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6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Days
6

Pricing From
$3950

Difficulty

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Overview

Experience the wonders of Waikato on a captivating 6-day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour in New Zealand. Begin your journey with a scenic hike at Hunua Falls, immersing yourself in native bush and mesmerizing water views. Visit Pokeno whiskey for a private tour and tasting before reaching The Outcrops Lodge, a secluded farm converted into a charming farmhouse where you'll base yourself for three nights.

Explore the rugged beauty of Maui Farms, a private walk through rolling farmland, rocky outcrops, and stunning limestone canyons. Enjoy delicious farm-inspired meals prepared by a local chef, indulging in the comfort of the farmhouse and its inviting hot tub.

Embark on a gentle walk to Vivian Falls, a hidden gem cascading into broken streams amid native forest-clad Harker Reserve. Visit a local organic avocado orchard and savor lunch in the orchard, discovering the owner's journey to organic farming.

Continue your journey south, stopping at the renowned Blue Springs of Putaruru and a boutique cheese factory to sample handcrafted cheeses. Experience the wonders of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, the largest mainland ecological island, before settling into glamping luxury at Wild Canvas.

Enter the hidden world of Tawarau Forest, exploring a true kiwi 'tramping' track through native bush and marveling at Marokopa Falls. Conclude your adventure with a walk along the ridge line of the family farm, relishing panoramic views and a final lunch at the glampsite.

Before returning to Auckland, enjoy a plant-to-cup coffee talk at Origin Coffee in Otorohanga, discovering the journey of your espresso from flower to cup. Bid farewell to Waikato, cherishing the unforgettable experiences and memories created during this extraordinary hiking tour.

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Blue Springs

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Out in the Styx view

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Purerora

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Tawarau Speedies Road

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Vilagrads bar tasting

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Wairere falls lookout

6 Day Heart of the North Waikato Hiking Tour

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Auckland - Maui Farms8km (5 miles) / 3 - 4 hours hiking (moderate grade)

Note: This itinerary should be seen as a guide only and is subject to change at any time due to elements outside our control. We will always endeavour to stick as closely to this itinerary as possible to deliver the best experience to you. The above doesn't detail all 'Nosh' experiences in full as we like to keep some things a surprise!

Your journey starts from Auckland where our guide will collect you and we head out to Hunua Falls for our first hike of the tour! A decent leg stretch for a start to our adventure takes us along ridge lines covered in native bush and boasts water views, a beautiful swimming hole and creek crossing. On our way south we call into Pokeno whiskey for a private tour and tasting of this new distillery and New Zealand's only cooperage. The last leg of our journey leads up to The Outcrops Lodge, perched on a hill on a secluded north island back country farm, Maui Farms is a hereford stud with charming farmhouse converted by Kim and Steven who also run the farm. We are based here three nights which gives us the chance to unpack and really immerse ourselves in rural New Zealand.

Day 2Explore Maui Farms10km (6 miles) / 6-7 hours hiking (moderate grade)

This morning we are exploring the raw and rugged beauty of Maui Farms. We have almost 1200acres to ourselves on this private walk, unless you count the many cows, sheep, wild goats and deer, which we will see along the way. The farm track crosses a variety of terrain and surface from metalled to grass and will take us on a loop of the property. Rolling farmland gives way to a stunning rocky outcrop leading to a small limestone canyon with two small farm cabins where we will stop for lunch. There are many majestic old native trees to admire on our journey and as almost all of the walk is out in the open, the views are endless. A few climbs to get us back up to the track that leads us to our farmhouse, where the hot tub beckons. Our local chef will entertain and prepare a delicious farm inspired meal for us tonight.

Day 3Vivian Falls3km (1.9 miles) / 2 hours walking (easy grade)

A short drive today to explore Vivian Falls via the native forest-clad Harker Reserve. The falls are about 12 metres high, and cascade into several broken streams about halfway down by a large mass of rocks and are a local hidden gem with interesting story and legend behind them. As today's walk is a gentle one, we will visiting a local organic avocado orchard, hearing the owners journey to organic and of course sampling some of her wonderful creations. Lunch today is a little bit special and taken in the orchard. We head back to The Outcrops for our final night and can enjoy mulled wine and marshmellows over their outdoor fire as we take in the setting sun over rural Waikato.

Day 4Journey into the Heart of the North1.5km (1 miles) / and 4km (2.5miles) 3 hours hiking (easy/moderate grade)

Today we farewell The Outcrops and continue our journey south, deeper into the Heart of the North. Our first stop to break up the journey and stretch our legs is at the renown Blue Springs of Putaruru, with water so pure and clear it supplies around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water. A short and gentle stroll leads to the spring where we can enjoy a cuppa before returning via the same path. Our next stop is a boutique specialty cheese factory and deli where you have the opportunity to sample handcrafted cheeses, in a region known for it's dairy farming. Our local cheesemaker has won more than 75 medals and a dozen trophies from around the world! We've saved something special for today. A visit to the world's largest mainland ecological island - Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. On our short hike, we will soak up the ancient forests, now pest-free and teeming with bird song and abundance. A full day deserves a special ending and our final two nights are in glamping luxury at Wild Canvas. 

Day 5Tawarau Forest17km (10.5 miles) / 8 hours hiking (moderate grade)

Enter the hidden world of the Tawarau Forest, tucked deep in the heart of limestone-laden bluffs of Waitomo caves country. We have a full programme today with a hike through what can only be described as a true kiwi 'tramping' track through beautiful native bush. There are plenty of idyllic spots to stop and explore along the way, a swing bridge crossed and an open valley to finish. The track can be challenging in places and that's where our guide is worth their weight in gold as they help you to navigate any tricky bits. An five minute walk on a just up the road takes us to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country - Marokopa Falls isn't to be missed. Back to our luxury glamping tent for a delicious cooked meal, hot tub and glass or two of wine as we share stories around the fire pit under the stars.

