North Island Bucket List Walk

• Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours with breaks
• Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hush Boutique Accommodation

We’ll start the day by picking you up from your central Rotorua accommodation at 8:30 am or from central Matamata at 9:30 am.

Our first adventure is a 4 km hike to the top of Wairere Falls, the tallest waterfall in the North Island. Follow an ancient Māori pack trail through lush nikau and kohekohe forest, leading to two stunning lookout points. From here, take in panoramic views of the Waikato Basin and the thunderous 153-metre waterfall below.

After stretching our legs, we head north, passing through the Hauraki Plains. Sit back and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal drives along the Coromandel west coast, with views across the Hauraki Gulf and its famous mussel farms.

We arrive in Coromandel Town, a charming seaside village rich in gold-mining history. If time allows, we’ll explore the nearby Long Bay Scenic Reserve, home to a grove of majestic 330-year-old kauri trees, New Zealand’s towering forest giants.

Finally, we’ll settle into our beautiful accommodation, where you can relax on the verandah with a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer and a platter of fresh fruits and cheese. Unwind as the sun sets, and enjoy a delicious dinner to end your first day.

• Elevation Gain: 177 metres
• Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours with breaks
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hush Boutique Accommodation

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast in the lodge’s beautiful alfresco dining area, surrounded by native manuka bush, flowering pohutukawa trees, and the cheerful sound of birdsong.

Today’s adventure takes us to the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula to hike one of New Zealand’s most remarkable coastal trails. This historic track follows an old bridle path, once used by gold miners during the colonial era, and offers a perfect blend of history and scenery.

We’ll be hiking through New Zealand’s largest predator-controlled Kiwi habitat, with 30,000 hectares of stoat-trapping efforts led by DoC and Moehau Environmental Group. Thanks to their work, this area has seen Kiwi numbers return to pre-European levels. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, including the North Island Robin (toutouwai), reintroduced in 2009 after a 100-year absence, and the Brown Teal (pāteke), whose recovery here has become the most successful comeback of any endangered waterfowl species in the world.

Our walk begins at Fletcher Bay, a secluded and picturesque beach with green hills and pristine white sand. The trail hugs the coastline, offering breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean towards Great Barrier Island (Aotea) and the imposing peak of Mt. Moehau. Along the way, we’ll descend into Poley Bay, a peaceful and stunning beach that’s the perfect spot for a picnic.

This section of the coastline is truly awe-inspiring, with dramatic ocean vistas and lush greenery at every turn. Coastal hiking doesn’t get much better than this!

End the day back at Hush Boutique Accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner after a day full of spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters.

• Elevation Gain: 680 metres
• Driving Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Hush Boutique Accommodation

This morning, we venture south to the Kauaeranga Valley, a hidden gem and home to the impressive Pinnacles range. Once part of a volcanic chain that spanned the Coromandel Peninsula, this area has been shaped over millennia by erosion and weathering, resulting in the striking outcrops you’ll see today.

The Pinnacles Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike. The track takes us through regenerating kauri forest, past one of New Zealand’s best-preserved kauri dams, and up to the Pinnacles Hut, perched near the summit. From here, a thrilling 30-minute ascent awaits. Navigate timber staircases and steel rungs embedded in the rock face to reach the top of the Pinnacles rock formation. Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning 360° panoramic views stretching across the entire Coromandel Peninsula and beyond.

For those seeking a more relaxed day, you can opt to explore Coromandel Township instead. Enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere, visit the Driving Creek Railway, browse artisan workshops, and experience vibrant Kiwi culture at its best. The town also boasts colourful cafés and galleries to enjoy at your own pace.

In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at an award-winning local restaurant, where you can savour some of the region’s finest cuisine and wine.

Please Note:
This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted to make the most of weather conditions or to suit the group’s preferences. If required, we may shuttle the vehicle and have some sections of the trail walked without a guide. Don’t worry—we’ll ensure you are well-prepared for any changes.

• Elevation Gain: 255 metres
• Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner not included)
• Accommodation: Rotorua Hotel

Start the day by bidding farewell to your lodge hosts and heading east to the spectacular New Chums Beach, often ranked among the top twenty beaches in the world. This pristine, crescent-shaped beach, framed by pōhutukawa and nīkau palms, offers an unforgettable experience with no signs of human development. Please note that access to this hidden gem depends on tidal conditions.

After enjoying the serenity of New Chums Beach, we’ll stop at a local café for a restorative break before heading to Buffalo Beach in Whitianga for a refreshing lunch. The sunny, vibrant atmosphere of Whitianga makes it the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the 309 Kauri Walk, where a short 30-minute stroll leads us to a stunning grove of ancient kauri trees—some of New Zealand’s most iconic forest giants.

We’ll then travel back to Rotorua, where you’ll check in to our comfortable partner hotel. Dinner tonight is not included in the tour package, giving you the flexibility to explore Rotorua’s dining scene. A great recommendation is EAT Street, a popular precinct offering a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit every palate.

