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Hiking Safari |
| 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) |
| Price: | NZ$1550 |
| Extra Costs: | $30/day kitty |
| Departs: | Wednesdays - see Departures |
Please click on the map to enlarge it
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
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
- Abel Tasman Track
- Nelson Multi-Adventure
- Queen Charlotte Track
- Tall Ship Sailing
- The Far North
- The Kermadec Islands
- West Coast Wilderness
"New Zealand Backpacking tour visiting the North Island's Wilderness!"
HIKING NEW ZEALAND
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