New Zealand Trails

5-21 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours

Intro Map Itinerary Dates Activity Level Accommodation FAQs

New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North

The ultimate North Island hiking experience.

From the lush native rainforest of the Whanganui River to the black sand beaches of the West Coast and the geothermal wonderland of Tongariro National Park, you’ll experience the very best of New Zealand’s North Island on this six-day hiking tour. Explore the diverse landscapes of our North Island Great Walks – The Tongariro Crossing and the Whanganui River journey, hike through the rolling, forested hills of Waikato and marvel at the snow-capped peak of Mt Taranaki in Egmont National Park. This New Zealand Great Walk Adventure is the ultimate North Island hiking experience. 

This trip is designed for those who want a hiking-focused North Island trip that is peppered with quintessential North Island experiences like the glowworm caves of Waitomo, the black sand beaches of the west coast and the geothermal wonders of Tongariro National Park. Experience our legendary ‘Kiwi’ hospitality with our world-class New Zealand guides and gain exclusive access to areas of the North Island that you could never see otherwise.

Designed as a standalone trip, the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – North trip is also the perfect complement to any of our South Island tours. Combine both North and South for the ultimate New Zealand experience. After all, why come all this way if you’re only going to see half of what’s here?­­ 

Activity Level 3 to 4: Designed for those who want a hiking-focused trip. You know that sometimes the best views need to be earned and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You can scale your activity level up to a 4 or down to a 3 every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on a variety of trails and enjoy day walks and hikes that showcase the best of New Zealand. Click here for a full breakdown of The Great Walk Adventure - North activity level. 

Trip Style: Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked and restaurant meals to fuel you for the adventurous days of walking and activities, and sleep soundly at night in comfortable accommodation that we have chosen specifically for their fantastic locations. On day one of your trip, your guides will pick you up from either our joining hotel or the airport in a late-model Mercedes Benz Sprinter. This will be your vehicle for the duration of the trip and your luggage will travel with you in the luggage compartment. You'll bring your small day pack with your hiking essentials (jacket, water bottle, sun hat etc) onto the vehicle and this will be all you will need to carry with you when you are out exploring.

Click here to download the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North itinerary

6 Days

North
ISLAND

map
Starts

Auckland

Finishes

Auckland

Activity level 3 - 4

Accommodation

Comfortable Lodging

Price
NZD$6299 NZD$7499 AUD$5999 USD$4399 +tax GBP£3499 CAD$5999 +tax
ALL INCLUSIVE!

Enquire Book now

New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Route Map

NZ GW NORTH

New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day

1

Arrive Auckland
Hike Matahuru Valley

Includes

Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Raglan

Matahuru Valley Waikato2
Guests on Matahuru Valley Walk Matahuru Valley Guest

Arrive Auckland & Hike Matahuru Valley

Welcome to New Zealand’s North Island, a diverse sub-tropical paradise waiting to be explored. With a landscape ranging from barren geothermal plateaus to lush rainforest and golden sand beaches, it’s yours to explore for the next six days. After meeting your expert New Zealand guides and fellow travellers in Auckland, we’ll head South to explore the rolling green hills of the Waikato. 

Made up of the shared land of three private farms, the Matahuru Valley Walk showcases the rolling green hills of the Waikato and epitomizes the lush fertile landscape of this spectacular region. As we explore you’ll enjoy exclusive access to this incredible property and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch overlooking the valley. From here we’ll make for the coast and our home for the night of Raglan – New Zealand’s surf capital.

*Tonight we stay in Raglan

Day

2

Explore Bridal Veil Falls
Hike Pureora Forest

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Walking Sightseeing Hiking
Accommodation

Plateau Lodge

Bridal Veil Falls
2. Beautiful green beech forest on Kepler Track copy 2 Raglan Beach

Raglan, Bridal Veil Falls & Pureora Forest Walk

After a restful night’s sleep, we’ll enjoy a slower start to the morning and have some free time to explore Raglan and its many bustling cafes and sun-soaked beach. Once hitting the road we’ll make our first stop at the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. After a scenic walk through native forest, our destination will burst into view as cascading water tumbles some 55m from the Bridal Veil Falls above. 

Pureora Forest

This afternoon we’ll make our way to Pureora Forest to stretch our legs in some of New Zealand’s iconic native forest. You’ll learn about our native flora and fauna as we take our time to explore Pureora Forest. After exploring the forest we’ll make our way to Tongariro National Park and Plateau Lodge where we’ll be staying for the next two nights.