Relax and enjoy a restful night in Rotorua as you prepare for the next stage of your journey.

• Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours with breaks
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique New Plymouth Lodge

We’ll pick you up from our central Rotorua hotel between 8:00 am and 8:30 am to begin our journey south-west along the Waikato River, venturing into the heart of the North Island’s King Country. Our first stop is the beautiful Pureora Forest Park, where we’ll take a short walk along part of the Timber Trail, an 85 km cycleway renowned for its stunning forest scenery.

The Pureora Forest Park is an ecological treasure. Home to ancient podocarp forest, this area contains some of the few remaining examples of old-growth forest globally, with sections untouched for over 2,000 years. Towering tōtara trees dominate the landscape, creating a habitat for native birdlife like the kākā, kākāriki (green parrot), and kākā (brown parrot). This forest is also a rare sanctuary for New Zealand’s native bats, the pekapeka.

From here, we head further south, following the scenic western coastline of the North Island with sweeping views of the Tasman Sea. We’ll pause for a short stroll in the Lake Mangamahoe Reserve, where a viewpoint offers incredible vistas of Mt. Taranaki and the Pouakai Crossing, giving you a taste of Taranaki’s unique landscape.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in New Plymouth, a picturesque seaside town in the shadow of Mt. Taranaki. After settling into our cosy boutique lodge, we’ll gather for a hearty two-course Kiwi-style dinner at a ridgetop restaurant, where you can relax with a cold drink and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Taranaki landscape. It’s the perfect way to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead!

• Elevation Gain: 900 metres
• Driving Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique New Plymouth Lodge

Today, we tackle one of New Zealand’s most iconic one-day hikes—the Pouakai Crossing. This incredible trail showcases a wide variety of landscapes, including enchanting fern-filled "goblin" forests, fragile wetlands, subalpine scrub, and shimmering tarns. The Pouakai Tarns are a highlight, offering an unforgettable view of Mt. Taranaki perfectly reflected in the still water. Under the right conditions, this magical scene is one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring sights in New Zealand.

On clear days, the hike rewards us with sweeping views north-east to Mt. Ruapehu and the central plateau. However, this challenging trail requires fair weather and a solid level of fitness. The route is generally well-formed, with water crossings bridged and wetlands navigated via timber boardwalks. Some sections, such as Boomerang Slip, feature loose ground and require balance and care, while other parts are steep and exposed. Despite the challenge, the effort is well worth it!

After completing the hike, we’ll return to the lodge to rejuvenate with a hot shower. Pre-dinner drinks and nibbles await in the cosy lounge, followed by a delicious two-course dinner served in the lodge’s on-site restaurant. Overlooking the tranquil grounds, this is the perfect setting to toast an extraordinary day spent exploring the beauty of Taranaki Mounga.

• Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: Boutique New Plymouth Lodge

Today, we explore the south-eastern side of Mt. Taranaki, offering a new perspective on the beauty of Egmont National Park.

We’ll start with a gentle 1-hour hike through native kāmahi forest to reach Dawson Falls, an 18-metre single-drop cascade. This historic site powers New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating hydro-electric generator, one of the oldest of its kind in the world.

Next, we’ll head to Wilkies Pools, accessed via a 2 km loop track through lush "goblin forest" draped in mosses and ferns. These crystal-clear pools were formed from 20,000-year-old lava flows. The trail is initially easy-going but becomes slightly more challenging as we cross the Kapuni Stream, adding a touch of adventure to the experience.

To wrap up the day, we’ll visit the York Road Loop Track, a 5.3 km trail rich in history. This area played a vital role in the early development of the Taranaki region, and the well-preserved remnants of pioneering activity make it a fascinating walk. Highlights include a massive concrete bath sand trap and a hand-cut fern-walled canyon that once provided railway access for wagons. History enthusiasts will love exploring these relics of the past.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a special celebration dinner to mark the end of an incredible walking adventure. Raise a glass and savour the memories of your time exploring this spectacular region!

• Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours with breaks
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner not included)
• Accommodation: Rotorua Hotel

After a hearty breakfast, we say goodbye to the majestic Taranaki Mounga and begin our final day of exploration. Before leaving New Plymouth, we’ll visit the Puke Ariki Museum, located in the heart of the township. This cultural treasure trove showcases historic artefacts and intricately carved taonga (treasures) that are unique to the Taranaki people. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your time in this incredible region.

Our next stop is the renowned Coastal Walkway, a wide pathway running along the Tasman Sea and offering dramatic ocean views. Starting at the Len Lye Wind Wand, a striking 45-metre kinetic sculpture made of fibreglass, we’ll follow the trail along the shoreline. The walk leads to the sculptural Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, an 83-metre-long masterpiece resembling a breaking wave or a whale skeleton. This bridge is not only an architectural marvel but also a place of deep genealogical significance for Taranaki Māori.

We’ll enjoy our final picnic lunch near the Waiwhakaiho River, soaking up the coastal atmosphere before beginning the scenic drive back to Rotorua. Once we arrive, you’ll check into our comfortable partner hotel for a relaxing evening. Dinner tonight is not included in the tour package, giving you the flexibility to choose from the many dining options available in Rotorua.

