New Zealand Hiking Guided Tour for 24 Days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Auckland to Tarawera
1 stop
1
Rotorua
Meet at 7:00 am at the Sky Tower in downtown Auckland before heading south to Rotorua, with a café stop en route. Continue to Lake Tarawera, where a noon water taxi delivers you to the trail's midsection. Hike back alongside the clear waters of the lake through towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs — take a dip in the lake at one of the small pumice beaches along the way. Tonight, come together in a charming open-plan log cabin to prepare a meal and get to know your fellow travellers. Pack your backpack after dinner — the backcountry starts tomorrow.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Tarawera - Whirinaki
1 stop
2
Whirinaki
Pack up camp and drive east into the rugged forest ranges of Te Urewera, traditional home of the Tūhoe people. By late morning, reach the Whirinaki Forest, a remnant of the ancient forests once part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Follow the Whirinaki River through towering podocarp rainforest to a forest clearing, where a simple backcountry hut awaits beside the water. Tonight, cook dinner together and gather around an evening fire, with the choice to sleep in the hut or camp under the stars.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Whirinaki
1 stop
3
Whirinaki
Continue up the main valley before crossing into a neighbouring river valley along a rougher, lesser-used stream trail — Whirinaki at its wildest. Keep an eye out for whiō (blue ducks) and robins, and listen for the distinctive call of the kākā. Stop at a small backcountry hut for a relaxed lunch and a memorable splash down a river section before completing the loop back to yesterday's valley. A short drive brings you to a cabin on a nearby rural property, where you can unwind by the fire pit with a beer or wine.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Whirinaki – Whakapapa
1 stop
4
Lake Taupo
Drive to the Volcanic Plateau to explore a thermal park, bathe in a natural hot river and take in the impressive Huka Falls, where the Waikato River plunges 11 metres into a stadium-like pool. Arrive at Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake, formed by a powerful volcanic explosion in 186 AD. Grab takeaway food and relax lakeside on the pumice beach before continuing to lodge accommodation near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Tongariro Northern Circuit
1 stop
5
Tongariro National Park
Sort gear and pack backpacks for two nights away. Hike east through open tussock country and across the saddle between Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe, with increasingly dramatic views as you enter the heart of the park. Descend by late afternoon to Waihohonu Hut, set beside a quiet stream among pockets of mountain beech forest — a wonderful place to settle into life on the trail.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Tongariro Northern Circuit
1 stop
6
Tongariro National Park
A shorter hiking day to Oturere Hut leaves time to explore further, whether an adventurous off-trail hike across ash-moraine ridges and lava cliffs, or a visit to the clear waters of Ohinepango Springs. Traverse a stony desert landscape framed by three volcanic peaks — Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngāuruhoe, the latter known to film fans as Mount Doom — before arriving at the hut on the edge of an old lava flow.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
1 stop
7
Tongariro National Park
Hike through a moon-like valley of lava flows and ash fields before climbing steeply to the remarkable Emerald Lakes. Join the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing through lava valleys, steaming craters and brooding volcanoes, finishing with a descent through bonsai-like alpine foliage alongside mineral-infused streams. In good conditions, there's the option to climb higher on the volcanic peaks. A short drive returns you to your lodge in Whakapapa Village to relax before dinner in the alpine village.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Whakapapa – Wellington
1 stop
8
Wellington
Drive south through the beautiful river valleys of the Rangitikei and along the coast to Wellington, with a café break along the way. Arrive mid-afternoon in New Zealand's stylish capital — a compact city of arts, culture, cafés and politics, enclosed by hills and a harbour.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Wellington Rest Day
1 stop
9
Wellington
A free day to explore Wellington at your own pace. Visit the National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), spot Parliament House (the "Beehive"), head out to the wild south coast for views to the South Island, tour Weta Workshops, explore the Maritime Museum, or discover the remarkable ecological restoration project Zealandia.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 10
Wellington – Abel Tasman
1 stop
10
Abel Tasman National Park
Take a shuttle to the airport for a short flight across Cook Strait to Nelson (this transfer is without a guide). Meet your South Island guide at Nelson Airport and head out around Tasman Bay to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise around the coast to the beautiful Tonga Quarry, enjoy a beach snack, then hike the Abel Tasman Coast Track south to Bark Bay, where tents and gear are waiting. Pitch tents and share a meal before falling asleep to the sound of waves.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Bark Bay – Anchorage
1 stop
11
Abel Tasman National Park
Hike through contrasting stands of mānuka and mixed forest, over a low saddle and across a high suspension bridge above the Falls River. Descend to golden sand beaches at Torrent Bay, with the option of a side trip to the Falls River cascades or Cleopatra's Pool for a refreshing swim, plus a boulder hop further up the valley for the more adventurous. Camp tonight at the bush-fringed, bright blue inlet of Anchorage.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Anchorage – Murchison
1 stop
12
Abel Tasman National Park
Take a water taxi, then meet your waka (Māori canoe) guide for a traditional karakia (blessing) before paddling the Abel Tasman coastline. Explore coves and the wildlife refuge of Adele Island to spot New Zealand fur seals, with local Māori history and customs shared along the way. Paddle into Kaiteriteri beach to reunite with your Hiking New Zealand guide. After a picnic lunch and a supply stop in Motueka, drive south to a private campsite near Murchison, overlooking the confluence of the Buller and Maruia rivers, for a home-cooked organic meal.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 13
Murchison – Ballroom Overhang
