Hiking New Zealand - 8 Day Ultimate North Island Hiking Itinerary

Up to 10 km (6.2 miles), 3 hours hiking

We meet early in central Auckland and travel south to Rotorua, pausing for a café stop en route. Known for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage, Rotorua sets the scene for our first hike. At Lake Tarawera, we catch a water taxi to the trail’s midpoint and begin a scenic walk along the lake’s edge, shaded by tree ferns and volcanic cliffs. There’s time for a swim at pumice beaches before we head to our lakeside log cabin for the night. Over a shared dinner, we get to know the group and prepare for tomorrow’s rainforest adventure.
 

Includes: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park- 1 night

Up to 8.5 km (5.3 miles), 3.5 hours hiking

After a relaxed start, we drive east into the remote Te Urewera ranges, the ancestral home of the Tūhoe people. Following a scenic journey with a picnic lunch en route, we arrive at the Whirinaki Forest trail. This ancient forest, a remnant of Gondwanaland, features towering native beech trees and rich biodiversity. Our gentle hike descends through lush forest to a rustic hut beside the beautiful Whirinaki River. We prepare dinner together and spend the night in the hut or camping nearby, enjoying a campfire and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this remarkable wilderness.
 

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Camping - 1 night

15 km (9.3 miles), 5 hours hiking

Today we follow the valley track deeper into the remote Whirinaki wilderness, far from the beaten path. This hidden gem offers rare solitude and the chance to spot native wildlife such as blue ducks, robins, and the kaka parrot. The trail winds beneath majestic tree ferns and among towering podocarp rainforest trees. For the adventurous, a side track leads to a grove of ancient rata forest. After the hike, a short drive brings us to a cosy rural cabin, where you can enjoy a hot shower, relax by the fire pit, and toast the day’s journey with a drink.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation - Whirinaki - 1 night

Up to 3 km (2 miles), 1.5 hours hiking

We begin with a scenic drive to the Volcanic Plateau, stopping to explore a remarkable thermal park, soak in a natural hot stream, and experience the roar and spray of Huka Falls as the Waikato River plunges dramatically into a rocky basin. Later, we arrive at Lake Taupō—New Zealand’s largest lake—formed by a massive volcanic eruption nearly 2,000 years ago. We pick up takeaway food and enjoy a relaxed lakeside picnic on the pumice beach. In summer, there’s time for a swim before we continue to our lodge accommodation near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.

Includes: Breakfast & Lunch 

Accommodation: Whakapapa Village - 1 night

Up to 15 km (9.5 miles), 6 hours hiking, elevation +/-300 m (1,000 ft)

Today we enter Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. While most visitors stick to the busy Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we take the lesser-known eastern routes and hidden side tracks, avoiding the crowds whenever possible. After sorting our gear for two nights away, we begin hiking from Whakapapa across open tussock country, passing between the dramatic cones of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. By late afternoon, we reach Waihohonu Hut—modern and comfortable—tucked into a quiet streamside clearing with stunning mountain views from its airy common room.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Tongariro - 1 night

8.5 km (5 miles), 3 hours hiking

With only a short hike ahead, we spend the morning exploring. Choose a gentle walk to the crystal-clear Ohineopango Springs and a historic hut, or take a more adventurous off-track route over ash ridges and past lava cliffs to a hidden lake viewpoint. After lunch, we hike across a stark alpine landscape of volcanic rock and stony desert to Oturere Hut, perched beside an old lava flow at 1,400m. Along the way, we take in stunning views of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngāuruhoe—famed as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings. Tonight, we share this unique hut with fellow hikers.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Oturere Hut - 2 nights

Up to 12 km (7.5 miles), 6 hours hiking

We hike through a moon-like valley of lava flows and ash fields before climbing steeply to the remarkable Emerald Lakes, which have graced the covers of many guidebooks. From here we join the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The next few hours of hiking takes us through an unforgettable wonderland of lava valleys, steaming craters and brooding volcanoes before our descent through bonsai-like alpine foliage and alongside mineral-infused streams. In good conditions, we have the option of climbing high on the volcanic peaks.

An evening drive takes us back to our lodge in the heart of the National Park – the perfect place to relax with a beer and enjoy million-dollar volcanic views before dining in the alpine village.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort Or The Park Hotel in the nearby National Park town

Driving south, we leave the volcanoes to descend through the beautiful river valleys of the Rangitikei and along the coast to Wellington, where we arrive mid-afternoon after a café break.

Wellington is so much more than just New Zealand’s capital. It is also the nation’s stylish hub for arts, culture, cafés and politics. Enclosed by hills and a harbour, this compact city has many attractions within easy walking distance.

Options include enjoying the National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) or watching the political shenanigans of the ‘Beehive’ (Parliament House). Many visitors immerse themselves in the vibrant café scene and the accessible downtown area.

Includes: Breakfast

Included Highlights

• Hike sections of New Zealand’s Great Walks and visit a thermal park
• Experience the volcanic wonders of the Tongariro Crossing
• Finish in Wellington, a ‘cool little capital’

Inclusions

• 12 seater minibus
• A knowledgeable guide
• All meals
• Therm-a-rest sleeping mat
• Tents
• Cooking equipment
• Plates/cutlery
• First aid kit
• Safety equipment
• Maps

Fitness

• Grade: D
• Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days
• Pack weights of 10-12kgs (22-26lbs) on some days
• Altitude gains of up to 800m (2600ft) per day
• Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings
• No multi-day hiking experience necessary
• Agility and fitness required
• You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic
• Terrain mostly tracks. Some may be slippery or rough; some off-track hiking and river crossings

Accommodation

"Wild nights" vs nights in civilisation...The Ultimate North is a combination of “wild nights”, which are the nights where you are truly in the wilderness, staying in backcountry huts or camping in locations that may be several hours walk from the nearest road or populated area, versus nights in civilisation where you may stay in cabins, lodges or camp by the vehicle at Department of Conservation campsites. Some of these locations may still be relatively remote and in the wilderness but they can be reached by the vehicle.

Food

As well as being the time to rest, refuel and recharge, meal times are also a great time to get to know your fellow travellers better, sit back and enjoy the amazing surroundings and enjoy some great food! Everybody has a turn with the preparation and cooking of meals: barbecues, salads, pancakes, curries, pasta, stir-fries, hangi... Vegetarian meals are no problem. On the "wild nights" the group will usually eat pasta and rice meals (special "secret" recipes used). There is always a lot of hiking food - chocolate, nuts, raisins, biscuits. The vehicles carry a full range of cooking equipment including gas burners, woks, frying pans and billies (cooking pot). When you go on an overnight hike the group will carry a portable stove.

Additional costs

There are normally no additional activities on the Ultimate North. All activities are included in the price: Thermal Park, row boats, water taxi, natural hot pools.