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.

ACCOMMODATION: Ohakune Hotel, Ohakune  

MEALS: (L,D)

Hiking: 5.8 kilometers (3.6 miles), 2.5 hours, elevation +/- 190 meters (623 feet)

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 The Park and revive our weary muscles in the outdoor spa pool.

ACCOMMODATION: Ohakune Hotel, Ohakune 

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Hiking: 19.4km (12 miles), 7 hours, elevation +/- 843 meters (2765 feet)

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.

ACCOMMODATION: Ohakune Hotel, Ohakune 

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Hiking: 8km total (5 miles), 5 hours, Skyline hike - elevation +/- 241 meters (790 feet) Taranaki Falls hike - elevation +/- 145 meters (475 feet)

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.

ACCOMMODATION: Aura Hotel, Rotorua  

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Paddling: 4km / 2.4 miles. 3 hours

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 our final dinner an evening together.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua  

MEALS: (B,D)

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

ACCOMMODATION:  Aura Hotel, Rotorua 

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Hiking: 9.8km total (6 miles), 5 hours, Mount Maunganui hike - elevation +/- 250 meters (820 feet) Taranaki Orokawa Bay hike - elevation +/- 170 meters (557 feet)

Today is the last day of your Earth Sea Sky 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 there, we’re happy to advise you on the best flights to Christchurch for the start of your trip there!

MEALS: (B)