This marks the end of a truly unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

• Driving Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: The Park Hotel, National Park Village

We’ll begin the day by picking you up from your central Rotorua hotel between 8:30 am and 9:00 am before heading south through the geothermal wonderland of the North Island. Along the way, we’ll skirt the stunning shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, before making our way up through native forest to the vast central plateau.

Our first adventure in Tongariro National Park is a 2-hour loop walk to Taranaki Falls, located on the famous Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk track. The falls cascade 20 metres over an ancient andesite lava flow, formed from an eruption of Mt. Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. The trail takes us through an enchanting mix of beech forest and alpine meadows filled with red tussock, five-finger plants, umbrella ferns, and mountain toatoa. Along the way, we’ll enjoy incredible views of the Tongariro volcanic massif, a dramatic landscape that will set the tone for the adventures ahead.

We’ll also take a short, 20-minute walk to Tawhai Falls, famously known as “Gollum’s Pool” from The Lord of the Rings. Fans of the film will recognise this picturesque 13-metre-high waterfall as the spot where Faramir and his archers watched Gollum fish.

In the evening, we’ll settle into our cosy accommodations at The Park Hotel in National Park Village. After a delicious two-course Kiwi-style dinner, you can unwind in the hot tub, sip on a drink at the on-site bar, or simply relax and enjoy the view as the sun sets over the volcanic skyline. Rest up for tomorrow’s exciting adventures in Tongariro National Park!

• Elevation Gain: 900 metres
• Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: The Park Hotel, National Park Village

Today, we embark on one of the most iconic one-day hikes in the world—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unforgettable trail takes us through a breathtaking variety of landscapes, from rugged lava fields and steaming vents to emerald crater lakes, alpine meadows, and an alpine pass nestled between stunning mountain peaks.

The panoramic views of Mt. Ngauruhoe, Mt. Ruapehu, and the central plateau of the North Island are absolutely spectacular and make every step of the journey worthwhile. It’s no surprise that Lonely Planet describes walking among the Tongariro Volcanoes as “a life-changing experience not to be missed.”

Along the way, your guides will enrich the hike by sharing local stories, Māori legends, and fascinating insights into the area’s extraordinary geological history. Please note that fair weather and a good level of fitness are essential for this challenging yet rewarding adventure.

After completing the hike, we’ll celebrate your achievement at the trail's end before returning to The Park Hotel. Relax and rejuvenate your tired muscles in the outdoor spa pool or unwind in the cosy lounge with pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. Tonight, we’ll head to a lively local restaurant and bar to enjoy a casual meal and some great company to round off an incredible day.

• Driving Time: 1–1.5 hours
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Accommodation: The Park Hotel, National Park Village

Today, we head to the southern side of Mt. Ruapehu to walk the historic Old Coach Road trail. Used between 1906 and 1908 to transport passengers and goods by horse and coach between two railheads on the main trunk line, this trail is steeped in fascinating stories of New Zealand’s pioneering past.

The trail is a journey through history, featuring a cobbled stone road, massive steel viaducts, a curved tunnel, remnants of railway bridges, and the old campsites of railway workers. As you walk, enjoy beautiful stands of native forest and sweeping views over the Ohakune district, renowned for its rich soils and thriving market gardens. The 15 km trail takes around 5 hours to complete and offers both historical and scenic highlights.

If conditions allow and the group is keen, there’s an option to explore additional trails nearby or travel up Bruce Road to the dramatic, rocky slopes of Mt. Ruapehu. At 2,797 metres, the North Island’s highest mountain offers breathtaking views over the National Park and various hiking opportunities.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a final celebration dinner at The Park Hotel. Raise a glass and toast to an incredible walking adventure, filled with memories of the stunning landscapes and fascinating history of the North Island.

• Driving Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

After a final hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Tongariro National Park and its awe-inspiring mountains. If your legs are still feeling fresh, we’ll start the day with one of the many short walks in the area. Our local guides will select a favourite trail to create a unique and memorable experience tailored to the group.

As we leave the park, we’ll enjoy a refreshing hike around the serene Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake), nestled on the slopes of Mt. Pihanga. According to Māori legend, this area holds special significance as the setting for the mythical battle of the mountains. The hike begins with a gentle incline to reach the lake, where the track flattens out and loops around its tranquil shoreline. Along the way, we’ll soak up the lush native forest and enjoy our final picnic lunch on Five Minute Beach, surrounded by peaceful bird song and untouched nature.

Walking Legends proudly supports Project Tongariro, a conservation trust dedicated to restoring native birdlife in this special area. By sponsoring hectare #189, we’ve contributed to efforts to revive the thriving ecosystems you’ll experience during this walk.

We’ll have you safely back in Taupō between 3–4 pm or Rotorua between 5–6 pm, perfectly timed for your onward travel arrangements.

This marks the end of an extraordinary journey through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure!