What fitness level is required for the Taranaki Discovery Hiking tour?

The walking trails on the Taranaki Discovery Tour range from easy to moderate in difficulty, with a few short sections classified as hard.

Each day involves walking between 4 to 10 hours, and participants will need to carry a daypack with essentials such as lunch, water, a raincoat, and warm layers. Over the course of the four-day trip, there will be a variety of walks to enjoy. Some tracks are relatively straightforward, featuring a level gradient and minimal elevation gain. However, on Day 2, the group will tackle the more challenging Pouakai Crossing, where the track surface becomes uneven, rocky, and steep, with infrastructure such as steps, platforms, boardwalks, and balustrades to navigate. Certain tracks reach high points or viewpoints near steep drop-offs, which may be difficult for those with vertigo or a fear of heights. The Pouakai Crossing, in particular, includes elevation gains of up to 900 metres.

Good fitness will enhance your experience. Incorporating stair training into your walking routine before the trip is highly recommended and can make a big difference. Regular walkers should manage the trails comfortably. Most participants are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, so the itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to cater to this demographic. Each evening, guides provide a detailed briefing on the following day’s activities to help you prepare and feel confident.