The Ultimate North Hiking Tour takes you deep into the landscapes that define New Zealand’s wild beauty. From Rotorua’s shimmering lakeside trails to the ancient forest of Whirinaki, every step reveals a different side of the North Island. Overnight in a remote hut, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of untouched nature.
In Tongariro National Park, you’ll hike across dramatic volcanic terrain, where alpine plateaus meet towering peaks. The mix of short scenic walks and multi-day treks ensures variety while keeping the adventure accessible. With a balance of rugged backcountry and comfortable lodge stays, it’s the ideal trip for active travellers wanting both challenge and comfort.
Culture and Adventure in Perfect Harmony
Rotorua’s geothermal wonders add a striking contrast to the surrounding wilderness, with bubbling mud pools and steaming vents providing a glimpse into New Zealand’s volcanic heart. These natural features create a landscape that feels otherworldly, yet deeply connected to Māori heritage. It’s a chance to experience both nature and culture in one unforgettable setting.
The journey finishes in Wellington, a harbour city known for its creative energy, buzzing cafes, and scenic waterfront views. After days of remote hiking, the capital’s culture and hospitality make for a rewarding conclusion. It’s a compact adventure that offers a full taste of New Zealand’s landscapes, from wild backcountry to vibrant city life.
INCLUSIONS
Activities:
Guided day hikes and overnight hikes
Visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
100 days or more: Full refund less transferable deposit to future departure.**
94 to 35 days: 50% of tour price forfeited.**
34 days or less: 100% of tour price forfeited.
Note: **Excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.
The Ultimate North Island Adventure is rated as Grade D, indicating a moderate to challenging level of difficulty. Participants should be reasonably fit and enthusiastic, as the trip involves:
Physical Activity: Expect an average of 4–5 hours of physical activity per day, with some days extending up to 8–9 hours.
Pack Weight: On certain days, you’ll carry a backpack weighing between 10–12 kg (22–26 lbs).
Terrain: The route includes uneven track surfaces and river crossings, requiring agility and fitness.
Elevation Gain: Altitude gains can reach up to 800 m (2,600 ft) on more strenuous days.
While no prior multi-day hiking experience is necessary, participants should have a reasonable standard of fitness to fully enjoy the adventure.
Driving times vary daily:
In wilderness areas, the vehicle may not be seen for 2–3 days.
On travel days, expect 2–3 hours of driving, occasionally longer.
Travel in a comfortable 12-seat minibus towing a lockable trailer for camping gear and luggage.
Roads include a mix of sealed and unsealed surfaces.
Driving offers opportunities to rest and enjoy ever-changing scenic views.
Guides may stop for great photo opportunities or to visit a notable ice cream shop!
Meal Times:
A chance to rest, refuel, recharge, and connect with fellow travellers.
Enjoy meals in stunning surroundings, with everyone participating in meal preparation and cooking.
Menu Options:
Meals include a variety of dishes: barbecues, salads, pancakes, curries, pasta, stir-fries, and hangi.
On “wild nights,” the group typically enjoys pasta or rice meals (with some “secret” recipes).
Plenty of snacks are provided, such as chocolate, nuts, raisins, and biscuits.
Cooking Equipment:
Vehicles are equipped with gas burners, woks, frying pans, and billies.
For overnight hikes, the group carries a portable stove.
Dietary Requirements:
Vegetarian meals and most food intolerances can be accommodated.
Complex or restrictive diets require disclosure at the time of booking.
Participants with specific dietary needs may need to assist with shopping and food preparation or bring their own specialist items.
Guide Expertise:
Handpicked professionals with diverse backgrounds and extensive outdoor and hiking experience.
Passionate about New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry.
Role of Guides:
Ensure your trip is inspiring, fun, and safe.
Trained in Mountain Safety First Aid to prioritise your wellbeing.
Commitment to Quality:
Carefully selected to turn your journey into a trip of a lifetime.
