Northern Portion

Auckland – Coromandel 2 hours hiking / 4 hours kayaking
Drive south to Thames at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula. Here we stock up with food and supplies before driving north along this idyllic pohutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) coast. We explore a kauri forest grove of towering ancient trees before crossing over the ranges to the east coast. Picnic lunch on the white sands of Hot Water Beach before an afternoon sea kayak ($95) or hike along the beautiful Cathedral Cove coast. Sea kayakers paddle through a marine reserve, where you may observe fish and if you’re lucky dolphins, in the sparkling clear waters. Late afternoon we drive south to our accommodation. You may like to indulge in an evening stroll along an open ocean beach. L.

Day 2.

Coromandel – Rotorua 1 hour rafting / 1 hour hiking
Driving south, we stop to clamber down the cliffs to one of the beautiful Pacific coast beaches for a swim before heading inland to Rotorua. Stop for a picnic lunch and a walk through lush native bush beside the thundering Kaituna River. There is the option to take a 1 hour rafting trip ($99) on the Kaituna River. This trip is for the wild at heart as it travels down one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world. In the afternoon or the following morning we explore one of the incredible thermal areas near Rotorua. Marvel at the bubbling mud, sulphurous smells and mineral-induced colours of the rock and lakes. Stay at lodge accommodation nearby. BL.

Day 3.

Rotorua – Whirinaki 5 hours hiking
We drive east through the huge Kaingaroa forests of plantation pine trees to the natural Whirinaki Forest Park. Pack up your kit for the two-day hike through this spectacular Jurassic-like rainforest. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, to where the dinosaurs roamed, as you splash through streams and soak up pure wilderness. Learn river-crossing techniques from your capable guide. We overnight at a hut/camp, preparing delicious wholesome food to sustain us well through the hiking. Laze around a campfire, share travel stories and later fall asleep to the sounds of the river. BLD.

Day 4.

Whirinaki – Tongariro 5 hours hiking
Second day of the hike. We shoulder our now familiar packs and follow alongside the beautiful Whirinaki River. This remote wilderness is completely off the tourist trail. We often see rare blue ducks and robins, hear kaka (a large bush parrot) and hike along beneath majestic tree ferns. We are met at the road end on the far side of the park. On our drive towards Taupo there’s time to have a dip in a natural hot river, one of those secret spots only the locals know about. Look at the powerful Huka Falls, feel the spray on your face, before relaxing in the lodge near Tongariro National Park. BLD.

Day 5.

Tongariro 5 hours hiking
After being dropped off at the trail start, we hike through waving tussock-grasslands between the volcanoes to a hut set in an enclave of native beech forest. After lunch we traverse across stony deserts to an alpine hut at 1400m, perched on the edge of an old lava flow. From this hut we get fantastic views of the three main peaks in the park; Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. It’s an extraordinary landscape of active volcanoes and lava valleys, dynamic and changing even in recent years. Revel in the experience of sharing a basic alpine hut with like-minded travellers passionate about the outdoors. BLD.

Day 6.

Tongariro 6-8 hours hiking
We hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up a steep section to the Emerald Lakes, our usual lunch stop. We cross the volcanic plateau, which boasts lava valleys and steaming explosion craters, flanked by the brooding volcanoes, before descending on the western side. In good conditions, there is an option to climb one of the volcanic peaks. Tongariro National Park is full of landscapes the likes of which are found nowhere else in New Zealand. An evening drive takes us to a lodge beside the park with great views back on the volcanoes. Enjoy a beer and meal out in the alpine village. BL.

Day 7.

Tongariro – Wellington
Morning drive to Wellington, arriving in the early afternoon. Wellington is New Zealand’s wonderful harbour capital. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. Nowhere is very far in this stylish city. You have free time to enjoy walking around. You may like to visit the museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the beehive (Parliament House). Wellington is well known for its vibrant café scene and its accessible downtown area. People come into the city to enjoy the lively atmosphere. BL.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: D
Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 12-15kgs on some days. (Overnight hikes: Whirinaki, Tongariro and Mt Aspiring)
Altitude gains of up to 800m.
Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required.

You need to be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Terrain mostly tracks. Some may be slippery or rough; some off-track hiking and river crossings.

Guides & Safety

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary trip. That is why we work hard to make sure we hire the best guides. Our handpicked professionals come from a range of backgrounds. Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry. Our guides will ensure that your time with us is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid. Please be gentle with your guide - good guides are hard to find!

What to take

New Zealand’s weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000 metres. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking.
Hiking New Zealand highly recommend Macpac clothing and equipment.

Essential Items

• hiking boots (not shoes)
• backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)
• 3-season sleeping bag
• waterproof raincoat (gore-tex or similar)
• warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
• shorts for hiking
• polypro/thermals – top & long-johns
• 3 pairs of socks (they get wet)
• warm hat or balaclava
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• drink bottle (1 litre)
• spare shoes or sandals
• flashlight/head lamp
• insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
• spare set of clothes.
• gloves/mittens

Optional items:(but highly recommended)
Gaiters, binoculars, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

We supply:
Therm-a-rest sleeping mat, tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, backpack liner (plastic bag), first aid kit, safety equipment and maps..

