
New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North
The ultimate North Island hiking experience.
New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Route Map

New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrive Auckland
Glowworm Caves
Lunch
Dinner
Pureora Forest



Day 1 - Arrive Auckland & Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Welcome to New Zealand’s North Island, a diverse sub-tropical paradise waiting to be explored. With a landscape ranging from barren geothermal plateaus to lush rainforest and golden sand beaches, it’s yours to explore for the next six days. After meeting your expert New Zealand guides and fellow travellers in Auckland, we’ll head south to Waitomo for an otherworldly experience. On the way, we'll stop for our first hike of the trip.
Spellbound Waitomo Caves
Today we’ll explore the famous Waitomo Caves. With an expert guide leading the way, you will wander through the cave whilst gazing at these wonderful creatures that are only found here in New Zealand! Stepping onto a raft, you’ll be transported into a unique environment where it seems the night sky is always shining. With glowworms galore, you will marvel at the constellations they seem to create!
This afternoon we'll make our way to Pureora Forest - our home for the night.
Tonight we stay at Timber Trail Lodge*
2
Hike Pureora Forest
Taranaki
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Stratford



Day 2 - Pureora Forest Walks & Taranaki
After a restful night’s sleep, we'll explore Pureora Forest before we hit the road again and make our way to Taranaki. We’ll take our time, stopping at some of our favourite spots along the way to stretch our legs and capture the glorious views. If the tides are in our favour, we'll explore Three Sisters, spectacular rock formations found on the North Taranaki coast.
Pureora Forest
Step into the heart of Pureora Forest, where ancient podocarp trees tower above and birdsong echoes through the canopy. With well-formed trails weaving through lush native bush, this is a hiker’s paradise. As we hike through the forest, you’ll learn about the unique plants and wildlife.
Te Rewa Rewa Bridge Walk
This scenic walk takes you 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.
Tonight we stay at Amity Motel*
3
Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
Egmont National Park
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Whanganui



Day 3 - Explore Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/Egmont National Park
Today we'll explore Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/Egmont National Park and marvel at Mt Taranaki’s iconic peak. The dormant snow-capped volcano towers above its surroundings and makes for one of the most spectacular views anywhere in New Zealand. If you’re a keen photographer be sure to have your camera ready! Today we'll sample a variety of hikes showcasing some of our favourite areas of the National Park.
Lake Mangamahoe Loop Track
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.
Ngatoro Loop Track & Connett Loop Track
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.
Tonight we stay at Kings Court Motel*
4
Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River Journey
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Tongariro National Park Region



Day 4 - The Whanganui River Journey & Bridge to Nowhere
Today we’ll enjoy one of the most uniquely New Zealand experiences of the trip and our first New Zealand Great Walk – the Whanganui River Journey. Unlike all our other Great Walks this journey takes us out on the water.
Deep in Whanganui National Park, we’ll hop in a jetboat for an exhilarating ride down the Whanganui River. From there we’ll explore this magical area on foot and discover one of the North Island’s best-kept secrets – the Bridge to Nowhere! Immersed in lush native rainforest you’ll be awestruck as this iconic bridge seemingly springs to life from the surrounding wilderness.
Tonight we stay in the Tongariro National Park region.*
5
Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro Crossing
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Tongariro National Park region



Day 5 - Tongariro National Park & The Tongariro Crossing
Today we’ll experience our second New Zealand Great Walk of the trip - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a trail widely renowned as the best day hike in the world! Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest National Park and boasts dual World Heritage status, acknowledged for both its cultural and environmental significance.
Starting with a healthy breakfast to fuel our adventure we’ll meet our local guides who’ll take us on a journey across this moon-like landscape. We'll pass bubbling geothermal steam vents, marvel at centuries-old lava flows and soak in the views across ancient volcanic craters. With our guides abundance of local knowledge and expertise, you’ll laugh, learn, and be left in awe as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tonight we stay in the Tongariro National Park region again*
6
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Depart Auckland
Breakfast
Lunch



Day 6 - Explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari & Depart Auckland
It may be the final day of our North Island adventure, but it will certainly be one to remember. 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.
This afternoon we'll make our way back to Auckland, allowing plenty of time to reminisce on the past six incredible days. 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. This trip works particularly well in conjunction with our Kiwi Classic and Masterpiece trips or combine it with New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – South for the ultimate Great Walks experience.
*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time.
Photos of the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North

Explore Tongariro National Park.

Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki / Egmont National Park

Tongariro National Park

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Pureora Forest

The Tongariro Crossing

Stratford Plateau.

Tongariro National Park

The iconic "Bridge to Nowhere"
New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Accommodation

Timber Trail Lodge

Kings Court Motel

Amity Motel
Frequently asked questions
It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!
And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!
Which National Parks and Great Walks does the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North visit?
What is the accommodation like on The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
What time does The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North start and finish?
What are the bathroom facilities like on the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
Is there electricity at all of the places we stay on The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
Will I have wifi access throughout the trip?
What's included in The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
What's not included in The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
What kind of people will be on The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
Can you organize a private trip of The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North for me and my friends/family?
Tell me about your safety standards.
How old are the people on your tours?
How fit do I need to be for the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?
Do I need outdoor experience for The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?
What does going on a guided trip entail?
Can you help with booking pre and post trip accommodation and flights?
How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?
How much time will we spend in the vehicle?
How do I sign up for a trip?
I'm ready to sign up - how and when do I pay for my trip?
Can I pay off my trip in instalments?
How much is the deposit?
Activity Level
The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North is an activity level 3 to 4 and is designed for those who want a hiking-focused trip. You know that sometimes the best views need to be earned and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You can scale your activity level up to a 4 or down to a 3 every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on a variety of trails and enjoy day walks and hikes that showcase the best of New Zealand.
Tour dates
Explore the incredible natural diversity of our North Island across three of our National Parks and two Great Walks. This six-day adventure is the perfect complement to any of our South Island trips or as a own standalone adventure. From the lush native forest of the Whanganui River to the iconic peak of Mt Taranaki this trip is the ultimate North Island hiking experience.
Check out our trip dates below to find your ideal time to visit. Places on our trips fill up quickly so keep an eye on availability here too.
Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?
We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!
2025
2026
2027
New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North – ready to book?
The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – North is the ultimate North Island hiking experience. Explore the best of our North Island’s Great Walks and get off the beaten track on this six-day hiking adventure!
✓ Local guides
✓ Small groups
✓ All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities
✓ All inclusive
✓ All accommodation
NZD$6299
AUD$5999
USD$3799.00+tax
GBP£3499
NZD$7499
CAD$5199.00+tax
per person (twin or double share)

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