1 stop
13
Paparoa National Park
Drive through the Buller Gorge to Charleston for a first taste of the wild West Coast, with a short hike through lush bush past dramatic headlands and secluded bays. After a picnic lunch, hike up a spectacular limestone river canyon in Paparoa National Park, with the second half of the trail involving multiple river crossings. Learn safe river-crossing technique from your guide before collecting firewood and setting up camp under the massive Ballroom Overhang, a fluviatile cave. Keen hikers can explore further up a beautiful side canyon.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 14
Ballroom Overhang – Hokitika
1 stop
14
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Hike back out through the canyon, then head to Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Continue down the coast to Hokitika, a former goldrush town now known for pounamu (greenstone). Get fitted out with bikes ready for tomorrow's ride, then enjoy fish and chips on the beach or dinner at one of the town's many cafés.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 15
Hokitika – Arthur's Pass
1 stop
15
Arthur's Pass National Park
Grab breakfast at a local café before cycling the stunning West Coast Wilderness Trail between the Arahura River bridge and the historic township of Kumara, through native forest, crystal-clear rivers, and old goldrush-era reservoirs and water races. The ride is unguided but well marked, with a thorough briefing beforehand. Celebrate at the restored Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara before driving east into the Southern Alps to the mountain village of Arthur's Pass.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 16
Arthur's Pass – Edwards Hut
1 stop
16
Arthur's Pass National Park
Hike up the Edwards River to Edwards Hut, set just above the bushline with sweeping views up the alpine valley. A challenging, classic "kiwi-style" track with several river crossings and rugged, occasionally steep and slippery sections requiring hands-on scrambling. Listen out at nightfall for the call of roroa, the great spotted kiwi known to inhabit the area.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 17
Edwards Hut – Methven
1 stop
17
Methven
An optional morning hike further up the valley towards Falling Mountain opens up even more views of the surrounding peaks. Pack up and hike back out to the road, having lunch along the way. The scenery shifts dramatically heading east, from steep forested slopes to wide braided rivers, tussock grassland and the surreal limestone formations of Castle Hill. Follow an inland route past Lake Lyndon and through Rakaia Gorge to the village of Methven.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 18
Methven – Aoraki/Mt Cook
1 stop
18
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Drive along the western margin of the Canterbury Plains into the Mackenzie Country, an intermontane basin of glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. By late morning, arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village and head out with daypacks on a hike up to Sealy Tarns, and possibly as far as Mueller Hut, with views across two valley glaciers to icefalls on Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mt Cook. With luck, watch the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook turn from white to pink in the evening light.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 19
Aoraki/Mt Cook – Lake Hāwea
1 stop
19
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a postcard view of Aoraki/Mt Cook, with the option of a guided heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier (additional cost), exploring ice formations and ice caves by crampon. Those not heli-hiking can hike up to the Red Tarns, take the Hooker Valley Track across three suspension bridges, or simply rest at the hut. By mid-afternoon, continue south through the Mackenzie Country and over Lindis Pass into Central Otago, staying near the shores of Lake Hāwea with dinner out at a local restaurant.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 20
Lake Hāwea – Aspiring Hut
1 stop
20
Wanaka
Stop in Wānaka for coffee and a wander around this vibrant lakeside town before heading up the Matukituki Valley to the road end. Shoulder overnight packs and hike across grassed flats to Aspiring Hut, catching glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring between high peaks. There's the option of a steep but rewarding climb through beech forest to the bush line on the Cascade Saddle Track, where cheeky kea may pay a visit.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 21
Aspiring Hut – Eglinton Valley
1 stop
21
Te Anau
Hike back along the floor of the glacially formed valley, enjoying easy walking and pretty views. Back in Wānaka, recharge with a lakeside picnic and an optional swim. Drive over the Crown Range for breathtaking summit views of the Wakatipu Basin and lakes, passing Te Anau en route to Milford Sound. Camp for the next two nights at the beautiful Eglinton Valley campsite, with welcome hot showers to look forward to.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 22
Eglinton Valley – Milford Sound
1 stop
22
Milford Sound
Drive beneath granite cliffs and hanging valleys into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Join one of the world's great day cruises out to Anita Bay and the entrance to Milford Sound, taking in cascading waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, with dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and fur seals often spotted nearby. Optionally, swap the cruise for a guided sea kayak trip beneath the cliffs and waterfalls. Before returning to camp, hike up to Key Summit, the final section of the Routeburn Track, for views over the Hollyford Valley to the Darran Mountains.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 23
Eglinton Valley – Queenstown
1 stop
23
Queenstown
A short hike to a beautiful waterfall near the campsite, with the option of a bracing shower underneath it, rounds off your time in Fiordland. Drive to Queenstown, arriving in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day free to explore. Meet up in the evening to celebrate the hikes and adventures shared together over the past two weeks.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 24
Queenstown
1 stop
24
Queenstown
Your guide departs early this morning, marking the end of the tour. Those staying on in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, will find no shortage of activities to try, surrounded by stunning landscapes and superb hiking and cycling tracks.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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