Itinerary
We meet at 7:00 AM at the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland before travelling south to Rotorua, famous for its steaming thermal vents, bubbling mud pools, and pristine lakes. Along the way, we stop at a local café—perfect for those needing a quick breakfast. Rich in Māori culture and volcanic history, Rotorua is shaped by the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, which buried a Māori village and left behind a landscape ideal for New Zealand nature hikes. From here, we continue to Lake Tarawera, where a noon water taxi takes us to the Lake Tarawera Trail’s midsection. This scenic hike winds along the lake’s shoreline, shaded by tree ferns and framed by ignimbrite cliffs, with opportunities to swim at pumice beaches and enjoy views of volcanoes and wilderness areas.
We finish the day at Blue Lake camp, a lakeside retreat perfect for unwinding. Together, we prepare a group meal, offering a chance to connect with fellow travellers before we organise our gear and pack backpacks for the next leg of this Rotorua hiking tour into the rainforest.
Includes lunch and dinner
3 hours hiking
Elevation +480 m (15 ft) -380 m (1,200 ft)
We begin the day with a relaxed start, packing our gear before heading east into the rugged forest ranges of Te Urewera—the ancestral home of the Tūhoe Māori tribe. This remote and culturally significant region was one of the last areas to be reached by European settlers. During the two-hour drive, we pause for a picnic lunch, surrounded by the stunning scenery of New Zealand’s wilderness.
Arriving at the Whirinaki Forest trail, we step into a preserved remnant of the ancient forests that once covered the supercontinent of Gondwanaland over 150 million years ago. The afternoon features a gentle hike along a descending track through native beech forest, leading to a simple forest hut beside the picturesque Whirinaki River. We end the day cooking a group meal before settling in for the night, either in the forest hut or camping nearby. With an evening campfire, there’s time to relax and take in the tranquillity of this untouched wilderness.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
3.5 hours hiking
Elevation +450 m (1,400 ft) -750 m (2,450 ft)
This morning, we continue along the valley track, venturing deeper into a remote wilderness far from the usual tourist routes. The tranquillity of this hidden gem offers rare encounters with other hikers, making it a haven for spotting native wildlife. Keep an eye out for the elusive blue duck (whio), curious robins, and listen for the distinctive calls of the kākā, a large, native bush parrot often heard echoing through the forest.
As we descend further, the trail winds beneath towering tree ferns and through some of New Zealand’s most magnificent podocarp rainforests, home to ancient giants like rimu and kahikatea. For those keen on extra exploration, a side track leads to a stunning area of ancient rata forest, offering even more opportunities to connect with the untouched wilderness. After the hike, a 20-minute drive takes us to cabins on a rural property, where you can enjoy a hot shower, relax by the fire pit, and unwind with a beer or wine as we reflect on the day’s adventure.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
5 hours hiking
Elevation +430 m (1,400 ft) -650 m (2,100 ft)
We begin the day with a scenic drive to the Volcanic Plateau, home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonders. Our first stop is an extraordinary thermal park, where you can explore steaming vents, boiling pools, and geothermal terraces. There’s also time to bathe in a natural hot river, offering a truly relaxing experience. Next, we visit the iconic Huka Falls, where the Waikato River—New Zealand’s longest river—plunges 11 metres into a dramatic, stadium-like pool. Stand close enough to feel the spray and marvel at the sheer power of this natural landmark.
Later, we arrive at Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand, spanning 600 square kilometres. Formed in 186 AD by the world’s most powerful volcanic eruption in recorded history, this crater lake is a breathtaking highlight. After picking up takeaway food, we head to a lake-side pumice beach, where you can unwind, enjoy the views, and—if visiting in summer—take a refreshing evening swim. We finish the day with a short drive to our lodge accommodation near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.e nearby National Park town, twin and sometimes triple person share, ensuite rooms. Sheets and towels are provided.
Includes breakfast and lunch
1.5 hours hiking
Elevation +/-55 m (180 ft)
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest and the world’s fourth oldest national park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for both its cultural significance and natural beauty.
