The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North - Activity Level Guide
How fit do you need to be for The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – North trip is an activity level 3-4* trip and is designed for those who want a hiking-focused tour. With two New Zealand guides on all walks and activities, you'll be able to scale your activity level up to a 4 and down to a 3 every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that’s right for you.
*Activity Level 3. You love staying active on your holiday and know that travel isn't a race, it's just as much about the journey as the destination! Fresh air, experiencing new activities with your guides and ending the day with a delicious meal and great conversation leave you feeling invigorated.
*Activity Level 4. You know sometimes the best views need to be earned and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You're comfortable spending a good portion of the day on your feet exploring well-formed trails with your guides and moving toward your goal.
You can view a day-by-day breakdown of the activities and hikes below, and if you have any questions at all get in touch, we love to chat!
Day 1: Hike Ruakuri Track & Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves
After meeting your guides and fellow travellers, we’ll head out for our first hike of the trip. The Ruakuri Track winds through lush native bush and along the Waitomo Stream, where you’ll pass towering limestone cliffs, sculpted rock formations, and moss-covered boulders. After our hike we'll explore the famous Waitomo Caves.
Day 2: Pureora Forest & Taranaki
Today we'll hike in Pureora Forest where ancient podocarp trees tower above and birdsong echoes through the canopy. With well-formed trails weaving through lush native bush, the Pureora Forest is a hiker’s paradise. As we hike through the forest, you’ll learn about the unique plants and wildlife.
This afternoon we'll enjoy a scenic walk to the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, where art, engineering, and landscape come together. You’ll follow a coastal walkway to this striking white archway, perfectly framing Mt Taranaki on a clear day.
Day 3: Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/Egmont National Park
This morning we’ll hike in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/Egmont National Park. With stunning views of Mt Taranaki’s iconic peak above us, we’ll extensively explore Egmont National Park and marvel at its natural wonders. Today we'll sample a variety of hikes showcasing some of our favourite areas of the National Park.
The Lake Mangamahoe Loop Track takes us through quiet forest and along the peaceful edge of Lake Mangamahoe. Keep an eye out for cheeky fantails and other native birdlife along the way. On a clear day, you’ll catch striking views of Mount Taranaki.
This afternoon we’ll hike the Ngatoro Loop Track & Connett Loop Track through 'goblin forest,' where moss and lichens drape over roots and cling to twisted trees. Look out for native birdlife flitting through the canopy as you immerse yourself in this unique forest.
Day 4: The Whanganui River Journey & Bridge to Nowhere
Today we’re in for a treat as we spend a full day exploring one of New Zealand's most unique Great Walks – the Whanganui River Journey. After an exhilarating jetboat ride up the river, we’ll explore Whanganui National Park and discover the Bridge to Nowhere on a scenic hike through some of New Zealand’s most pristine native rainforest. With over five hours to explore this stunning National Park, you'll learn from your guides about the flora, fauna and history of this Great Walk and explore its twists and turns in detail.
Day 5: The Tongariro Crossing
Today we’ll hike a trail widely regarded as the best day walk in the world. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is our second New Zealand Great Walk of the trip and takes us on a journey through Tongariro National Park's moonlike, volcanic landscape. After a full briefing from our expert local guides, we’ll spend the day on the trail, carrying snacks and a picnic lunch to ensure we’re well-fueled and learning from our guides about our fascinating surroundings.
Day 6: Explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Today we’ll explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a remarkable eco-sanctuary that protects native wildlife. Home to some of New Zealand’s rarest birds and plants, this predator-free sanctuary offers a glimpse of the land as it once was.