Luggage:
We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the vehicle. Hiking New Zealand accepts no responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.

Equipment Hire:
We have high quality hiking equipment which you can hire for our Hiking Tours. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date. Cancellation of gear hire must also occur at least 5 days in advance or no refund will be given.

Equipment Hire (NZ$)	20 days
Sleeping bag	$50
Backpack (60 litre)	$50
Polypro top+bottom	$20
Fleece jacket	$20
Raincoat	$40
Full set (all of above)	$140
Gaiters	$20
Walking pole	$20each

Transport

You will travel in a 10 or 12 seat minibus towing a trailer with camp equipment and your luggage. All vehicles have a public address system, and a stereo with a variety of music. It is also equipped with a range of natural history reference books. The average driving time per day is around 2-3 hours and there will be a range of roads - sealed and unsealed. The guide will often stop the vehicle for you to take photos.

Food

A lot of the meals are included on this tour, but when staying in the larger towns we let you do your own thing and try some of the excellent local restaurants. The meals we cook and prepare ourselves will be healthy and wholesome and include a lot of fresh produce. You may be asked to help the guide with preparation or washing up, don’t let this put you off though, it is part of our philosophy to get everyone involved. We believe this makes the whole experience more fun and rewarding. The trailers we tow are customised with a fold down table and cooking area, great for preparing picnics at all those secret places we will take you. Breakfast is usually continental style but don’t be surprised if you wake up to the smell of fresh pancakes! When you go on an overnight hike the group will carry a portable stove.

Accommodation

The New Zealand Uncut tour uses a range of accommodation: on the overnight hikes we either stay in huts or tents. The rest of the time we stay in comfortable and clean lodges and cabins. Generally rooms are twin share, if you are travelling on your own there may be occasions where you are in a triple share room with fellow travellers of the same gender.

Questions

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?
Most of the people on our tours are travelling alone. The tours are strong on group activities and participation including playing outdoor games, going for swims, helping one another to cross rivers, explore caves, and overcome obstacles and challenges. We encourage you to participate in activities, but if it's not your thing that is also OK. We allow time for people to be by themselves on tour if they need it.

Can I do join the South Island component?
Yes. The price for SI only is NZ$3135. We will just need to check availability

I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the tour, what should I do with it?
You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on tour. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a daypack). Depending how full the tour is, we may require you to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes everything is locked securely in the vehicle.

What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money, etc.) while we are hiking?
Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.

Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?
No. We try to leave the city early so we can spend more time in the wilderness. It is much easier for everyone to meet at a central location, usually the local Visitors Information Centre - and it doesn't cost much to get there on a taxi, shuttle or bus (or walking!).

I'm a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Not at all. We often have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. We also have lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or we may cook a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods. We can also cater for other dietary requirements, but please notify us when you book.

What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand experiences very changeable weather - especially in the remote mountainous regions where we spend most of our time. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and then the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect - see the 'What To Take' section. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important.

Will I be fit enough?
Our tours are graded B, C or D. Read the section 'Hiking and Fitness' and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness get out there and do day hikes in the weeks prior to your tour departure.

Who is in my group?
A small group (maximum 11 people), with a range of ages, nationalities and work backgrounds. We have hosted guests from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

How far in advance do I need to book?
The sooner the better for tours departing in the peak season (November to April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment. Availability for our trips is updated regularly on our departure dates page.

What type of gear should I buy?
If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment - good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after the tour then you could buy cheaper alternatives - just remember that it won't last as long nor do the job as well. You may also rent certain items from us.

What if I can't keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.

Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?
New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to them make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the tour. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.

Can I charge my camera/phone/laptop, etc. while on tour?
Yes. Most places we stay have electricity so you will be able to recharge batteries. If you have a vehicle adapter, bring it along as there may be an opportunity to charge items while we are driving.

Can I do laundry on tour?
Yes, most places we stay have laundry facilities. We recommend bringing items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear.

Additional Costs

Optional activities: Coromandel sea kayaking ($95*), Kaituna River rafting ($99*),

Meals out: 4 evening meal not included. The average cost for a restaurant dinner (main course) in New Zealand is about $25.

*Prices for optional activities correct at time of publishing.

Booking Conditions

Transferring:
You can transfer to another tour/ departure as long as it is more than 20 days prior to your pre-booked departure. Transfers within 20 days will require a cancellation and new booking. All transfers are subject to seat availability.

Payment:

For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund of full ticket price.
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund of full ticket price.
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND.
Deposits are not refunded.

Travel Insurance:

We strongly recommend that you have comprehensive travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a Hiking Tour. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.

Medical Conditions:

When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history, or medications that you are on. In particular, asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/bee stings and food allergies.

Disclaimer:

With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Hiking New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks in undertaking this activity could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, personal injury, or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.

The staff and management of Hiking New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Hiking New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.

Hiking New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to published schedules but no guarantee is given. Hiking New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.

Hiking New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at anytime if in the opinion of the guide or operator that person may be likely to risk the health, safety or comfort (including unsociable behaviour) of other clients, him or herself, or the environment. In such circumstances Hiking New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.

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