Join the guide today for a full-day hike of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the finest day walks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at #mes, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. The next few hours of hiking takes us through an unforgettable wonderland of lava valleys, steaming craters and emerald lakes before our descent through bonsai like alpine foliage alongside mineral-infused streams. After what is often a long and physically challenging day, enjoy a well earned dinner. Includes breakfast and lunch.
Accommodation:
Located in Whakapapa Village at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, Skotel Alpine Resort offers a friendly informal atmosphere. Stay in the comfy Backpacker rooms, twin and sometimes triple share. Sheets and towels are provided, and bathroom and kitchen facilities are communal.
Or The Park Hotel in the nearby National Park town, twin and sometimes triple person share, ensuite rooms. Sheets and towels are provided.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
7-8 hours hiking
Elevation +900 m (3,000 ft) -1,250 m (4,100 ft)
After yesterday’s big effort, we enjoy a slower-paced morning. An hour’s drive then takes us around to the east side of the park and the Desert Road, where we begin today’s walk. This lesser-travelled route offers expansive open views and gives us a fresh perspective of Tongariro’s Volcanic Plateau.
Wander through tussock country and pockets of beech forest before reaching our overnight stop, the simple but modern Waihohonu Hut. Set beside a quiet stream, there are great volcano-views from the spacious common room and some fantastic short exploring options available. Evening provides an opportunity to share the hut with hikers from all over the world. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Accommodation:
Waihohonu Hut is a modern 28-bunk Department of Conservation hut located on the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk. Facilities are basic but comfortable, with bunk beds, mattresses, wood stove, common room and toilets. We often camp at the adjacent campsite but use the huts facilities.
Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
3 hours hiking
Elevation +/-150 m (500 ft)
We begin the day hiking through a moon-like valley of lava flows and ash fields before a steep climb brings us to the stunning Emerald Lakes, famously featured on the covers of New Zealand travel guides. From here, we join the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often regarded as one of the world’s best day hikes.
The trail leads us through an otherworldly landscape of lava valleys, steaming craters, and towering volcanoes before descending through alpine foliage and past mineral-rich streams. Weather permitting, there’s also the option to climb higher on the volcanic peaks for even more breathtaking views. In the evening, we return to our lodge in Tongariro National Park, the perfect spot to unwind with a drink and soak up the volcanic vistas before dining in the alpine village.
Includes breakfast, lunch & dinner
6-7 hour hiking
Elevation +/-1350 m (1,150 ft)
Heading south, we leave the volcanic landscapes behind, travelling through the scenic river valleys of the Rangitīkei and along the coastal highway. After a café stop, we arrive in Wellington by mid-afternoon—ready to explore New Zealand’s vibrant capital.
Surrounded by hills and a harbour, Wellington is a compact city celebrated as the nation’s centre for arts, culture, cafés, and politics. Popular options include visiting Te Papa – The National Museum of New Zealand, admiring the Beehive (Parliament House), or simply soaking up the city’s lively café scene and walkable downtown attractions.
Includes breakfast.
Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Expect to join a small crew of up to 11 fellow adventurers, bringing together a diverse mix of ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. While the majority of our hikers are spirited souls aged between 20 and 40, our groups often welcome individuals ranging from 17 all the way up to 72 years old. Typically, our groups are balanced with an equal mix of women and men, all united by their passion for the great outdoors and a deep reverence for nature. This blend of perspectives enriches the experience, making each trip truly one-of-a-kind.
The minimum age requirement is 16 years. Any person under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets are accommodated. Let us know your needs when booking. For complex requirements, you may need to assist with meal planning and preparation. Bringing some of your own food is also recommended.
Yes, everyone contributes to tasks like gathering firewood and setting up camp. It’s a fun way to bond with fellow travellers and share the adventure, with the guide and group always there to assist.
New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. Be ready for both warm (26–28°C) and cool conditions.
Essential Items:
Hiking boots/shoes, 50L backpack with liner, and a 3-season sleeping bag.
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Adventure Tours
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