7 Days - North Island - New Zealand

Our trip begins in Rotorua, the cultural heart of New Zealand, and the perfect starting point for our drive south into the volcanic central plateau. We’ll pass Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, before heading into Tongariro National Park. We’ll begin with a hike around an ancient explosion crater, now a pristine volcanic lake surrounded by virgin rainforest.

The native birdlife here is magic, with many species here able to thrive, due to intensive measures to control predators. This is a great introduction to hiking in the North Island and an insight into New Zealand’s unique natural history.

After our hike we’ll head to Ohakune and settle into our accommodation, we’ll meet up again for dinner at a local pub for our first Kiwi meal together.

Ohakune Hotel, Ohakune
Dinner
Hiking: 5.8km / 3.6 miles

This morning we’ll set off on one of the world’s greatest one-day hikes – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This trail leads us through an incredible variety of ethereal landscapes – lava fields, emerald-coloured crater lakes, steaming vents, alpine passes, and sense forest. There’s nothing like it anywhere else on the planet! The views across to Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu, and the Central Plateau of the North Island are simply spectacular and worth every step!

Your guides make this incredible hike even more memorable by sharing local stories and legends, and bringing the extraordinary geological history to life. We’ll return to Ohakune to celebrate our hike.

Ohakune Hotel, Ohakune
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 19.4km / 12 miles

We’ll drive a short distance south this morning around New Zealand’s highest and largest volcano, Mt Ruapehu. This iconic mountain is sacred to Māori, and is a much loved ski area. We’ll take a gondola ride up to Knoll Ridge before beginning with a hike up the “Skyline” ridge. Here we’ll view the entire central plateau (including Mt Ngaruahoe – AKA Mt Doom) and out to the West Coast. Spectacular!

Later, we’ll descend and hike a loop trail in the alpine tussock area, with the highlight being Taranaki Falls - a massive waterfall cascading over the edge of a large andesite lava flow which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago.

Ohakune Hotel, Ohakune
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 8km / 5 miles

We’ll depart the mountain zone this morning and head North to Lake Taupo - New Zealand largest lake, and an ancient explosion crater left by one of the worlds largest volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. With specialist sea kayaking guides, we’ll embark on an incredible paddling excursion on the crystal clear waters of the lake. Beginning in the sheltered waters of Acacia Bay, we’ll explore the secluded Rock Carvings at Mine Bay before paddling below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets that kayaks can only harbor into.

Later, we’ll continue on to Rotorua, the cultural heart of New Zealand.

Rotorua Hotel, Rotorua
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paddling: 4km / 2.4 miles

Today is free for you to explore the multitude of adventure or leisure activities available in Rotorua. There’s so much you can do here you’ll be almost too spoiled for choice! Raft the world’s highest waterfall on the Kaituna river, take a canopy tour on a zipline, experience the thermal activity at Hells Gate… the choice is yours.

If you’re a fan of the Tolkein movies, there’s an option to take a morning tour to the Hobbiton movie set just a short drive away in the town of Matamata. Later we’ll meet for dinner in town.

Hotel Rotorua
Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we’ll hike the iconic volcanic cone of Mauao, which looms large over the beautiful beaches of Mt Maunganui. The views from the top are insane!

Later, we'll drive a short distance up the coast to Waihi Beach - a local favourite and an amazing sport for a beachfront lunch.

After lunch we'll walk over the north headland of Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay - one of THE most beautiful and secluded beaches in New Zealand. There's a vast array of birdlife to be seen on the way, so keep your eye out! We'll return to Rotorua, and enjoy our final dinner together.

Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 8.2km / 5.1 miles

Today is the last day of your Conqueror Adventures hiking exploration of the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Our aim is to create incredible moments that count with like minded people, and build lifelong friendships through physical activity and shared experiences in some of the worlds most beautiful places.

We’ll drop you at Rotorua airport in time for your flight to Auckland. If you’re heading to the South Island to join us, we’re happy to advise you on the best flights to Christchurch for the start of your trip there!

Breakfast

• All meals as per itinerary
• All transport and shuttles
• Guiding and hosting
• All park entrance fees
• All accommodation
• Luggage transfers

• International and domestic flights
• Travel Insurance
• Personal hiking gear
• Luggage
• Personal snacks
• Alcoholic beverages

We understand the importance of a good nights rest. We have carefully chosen only locally owned lodgings that understand the importance of a place to unwind and share the experience with your fellow travelers. While you won’t be glamming it up at the Ritz (that’s not our style), you’ll enjoy a comfortable accommodation with amazing local hosts.

The international gateway into New Zealand is Auckland International Airport. There are numerous connecting domestic flights to Rotorua from Auckland (30 minute flight) which you can easily add on when you reserve your flights. You can also arrive to Rotorua from Auckland by bus, or rental car (2.5 hour drive). Ask us for help with any of these arrangements!