Explore volcanic landscapes as you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Soak in hot pools, hike by geysers and boiling mud pools, and explore caves in search of mystical glowworms on this short, action-packed North Island adventure.
Start - End: Auckland - Auckland
Total trip: 5 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 3-4
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The North Island of New Zealand is packed to the brim with incredible, diverse landscapes, and there's no better way to experience its contrasts than on our North Island Volcanic Adventure. Discover for yourself as you hike the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike along river trails, and walk through otherworldly caves lit by the mysterious glowworm. With two local guides and every detail taken care of, you'll learn about the intimate Maori culture and the geothermal wonderlands of the Central Plateau without a worry in the world. Our year-round North Island Volcanic Adventure is the perfect addition to any of our South Island trips. Starting and finishing in Auckland, all you'll need to do is walk off the plane, and you'll be off on a hiking tour of a lifetime!
Lakes around Rotorua
Surrounded by native bush and steeped in Māori myth, Rotorua’s lakes are places where adventure meets ancient storytelling.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-of-a-kind hike — think rugged volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and sweeping views that make every step worth it.
Tongariro River Trail
Twisting through native bush and over bridges, with the river rushing below, biking the Tongariro River Trail is as fun as it is beautiful.
Explore Waitomo Caves by foot or tubing
A magical mix of drifting through dark underground rivers, floating past glowworms, and soaking up the raw, otherworldly beauty all around you.
Maori culture
You'll step into a world of rich stories, powerful traditions, and warm hospitality that connects you to the land and its people.
Explore each day of your lifechanging adventure through New Zealand's North Island's volcanic landscapes.
Click the map below to explore.
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Leaving the city behind us, drive south to the Waikato Vallley, and the Wairere Falls track. Today’s hike winds its way amongst tree roots and mossy rocks, and across several bridged river crossings to a lookout platform at the base of the Wairere Falls on the Okauia fault line. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Rotorua, considered the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture and the spiritual home of New Zealand’s tangata whenua (original people of the land).
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3.8 miles (6 kilometers), 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,250 feet (380meters) ascent, 1,250 feet (380meters) descent
This morning, we’ll head out to hike Rainbow Mountain, aptly named due to the unusual color of the soil. We’ll head up through the native forest past an impressive crater lake for panoramic views over the volcanic plateau. Okere Falls is our next stop, with a short hike along the track where we’ll view the magnificent waterfalls from viewing platforms, and we could be lucky enough to catch white water rafters making their way down the Kaituna River.
If you prefer not to hike today, you can stay and soak in the local mineral spas or explore Rotorua.
After re-grouping from the morning’s activities, we’ll visit Te Puia which is famed for the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley – a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and impressive geysers.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the Te Arawa tribe and share a traditional feast. A hangi, as it’s known, is prepared by wrapping food and burying it in the earth to cook over hot stones. This healthy cooking method is similar to steaming and imparts a wonderful flavor.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rainbow Mountain Hike: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,115 feet (340 meters) ascent, 1,115 feet (340 meters) descent
Okere Falls Hike: 1.6 miles (2.4 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 205 feet (63 metres) ascent, 205 feet (63 metres) descent
We head south out of Rotorua today to hike Huka Falls, we’ll follow the track along New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, for a spectacular view of the Falls and maybe a dip in some natural hot springs. Traveling further south, we follow the shores of Lake Taupo, an enormous volcanic caldera and the site of the world’s largest eruption in the last 70,000 years.
After arriving at Turangi and enjoying lunch, we’ll head out to bike a loop track, winding in and out of the beautiful native bushland, farmland and the Tongariro River, New Zealand’s most famous trout fishing river. With constantly changing scenery, this well-marked, tree-covered trail provides ample opportunities to spot native birdlife or to glimpse our rare Whio (Blue Ducks) who make their homes on the riverbanks.
We’ll stay on the banks of the Tongariro River tonight.
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, Turangi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Huka Falls Hike: 2 miles (3 kilometers), 1 hour
Elevation Gain/Loss: 65 feet (20 meters) ascent, 65 feet (20 meters) descent
Biking Distance: 9.3 miles (15 kilometres), 1.5-2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 130 feet (40 meters)
Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu) – located in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and the fifth oldest in the world.
Today we’ll hike to the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids around the base of Mount Ruapehu, both of these hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine shrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 65 feet (20 meters) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces.
For more experienced hikers, we have the option to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and this full-day hike is challenging and unforgettable! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters, and steam vents – it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter (from May until September) with alpine conditions such as snow and ice, and if the weather isn’t suitable for the crossing, we’ll all hike the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids. Your option must be confirmed at time of booking.
Tonight, you can bathe in some natural thermal springs before having a celebratory dinner for our last night together.
Accommodation: Creel Lodge, Turangi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tongariro Crossing Hike: 12 miles (20 kilometers), 7-8 hours.
Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) ascent, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) descent
Note: Choosing the Tongariro Crossing option increases this adventure to a Level 4 on our Activity Level scale.
Taranaki Falls Hike: 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 393 feet (120 meters) ascent, 393 feet (120 meters) descent
Silica Rapids Hike: 4.3 miles (7 kilometers), 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 721 feet (220 meters) ascent, 721 feet (220 meters) descent
For our last day together, we’ll head to the spectacular Waitomo Caves for a morning of caving. For those keen, you’ll head down to explore an underground cave system. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and rubber tube in order to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glowworms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. A shower and some hot soup complete the picture. Alternatively, take in the subterranean beauty on foot with a guided walk through Ruakuri cave system where you’ll learn all about the geological significance of the area.
Afterward, we’ll head back to Auckland where we end our adventure.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine shrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 20 meters (65 feet) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike that is challenging and unforgettable! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters, and steam vents – it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter (from May until October) with alpine conditions such as snow and ice.
On the first morning of the trip, please meet us in the lobby at the Sudima Auckland City Hotel in Auckland central at 8:15am, our designated departure point for all guests on your trip. Please make your own arrangements to get there. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Auckland - that's up to you. Be prepared on the day with your daypack and hiking boots, ready for this afternoon's hike at Wairere Falls.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Auckland Airport (AKL) in time for flights below or the Sudima Auckland City Hotel in the late afternoon/early evening.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Auckland the day before your trip begins, or earlier, to accommodate potential flight delays and give you time to explore the city before your adventure starts.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Auckland after 7pm domestic and 8pm international flight departures. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodations on your trip for their stunning setting, unique character, style and level of comfort. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable resorts, lodges and apartments and you may be sharing a two bedroom apartment or bathroom with other group members at some stage. Some places are fairly basic – and the true Kiwi experience makes it all worthwhile.
Where you’ll be staying each night is detailed on the trip itinerary above. Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may stay somewhere different, which will always be a similar standard and just as comfortable.
There are self-service laundry facilities at most locations, however we recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
Getting from one breathtaking destination to the next in New Zealand means road travel is essential. That’s why having comfortable, reliable transport plays a big role in making your adventure vacation enjoyable.
We own and operate our very own fleet of medium-sized coaches — perfectly suited for New Zealand’s unique roads. They’re ideal for accessing the country’s iconic highlights and venturing off the beaten track to the lesser-known places most travelers miss.
So sit back, relax, and let us take the wheel. Your New Zealand adventure is calling — and we’ll make sure you travel in comfort and style.
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here.
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Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
New Zealand might feel like a world away, but it’s closer than you think — just a 12-hour direct flight from the Pacific Coast of North America. Major airlines, including Air New Zealand (our national carrier), offer non-stop flights to Auckland on the North Island and Christchurch on the South Island from cities like New York, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Vancouver.
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