New Zealand Trails - 5 Day Sweet North Hiking Itinerary

Welcome to the North Island, New Zealand's beating, cultural heart. A vibrant and diverse landscape made up of active geothermal areas, pristine beaches, immense forests and subterranean wonders. After meeting your guide and fellow travellers in Auckland, we’ll head east to the Coromandel region.

Karangahake Windows Walk

The Karangahake Windows Walk takes us through gold mining history and dramatic natural scenery. This gentle track leads us past the ruins of the Talisman battery and through old gold mining tunnels. Along the way, 'windows' cut into the rock offer striking views down into the gorge below. This afternoon we'll head to the golden sand beaches of the Coromandel. We'll spend the night in the coastal resort town of Whangamata.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Whangamata - 2 Nights

This morning we’ll travel along the Coromandel coastline to Hahei and get ready to paddle through tantalisingly turquoise waters out to Cathedral Cove. We’ll then take some time to explore the world-famous Hot Water Beach.

Kayak Cathedral Cove

We’ll paddle our way through the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve exploring ancient sea caves and rock gardens along the way. Our destination is Cathedral Cove, accessible only by foot, boat or kayak, this natural rock archway joins two secluded coves shaded by magnificent pohutukawa trees.

Explore Hot Water Beach

This afternoon we head to world-renowned Hot Water Beach, famous for the warm geothermal waters that sit just under the sand. Enjoy a stroll along this gorgeous coastline and dip your toes in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. If the tides are right, you can experience the natural hot springs bubbling up through the sand, a true-blue Kiwi experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we’ll head to the cultural heart of our country. This morning we’ll take in sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty as we hike the Mauao Summit Track in Mount Maunganui. This afternoon, we’ll head to Murupara and Kohutapu Lodge for an authentic and deeply personal Māori cultural experience with the Ngati Manawa tribe. 

Mauao Summit Track

This morning we’ll hike the Mount Maunganui / Mauao Summit Track. It’s a steady climb on a well-formed path, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Bay of Plenty, golden sand beaches, and the harbour below. Mauao, which translates to 'caught in the morning light' is a sacred mountain, rich in Māori history and legend. 

Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours Maori Culture Experience 

This afternoon, we will head to Murupara and Kohutapu Lodge, where a once-in-a-lifetime, truly authentic cultural experience awaits you.  

The Toe Toe whānau (family), who belong to the Ngāti Manawa Tribe, will be your hosts. Their whakapapa (family tree) stretches back 400 years before the Great Migration, to the first inhabitants of this tribal land. When we arrive, you’ll be welcomed onto a traditional Māori marae (meeting ground) and immersed in the rich traditions of Māoritanga. You’ll spend the afternoon with the whānau, learning the intricate art of Māori weaving or trying your hand at the world-famous haka, and hearing authentic and personal stories that bring the culture and history of this land to life.  

Tonight, we’ll stay on the tranquil shores of Lake Aniwhenua, where you’ll be warmly welcomed at Kohutapu Lodge. Offering modern and inviting accommodation, this special place sets the scene for an unforgettable evening. You’ll enjoy a traditional hangi feast, cooked in the earth, followed by storytelling around the fire and some of the best stargazing around. 

This rare and deeply personal connection to Māori culture is a true privilege, and it’s an honour for us to share it with you. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Galatea - 1 Night

Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park and boasts dual World Heritage site status, acknowledged for both its cultural and natural significance. Today you'll explore this moonlike landscape and discover the beauty and wonder of this incredible National Park. 

We'll spend the afternoon on one of our favourite sections of the Tongariro Crossing, Soda Springs Walk. You'll experience the diverse landscape and learn of the park's history and cultural significance from your expert local guides. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: National Park Village -  1 night

It may be the last day of your Sweet North trip, but it’ll be one to remember as we explore the hidden depths of Waitomo, marvelling at the limestone formations, crystal tapestries and thousands of glowworms that illuminate the cave system. We’ll then make our way back to Auckland where we’ll say our farewells. If you’re heading down to the South Island to join us on another trip, we’ll help with a smooth transition.

Spellbound Waitomo Caves

The last activity of our trip is a truly magical one! We’ll visit two vastly different caves and learn all about their formation. Stepping onto a raft, you’ll be transported into a unique environment where it seems the night sky is always shining. With glow worms galore you will marvel at the constellations they seem to create! In the next cave you will slowly wander through whilst gazing at these wonderful creatures that are only found here in New Zealand!

Finish in Auckland

We’ll enjoy our last lunch together before hitting the road back to Auckland, allowing plenty of time to happily reminisce about the last five days. New friends and wonderful experiences have had their share in creating a tonne of memories to last you all the way home and beyond.

We’re happy to drop you at the airport or at your Auckland accommodation. We recommend that you combine this trip with one of our South Island itineraries to enjoy the complete New Zealand experience. The Sweet North trip works particularly well in conjunction with the Pure South, if you're short on time, or any of our longer South Island trips if you really want to leave no stone unturned.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.

A First Light Travel Designer can help you extend your trip in New Zealand. Lets start planning today!