Day 6Last Day to Explore and Back to Auckland5km (3.1 miles) / 2-3 hours walking (moderate grade)

Our final day and we would be remiss not to take the time to enjoy the wonderful third-generation family farm we are staying on. Nestled on a 700-hectares, we have a short 5km walk along the ridge line taking in the breathtaking panoramic views including the profile of Mt Pirongia to the north. After we have our final lunch at the glampsite, it's time to pack up and head back to Auckland with a stop at origin coffee in Otorohanga for a plant to cup coffee talk. Learn how your espresso begins it’s journey as an aromatic white flower on a luscious leafy bush all the way to your cup and discovering the techniques of roasting and blending the beans. We expect to have you back in Auckland around 5pm where we say our farewells.

Cost per person

  • 2023-2024: NZ$3,950

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Auckland - Maui Farms8km (5 miles) / 3 - 4 hours hiking (moderate grade)

Note: This itinerary should be seen as a guide only and is subject to change at any time due to elements outside our control. We will always endeavour to stick as closely to this itinerary as possible to deliver the best experience to you. The above doesn't detail all 'Nosh' experiences in full as we like to keep some things a surprise!

Your journey starts from Auckland where our guide will collect you and we head out to Hunua Falls for our first hike of the tour! A decent leg stretch for a start to our adventure takes us along ridge lines covered in native bush and boasts water views, a beautiful swimming hole and creek crossing. On our way south we call into Pokeno whiskey for a private tour and tasting of this new distillery and New Zealand's only cooperage. The last leg of our journey leads up to The Outcrops Lodge, perched on a hill on a secluded north island back country farm, Maui Farms is a hereford stud with charming farmhouse converted by Kim and Steven who also run the farm. We are based here three nights which gives us the chance to unpack and really immerse ourselves in rural New Zealand.

Day 2Explore Maui Farms10km (6 miles) / 6-7 hours hiking (moderate grade)

This morning we are exploring the raw and rugged beauty of Maui Farms. We have almost 1200acres to ourselves on this private walk, unless you count the many cows, sheep, wild goats and deer, which we will see along the way. The farm track crosses a variety of terrain and surface from metalled to grass and will take us on a loop of the property. Rolling farmland gives way to a stunning rocky outcrop leading to a small limestone canyon with two small farm cabins where we will stop for lunch. There are many majestic old native trees to admire on our journey and as almost all of the walk is out in the open, the views are endless. A few climbs to get us back up to the track that leads us to our farmhouse, where the hot tub beckons. Our local chef will entertain and prepare a delicious farm inspired meal for us tonight.

Day 3Vivian Falls3km (1.9 miles) / 2 hours walking (easy grade)

A short drive today to explore Vivian Falls via the native forest-clad Harker Reserve. The falls are about 12 metres high, and cascade into several broken streams about halfway down by a large mass of rocks and are a local hidden gem with interesting story and legend behind them. As today's walk is a gentle one, we will visiting a local organic avocado orchard, hearing the owners journey to organic and of course sampling some of her wonderful creations. Lunch today is a little bit special and taken in the orchard. We head back to The Outcrops for our final night and can enjoy mulled wine and marshmellows over their outdoor fire as we take in the setting sun over rural Waikato.

Day 4Journey into the Heart of the North1.5km (1 miles) / and 4km (2.5miles) 3 hours hiking (easy/moderate grade)

Today we farewell The Outcrops and continue our journey south, deeper into the Heart of the North. Our first stop to break up the journey and stretch our legs is at the renown Blue Springs of Putaruru, with water so pure and clear it supplies around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water. A short and gentle stroll leads to the spring where we can enjoy a cuppa before returning via the same path. Our next stop is a boutique specialty cheese factory and deli where you have the opportunity to sample handcrafted cheeses, in a region known for it's dairy farming. Our local cheesemaker has won more than 75 medals and a dozen trophies from around the world! We've saved something special for today. A visit to the world's largest mainland ecological island - Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. On our short hike, we will soak up the ancient forests, now pest-free and teeming with bird song and abundance. A full day deserves a special ending and our final two nights are in glamping luxury at Wild Canvas. 

Day 5Tawarau Forest17km (10.5 miles) / 8 hours hiking (moderate grade)

Enter the hidden world of the Tawarau Forest, tucked deep in the heart of limestone-laden bluffs of Waitomo caves country. We have a full programme today with a hike through what can only be described as a true kiwi 'tramping' track through beautiful native bush. There are plenty of idyllic spots to stop and explore along the way, a swing bridge crossed and an open valley to finish. The track can be challenging in places and that's where our guide is worth their weight in gold as they help you to navigate any tricky bits. An five minute walk on a just up the road takes us to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country - Marokopa Falls isn't to be missed. Back to our luxury glamping tent for a delicious cooked meal, hot tub and glass or two of wine as we share stories around the fire pit under the stars.

Day 6Last Day to Explore and Back to Auckland5km (3.1 miles) / 2-3 hours walking (moderate grade)

Our final day and we would be remiss not to take the time to enjoy the wonderful third-generation family farm we are staying on. Nestled on a 700-hectares, we have a short 5km walk along the ridge line taking in the breathtaking panoramic views including the profile of Mt Pirongia to the north. After we have our final lunch at the glampsite, it's time to pack up and head back to Auckland with a stop at origin coffee in Otorohanga for a plant to cup coffee talk. Learn how your espresso begins it’s journey as an aromatic white flower on a luscious leafy bush all the way to your cup and discovering the techniques of roasting and blending the beans. We expect to have you back in Auckland around 5pm where we say our farewells.

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