Northern Portion - Hiking New Zealand - 5 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: AUCKLAND - ROTORUA 1-2km/2 hours hiking

Stop At: Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo Caves 3977 New Zealand
Meet your North Island guide and the rest of the group in the Heritage Hotel foyer at 7am before driving south through the classic patchwork green farming country alongside the Waikato River. Arriving at the Waitomo Caves area descend into the vaulted galleries of the Ruakuri Cave with its limestone formations and crystals. Be captivated by the thousands of tiny glowworms that cling to the cave ceiling and mimic a starlit night sky. Later we emerge into the sunshine and wander on a loop trail through an outstanding limestone canyon. We arrive in the volcanically active area of Rotorua late afternoon. Rotorua is also the centre of Maori cultural tourism in New Zealand and tonight we enjoy an evening meal and cultural performance.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua

Day 2: ROTORUA LAKES - LAKE TAUPO 8km/5 hours hiking

Stop At: Lake Taupo, Taupo Marina New Zealand
Hike alongside the beautifully clear Lake Tarawera, enjoying the shade that towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs offer. Plop into the water to cool off at any one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up. There are astonishing views all along this trail, giving glimpses of how expansive this massive wilderness of forest, lakes and volcanoes really is. In the afternoon we explore some of the amazing thermal areas located a little south of Rotorua. Wander along boardwalks that connect pools of bubbling mud, mineral-tainted hot pools and plumes of rising steam as you wonder at this unique area. Grab a cuppa before we drive toward the lakeside town of Taupo. At Huka Falls feel the power as the huge Waikato River gets pinched through a narrow rock corridor. Our accommodation is in Taupo. Relax with a drink and enjoy the views.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beechtree Motel, Taupo

Day 3: TONGARIRO 8km/2-4 hours hiking

Stop At: Taranaki Falls, Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park New Zealand
Enjoy the views of volcanic peaks across Lake Taupo before we drive around it's shores to New Zealand'’s first National Park, –Tongariro. Take a leisurely morning walk through stunning rainforest around the slopes of Mt Pihanga and to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). The next two nights are spent in a hotel on the edge of the park, providing a great opportunity for you to explore the area at your leisure. Join the guide this afternoon for a great walk to Taranaki Falls, cascading 20 metres over a 15,000 year-old lava flow. Enjoy dinner with the group in the comfort of your hotel.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: A hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park

Day 4: TONGARIRO 23km/6-8 hours hiking

Stop At: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Off State Highway 48 Mangatepopo Valley, Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park New Zealand
Join the guide today for a full days walking on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. The well built track traverses up, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt Tongariro. Stop and admire the views of the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes and steaming vents that make this hike so iconic. After a sometimes long and physically challenging day celebrate your achievement at dinner with a bottle of fine New Zealand wine. Those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village: Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this village.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: A hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park.

Day 5: TONGARIRO - WELLINGTON

Stop At: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable St, Wellington 6011 New Zealand
Rest your legs this morning as we drive south through rolling green hill country to the capital city of Wellington. The tour finishes early afternoon in this buzzing wee city. Stroll along the fabulous waterfront and absorb some of New Zealand’s history in the national museum - Te Papa, or simply get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. Nowhere is very far in Wellington. There is a vibrant café and restaurant scene here – enjoy.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.