New Zealand Backpacking

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  Multi-day Hiking
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  Kayaking
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  Caving
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  Touring
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  Rafting
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  Biking
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  Skiing
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  Scuba Diving

Start:	Auckland - SkyTower Visitors Centre, corner Federal & Victoria Sts, 7:00am
Finish:	Wellington 7:00pm (approx.)
Length:	10 days
Grade:	D (River crossings, some rocky terrain) Grade D Average 4-5 hrs physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hrs on longer days. Pack weights of 12-15kgs on some days. Altitude gains of up to 800m. Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings. No hiking experience necessary. Agility and fitness required. View all Grades
Accom:	Backcountry Huts, Camping
Price:	NZ$1,550
Extra Costs:	$30/day kitty
Departs:	Wednesdays - see see departures

Highlights: Go backpacking through many of New Zealand's North Island wilderness areas. Hike through Jurassic-like podocarp rainforest and follow a river through a beautiful gorge in Whirinaki Forest Park. Kayak across the enchanting Lake Tarawera and soak in thermal streams surrounded by native bush. Go backpacking through a spectacular volcanic wonderland in Tongariro NP and climb to the summit of an active volcano. Find glowworms, waterfalls and limestone formations in a hidden cave. Hike into Mt Egmont NP and climb Fanthams peak at dawn for stunning views of Mt Egmont/Taranaki and across to the distant mountains of Tongariro NP.

Day 1: From Auckland, drive via Rotorua (optional pick-up point by arrangement) to Urewera National Park, the largest wilderness in the North Island. Easy start to three days of backpacking through beech forest to hut/camp beside river. 2 hours hiking

Day 2: Backpack up river gorge (learn river crossing techniques) to next hut/camp. See rare Blue duck and Kaka (bush parrot). Swim in river. 6 hours hiking

Day 3: Hike over low pass to the Whirinaki Rainforest - huge tree ferns amongst NZ's tallest trees (up to 60m). Soak in natural hot river before camping at one of Rotorua's beautiful lakes. 5 hours hiking

Day 4: Up early to explore unique area of geothermal features, beautiful lakes, and native bush. Optional kayak across ancient volcanic crater with pumice beaches or take a hike option. An area rich in Maori history and culture. Evening drive to camp beside Waikato River. 5 hours kayaking

Day 5: Visit thermal area. Swim in crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo (600 sq km volcanic crater that is New Zealand's largest lake) on the way to Tongariro World Heritage Area. Start three days of backpacking across alpine grasslands near fuming volcanoes to mountain hut. 1.5 hours hiking

Day 6: Tongariro National Park. Hike to hut across alpine desert. View volcanoes Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu (2797m) - highest mountain in North Island (including unguided section).3 to 6 hours hiking

Day 7: Traverse volcanic moonscape with emerald lakes, lava valleys, and steaming craters. Chance to climb volcano. Drive to riverside lodge near National Park. 6 hours hiking

Day 8: Head to Waitomo. Explore rarely visited river cave with glow-worms, waterfalls, and limestone formations. Drive through remote back-country to secluded beach camp. Swim and hangi dinner. 1 hour caving

Day 9: Time to relax and swim, and eat a huge breakfast before driving south to Mount Egmont National Park. Begin two day hike to hut high on the side of the volcano. Spectacular views all the way to Tongariro National Park. 1.5 hours hiking

Day 10: Up for sunrise. With daypacks, optional climb of Fantham's Peak (1962m). Return to hut before descending on ancient lava flows and through goblin forest to minibus. Head south to beach for lunch, swim and vehicle clean-up before driving to Wellington. 2-5 hours hiking

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