Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Rotorua
You'll start early at 7 am from Sky Tower in downtown Auckland and drive south toward Rotorua with a café breakfast stop en route. At Lake Tarawera, hop on a water taxi to reach the trailhead, then hike along the lake's edge past tree ferns and dramatic cliff faces. There are chances to swim at secluded pumice beaches along the way. By evening you'll arrive at Blue Lake camp where you'll prepare dinner together and meet your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Group-prepared meal at Blue Lake camp)
Included Activities
- Water taxi at Lake Tarawera to trailhead
- Hike along Lake Tarawera with opportunities to swim at pumice beaches
- Group meal preparation at Blue Lake camp
Optional Activities
- Swimming at secluded pumice beaches along the trail
- Gear organization for upcoming rainforest trek
Landmarks/POIs Sky Tower Lake Tarawera Mt Tarawera - Day 2
Rotorua to Whirinaki Forest
After breakfast and packing up, you'll drive eastward into Te Urewera, the ancestral land of the Tūhoe people and one of the last regions Europeans explored in New Zealand. Following a two-hour scenic drive with a picnic stop, you'll reach Whirinaki Forest trail. The hike moves gently through native beech forest to a simple hut beside the Whirinaki River. You'll prepare dinner as a group and enjoy the campfire under the stars before settling in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic stop during drive), Dinner (Group-prepared meal with campfire)
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Te Urewera forested ranges
- Hike through Whirinaki Forest to hut beside Whirinaki River
- Group meal preparation and campfire
Landmarks/POIs Te Urewera Whirinaki Forest Whirinaki River - Day 3
Whirinaki Forest
You'll continue deeper into the wilderness valley, away from crowds. Watch for native kaka parrots, blue ducks, and robins as you walk through towering tree ferns and massive podocarp trees. If you're interested, there's an option to detour into an ancient rata forest. After a short drive, you'll reach a nearby cabin with a warm shower and a fire pit where you can sit back with a drink and reflect on the day's hiking.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through Whirinaki Forest valley
- Optional detour to ancient rata forest
Optional Activities
- Detour to explore ancient rata forest
Landmarks/POIs Whirinaki Forest - Day 4
Te Urewera to Tongariro National Park
You'll travel to the Volcanic Plateau to experience its geothermal features. Bathe in a naturally heated river and see the powerful Huka Falls where the Waikato River plunges dramatically. At Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, you'll have a picnic with takeaway food on its unique pumice shores. From there, you'll continue to your lodge near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic with takeaway food at Lake Taupo)
Included Activities
- Bathing in naturally heated river
- Visit to Huka Falls
- Picnic at Lake Taupo
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Lake Taupo Tongariro National Park - Day 5
Waihohonu Hut
Late morning, you'll begin hiking through tussock grasslands on the quieter eastern side of Tongariro National Park. The route traverses the low saddle between the towering volcanoes of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. By afternoon you'll reach Waihohonu Hut beside a tranquil stream, where the common room offers panoramic views of the park's volcanic peaks stretching out around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through tussock grasslands between Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe volcanoes
- Arrival at Waihohonu Hut
Landmarks/POIs Ruapehu Ngāuruhoe - Day 6
Oturere Hut
A relatively short trail between huts leaves time for exploration, so you'll choose between a gentle hike to pristine Ohineopango Springs and a historic hut, or a more challenging route over volcanic ridges to a secluded viewpoint overlooking a remote lake. After lunch you'll continue to Oturere Hut perched at the edge of a lava flow. The landscape here is stark with active volcanoes and ash-strewn valleys, and views of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngāuruhoe (famous as Mount Doom) are everywhere. You'll share the hut with hikers from around the world.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Short hike with exploration options
- Hike to Oturere Hut
Optional Activities
- Gentle hike to Ohineopango Springs and historic hut
- Adventurous route over volcanic ridges to secluded viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Ohineopango Springs - Day 7
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
You'll hike through surreal lava flows and ash fields, climbing toward the iconic Emerald Lakes whose vibrant hues make them one of the park's highlights. From there, you'll join the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a trek through craters, steaming vents, and rugged volcanic peaks. After returning to your lodge near Whakapapa Village, you can unwind with a drink and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hike through lava flows and ash fields
- Climb to Emerald Lakes
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek through craters and volcanic peaks
Landmarks/POIs Emerald Lakes Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Day 8
Tongariro National Park to Wellington
You'll leave the volcanoes behind and descend through scenic river valleys and coastal landscapes. By mid-afternoon you'll arrive in Wellington, a compact city known for its arts, culture, and café scene. Explore attractions like Te Papa Museum or Parliament House, or wander through the vibrant downtown area to finish off your journey through New Zealand's wild interior.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Papa Museum
- Visit Parliament House
- Explore vibrant downtown Wellington
Landmarks/POIs Te Papa Museum Parliament House
