15 Day Hiking Tour
North Island
New Zealand
$7,500 USD (per person/double occupancy)
$8,200 USD (single)
Inquire for family/group bookings
Alternate length tours available
Summary
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Explore The Far North, Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula and the Central Plateau
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Hikes range from multiple short walks to 12 miles over generally easy to moderate terrain
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Stay at comfortable accommodations in nature
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Energize with delicious local food and beverages
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Group size limited to 8
Day 1.
Upon your early morning arrival to AKL your New Zealand introduction will begin with a 360 degree view of Auckland city from one of the city’s long extinct volcanoes. The rest of the day will be spent driving to the top of New Zealand. We will take the 250 mile scenic west coast road stopping to see the ancient giant Kauri Trees of Waipoua Forest, sample Hokey Pokey Ice Cream, car-ferry across an inlet and stretch our legs on a hike to a tall bluff overlooking two incredible stretches of coastline. Hungry, we will stop for ‘tea’ - Fish and Chips in Pukenui. It’s been a long day so you deserve a nice bed, say hello to Hukatere, an incredibly special accommodation on remote Ninety Mile Beach.
Day 2.
Te Whari Loop Track. While not a loop specifically, you will walk a 10 mile track that will take you past sand dunes, coastal wetlands with rare birdlife, and vistas of stunning Twilight Beach and Cape Maria Van Diemen before finishing at the very top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. After pictures at the iconic lighthouse we head back to Hukatere for dinner and a soak.
Day 3.
Options are available for 3 mile or longer excursions depending on your energy. Undulating coastal cliff top walks for the energetic or easier beach walking if desired, all in near total isolation. This is a very special part of New Zealand. On the drive homeward, summit the massive Te Paki Sand dunes and then cruise down the highway that is Ninety Mile Beach. Afternoon to laze at Hukatere. Evening walk at Henderson Bay.
Day 4.
After our last breakfast at Hukatere we begin to head south again via the east coast. A couple hours driving gets us to the start of the Wairakau Stream Track. An out and back 7 miles total hike, this walk through unique native bush catches vistas of the turquoise waters of Whangaroa Harbour. At the terminal end alight the Dukes Nose (if you are confident) to an incredible vista of the area. Option to head up St Paul’s Rock upon completion of Wairakau Stream Track to similarly view the grandeur. Stay in heaven: Taupo Bay. Evening beach stroll mandatory.
Day 5.
Hike the Mahinepua Peninsula- an out and back undulating hike on a delicate finger of land in paradise. Drive the remainder of the picture postcard Cavalli Coast stopping at Matauri Bay for a short explore and picnic lunch. Arrive to the town of KeriKeri and settle at our 3 day home base. Then a late afternoon 4.5 mile round trip hike to Taronui Bay. The walk-in-only site of an incredibly nice lagoon in which to swim and have a picnic dinner. Added exploration on this reserve if time and tide allows.
Day 6.
The Paihia to Opua Coastal walkway takes you between two of the earliest settlements in New Zealand. The mostly flat 5 mile hike is extremely pleasant and takes you in and out of civilization and across estural boardwalks. The tide is important here. Afterwards take the ferry from Paihia to Russell, the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. This popular tourist site has lots of great restaurants and pubs right on the water and the town itself is a interesting and easy walk. Shopping allowed. Ferry back to Paihia.
Day 7.
Begin by perusing the Stone Store in KeriKeri, the oldest stone building in New Zealand. Then walk 2.5 miles from the store through shaded bush to Rainbow Falls. For the afternoon and evening take in some native Maori and European settler history. Set upon New Zealand’s most important historic site, The Treaty of Waitangi grounds, you will discover the history and traditions of the indigenous Maori in an indoor/outdoor museum. In the evening stay to enjoy an authentic native Maori cultural performance and savour the unique taste of a traditional hangi feast. Hosted and added extra.
Day 8.
We start driving south again, through Auckland city towards the town of Thames. Stops at the Puhoi Pub for lunch and a hike at McElroy Scenic Reserve break up the longer passage. Drive time is 5 hours. Once settled in Thames we will find a suitable walk given time and energy allowances in the Kauaeranga Valley and a nice dinner somewhere in the town. Tomorrow is a long day hike.
Day 9.
A walk to the top of The Pinnacles. Nine miles on a well maintained track. We will stop and marvel at New Zealand’s largest hut that can accommodate 80 ‘trampers’ just below the Pinnacles. Forty more minutes to the top. The view is incredible. Walking poles are highly recommended.
Day 10.
Incredibly scenic drive to the top of the Coromandel Peninsula. Drive time 2.5 hours. Stopping in quaint villages for coffee and cake allowed. Hike Fletcher Bay to Stony Bay. Six miles of stunning coastal hiking. Night over in secluded and quiet Port Charles.
Day 11.
Time to mingle with the tourists. Many come from all around the world to tick off bucket list locations like Cathedral Cove, Hotwater Beach, Opito Bay and Whangamata. While there are no singular long walks today you can spend as much of this day on your feet as you like. You have time to explore or rest. Drive time 3 hours- fun time all day.
Day 12.
Orokawa Scenic Reserve. More of the best coastal hiking. Six miles one way with time to take in untouched Homunga and Orokawa Bays. You have the option of adding a one hour side trip to see the 100 foot Wright Falls if there has not been too much rain. In total a four hour wander through wonder. You will be picked up at trail end in the beachside town of Waihi and accommodated at Mt Maunganui. Evening strolls around The Mount and local beaches, a soak, and fantastic restaurants all within a stones throw of your accommodation encouraged.
Day 13.
Drive time to our stay in Turangi is 3 hours. We will spend time on a morning stop hiking through the 3 mile Blue Spring Walkway- magic on the eyes. We will stop in Taupo, a town on the edge of a volcanic caldera that is now a vast lake, for lunch. Some light walking and a dip in a public hot spring as time allows. A restful evening in preparation for tomorrow is recommended.
Day 14.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We must have good weather, so this hike is never assured. A six to eight hour one way 12 mile hike. Said to be the best day hike in New Zealand- you will be traversing high volcanic terrain, passing craters, emerald lakes and marveling at gorgeous distant views. Stay in Taumarunui.
Day 15.
Drive to Auckland. Sights as time allows before departure from Auckland Airport or drop to your city accommodation.