
After an early start, we drive 2 hours westwards through a hill-country farming region to the Waitomo Caves area. The name Waitomo comes from the Maori wai (water) and tomo (shaft). This limestone area is famous for its thousands of caves. We explore a secret river cave with glowworms, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. No other groups go here, which makes this place even more special.
Later, we drive through the remote Waitomo backcountry to the wild west coast, stopping on the way to check out some amazing limestone rock formations.
We camp at a great little spot, miles from anywhere. It is an interesting place with a lovely river, a rocky headland, and a tunnel leading to a hidden beach. Take time to relax, wander, and swim before cooking our dinner in a traditional beach hangi (Maori earth oven). In the evening, we light a fire on the beach and watch the sunset and listen to the waves crashing.
Day 9 Thursday Mount Egmont National Park - 2km/1.5 hours hiking
We spend the morning at the coast, clambering through bush and exploring the cliff-top site of an ancient Maori pa (fortified village) that is now overgrown with bush.
After relaxing, swimming, and exploring the cliffs and beaches, we drive south to Mt Egmont National Park. Its dormant volcano stands at 2518m. It last erupted in 1755 and was smoking when British explorer Captain James Cook sailed past in 1769 and named it after the Earl of Egmont. Maori know the mountain as the spirit/god Taranaki. It is considered a sacred place. The rocks represent his bones and vegetation his hair.
We do a late afternoon hike through twisted moss-covered forest to a cosy alpine hut high on the side of the volcano. From here, there are spectacular views of Mt Egmont/Taranaki and across to Tongariro National Park.
Day 10 Friday Tour ends Wellington - 5km/2-5 hours hiking
If the mountain conditions are reasonable, we get up early to climb up the side of Mt Egmont/Taranaki as far as Fanthams Peak. There are commanding views from this parasite cone high on the side of this volcano. Late morning, we descend on ancient lava flows covered in goblin forest back to the minibus.
We stop on the way south at wild Wanganui beach for lunch, a big gear sort-out, and a swim. The drive to Wellington takes us through New Zealand's flattest plains but it doesn't last long! We arrive in Wellington between 5:00pm and 8:00pm and drop you off at your hostel or preferred accommodation. Then, we head out for an evening meal and farewell drink in our capital city.
Back to Top
Notes
Heading north to Auckland after the trip? Get out at Stratford. To arrive in Auckland same night - you will need to get to New Plymouth to catch the 2:20pm intercity coach to Auckland. As no afternoon bus, use an 'East Taranaki Tours (06 765 7482) 'cab' $80 for up to 4, or Stratford Taxi (06 765 5651) $120 for up to 10. Otherwise leap on the 1:30pm White Star bus and ride the 30 minute shot-gun to New Plymouth! Enjoy an evening in this rapidly evolving and almost cosmopolitan city by the sea then grab one of tomorrow's buses to Auckland. Please advise your guide on Day 1 if you are leaving the trip in Stratford so they can book shuttles well in advance.
One 4km section of the Tongariro hike (middle of Day 7) must be unguided for National Park permit reasons - not because we are unsuitable guides!
June to September - we may do different versions of hikes, in the same areas, due to snow and river conditions. There may be a ski/board option on Day 7 - ask us if you need more information.
Back to Top
|
