Volcanoes & Rainforest - 10 days Auckland to Wellington
New Zealand's great hikes
Hiking Safaris are for people looking for a unique hiking experience that combines multi-day hikes with kayaking, caving and camping. An unforgettable outdoor experience in remote wilderness areas with a small and social group. Hikers participate in all aspects of the safari; decision making, cooking, and camp set-up.
This tour visits an incredible number of hard-to-get-to or hard-to-know-about places. You will explore the volcanic areas of the North Island, climb on the volcanoes and soak in hot-pools, and also visit New Zealand's best example of mature Jurassic rainforest. Many people are surprised at the extent of wilderness that is hidden in the North Island. Rotorua is not included in our itinerary as this is an attraction that can easily be visited by yourself. On the first day you can be picked up in Rotorua by prior arrangement.
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
ANDREAS
GERMANY
- This is one of New Zealand's most beautiful, varied and interesting hiking vacations.
Please contact us or complete our online enquiry form to receive further information on this tour or to check availability on your preferred date of travel.
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Join tour in Auckland
From Auckland, drive via Rotorua (optional pick-up point by arrangement) to Urewera National Park, the largest wilderness in the North Island. Easy start to three days of backpacking through beech forest to hut/camp beside river.
2 hours hiking
Whirinaki
Backpack up river gorge (learn river crossing techniques) to next hut/camp. See rare Blue duck and Kaka (bush parrot). Swim in river.
6 hours hiking
Rotorua
Hike over low pass to the Whirinaki rainforest - huge tree ferns amongst New Zealand's tallest trees (up to 60m). Soak in natural hot river before camping at one of Rotorua's beautiful lakes.
5 hours hiking
Rotorua Lakes
Up early to explore unique area of geothermal features, beautiful lakes, and native bush. Kayak across ancient volcanic crater with pumice beaches ($89) or do hike option. An area rich in Maori history and culture. Evening drive to camp beside Waikato River.
5 hours kayaking
Taupo
Visit thermal area. Swim in crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo (600 sq km volcanic crater that is New Zealand's largest lake) on the way to Tongariro World Heritage Area. Start three days of backpacking across alpine grasslands near fuming volcanoes to mountain hut.
1.5 hours hiking
Tongariro World Heritage Area
Tongariro National Park. Hike to hut across alpine desert. View volcanoes Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu (2797m) - highest mountain in North Island (including unguided section).
3 to 6 hours hiking
Tongariro National Park
A short drive takes us to Fox Glacier, which descends from the mountain tops into rain forest. Take a guided walk on the glacier with seracs, crevasses and ice caves. Join your guide for an optional hike in the National Park. Stay in cabins.
4 hours hiking
Waitomo
Head to Waitomo. Explore rarely visited river cave with glow-worms, waterfalls, and limestone formations. Drive through remote back-country to secluded beach camp. Swim and hangi dinner.
1 hour caving
Mount Egmont/Taranaki National Park
Time to relax and swim, and eat a huge breakfast before driving south to Mt Egmont National Park. Begin two-day hike to hut high on the side of the volcano. Spectacular views all the way to Tongariro National Park.
1.5 hours hiking
Tour ends Wellington
Up for sunrise. With day packs, optional climb of Fanthams Peak (1962m). Return to hut before descending on ancient lava flows and through goblin forest to minibus. Head south to beach for lunch, swim and vehicle clean-up before driving to Wellington.
2-5 hours hiking
Departing
2011 |
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER |
7th, 28th 15th, 26th 2nd, 9th, 23rd 7th, 21st |
