New Zealand North Island Grand Hikes

Meet the North Island guide and tour group in the Rydges Hotel lobby at 6:30 AM. Depart Auckland and travel south through the green farmland of the Waikato region, following the Waikato River. Stop at a local cafe along the way for a short break. Continue to the Waitomo Caves region for a guided visit to Ruakuri Cave.

Descend into underground galleries filled with limestone formations and glowing crystals. Walk beneath a ceiling lit by thousands of glow worms, creating a natural display that resembles a night sky. Return to the surface and follow a scenic loop trail through a limestone canyon. In the afternoon, travel to Rotorua, a center of geothermal activity and Maori cultural tourism. Settle into local accommodation and enjoy a group dinner in the city.

Up to 2 km (1.3 miles), 2 hours hiking, elevation +/-60 m (200 ft)

Take a short morning drive to Lake Tarawera, known for its clear waters and native forest. Travel by water taxi to the far end of the lake, then begin a scenic hike along its shoreline. Walk through dense bush, beneath tree ferns and volcanic cliffs, with regular stops at small pumice beaches for swimming and rest. Look out for a natural hot spring creek along the way. After returning to Rotorua, explore the city’s geothermal and cultural highlights. Walk the Redwoods Trail and visit the historic lakefront, including Faith Church. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner and a Maori cultural performance.

12 km (7.2 miles), 4 hours hiking, elevation +480 (1500 ft)  -280 m (900 ft)

Begin the day exploring Rotorua’s geothermal attractions, with boardwalk trails through bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and colorful mineral springs. After a short break, travel south to Huka Falls to witness the force of the Waikato River as it rushes through a narrow gorge. Stop for lunch at a lakeside cafe in Taupo, a town known for its views of New Zealand’s largest lake. Continue driving along and pass by Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in at a hotel near the park for a two-night stay. In the afternoon, walk to Taranaki Falls, a 20-meter cascade over an ancient lava flow. Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

10 km (5.5 miles), 2-4 hours hiking, elevation +/-200 m (600 ft)

Join your guide today for a full day of walking on Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world and something to look forward to in a New Zealand North Island trip. The well-built track climbs 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 outstanding. 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.

Up to 21 km (12 miles), 7-8 hours hiking, elevation +900 m (3,000 ft) -1,250 m (4,100 ft)

Rest your legs this morning as you drive south through rolling green hill country to the capital city of Wellington. Stroll along the fabulous waterfront and absorb some of New Zealand’s history in the national museum, Te Papa, or get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. Nowhere is very far in Wellington. Enjoy the vibrant café and restaurant scene here before catching your flight back home.