*Tonight we stay at Plateau Lodge

Day

3

Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro Crossing

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing Geothermal
Accommodation

Plateau Lodge

3 Tongariro Crossing hiking and adventure tours 2
3 Mount Doom Tongariro Crossing group tours copy 3 Emerald Lake Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro National Park & The Tongariro Crossing

Today we’ll experience our first New Zealand Great Walk of the trip and a trail widely renowned as the best day hike in the world – The Tongariro Alpine Crossing! Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest National Park and boasts dual World Heritage status, acknowledged for both its cultural and environmental significance.

Starting with a healthy breakfast to fuel our adventure we’ll meet our local guides who’ll take us on a journey across this moon-like landscape. We'll pass bubbling geothermal steam vents, marvel at centuries-old lava flows and soak in the views across ancient volcanic craters. With our guides abundance of local knowledge and expertise, you’ll laugh, learn, and be left in awe as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.

*Tonight we stay at Plateau Lodge

Day

4

Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River Journey

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Jetboating Hiking Wildlife
Accommodation

Stratford

Bridge to Nowhere2
Bridge to Nowhere visit Ruapehu S Whanganui River Journey

The Whanganui River Journey & Bridge to Nowhere

Today we’ll enjoy one of the most uniquely New Zealand experiences of the trip and our second New Zealand Great Walk – the Whanganui River Journey. Unlike all our other Great Walks this journey takes us out on the water.

After a picnic lunch at a remote wilderness lodge deep in Whanganui National Park, we’ll hop in a jetboat for an exhilarating ride down the Whanganui River. From there we’ll explore this magical area on foot and discover one of the North Island’s best-kept secrets – the Bridge to Nowhere! Immersed in lush native rainforest you’ll be awestruck as this iconic bridge seemingly springs to life from the surrounding wilderness.

*Tonight we stay in Stratford.

Day

5

Egmont National Park
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing Wildlife
Accommodation

Waitomo

Dawson Falls Taranaki
Mt Taranaki View Waitomo Caves Walk S

Hike Egmont National Park & Explore Waitomo Caves

This morning you’ll be treated to our third National Park of the trip as we explore Egmont National Park and marvel at Mt Taranaki’s iconic peak. The dormant snow-capped volcano towers above its surroundings and makes for one of the most spectacular views anywhere in New Zealand. If you’re a keen photographer be sure to have your camera ready! Today we'll sample a variety of hikes showcasing some of our favourite areas of the National Park like Dawson Falls, Stratford Plateau and Wilkies Pools.

Waitomo Caves Walk 

This afternoon we’ll explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. We’ll visit two vastly different caves and learn all about their formation. Stepping onto a raft, you’ll be transported into a unique environment where it seems the night sky is always shining. With glowworms galore you will marvel at the constellations they seem to create! In the next cave, you will wander through whilst gazing at these wonderful creatures that are only found here in New Zealand!

*Tonight we stay in Waitomo

Day

6

Kaniwhaniwha Reserve
Depart Auckland

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch

Meals
Activities
Walking Hiking Wildlife
Accommodation

Kaniwhaniwha Reserve
2. Sweet North road trip views copy 1. Solo guest enjoying Whitianga coast views copy

Kaniwhaniwha Reserve & Depart Auckland

As we depart Waitomo it may be the final day of our North Island adventure, but it will certainly be one to remember. This morning we’ll explore the Kaniwhaniwha Reserve and the incredible Nikau & Kaniwhaniwha Caves walk and its impressive limestone formations.

From here we’ll make our way back to Auckland, allowing plenty of time to reminisce on the past six incredible days. We’re happy to drop you at the airport or at your Auckland accommodation. We recommend that you combine this trip with one of our South Island itineraries to enjoy the complete New Zealand experience. This trip works particularly well in conjunction with our Kiwi Classic and Masterpiece trips or combine it with New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – South for the ultimate Great Walks experience.  

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New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Accommodation

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Frequently asked questions

It's very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North trip. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!

And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!

Which National Parks and Great Walks does the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North visit?

What is the accommodation like on The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

What time does The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North start and finish?

What are the bathroom facilities like on the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

Is there electricity at all of the places we stay on The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

Will I have wifi access throughout the trip?

What's included in The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

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What kind of people will be on The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

Can you organize a private trip of The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North for me and my friends/family?

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How old are the people on your tours?

How fit do I need to be for the New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

Do I have to pay extra if I'm travelling by myself?

Do I need outdoor experience for The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

What does going on a guided trip entail?

Can you help with booking pre and post trip accommodation and flights?

How do we get around New Zealand? What happens with my luggage?

How much time will we spend in the vehicle?

More frequently asked questions

Activity Level

The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North is an activity level 3 to 4 and is designed for those who want a hiking-focused trip. You know that sometimes the best views need to be earned and you love a wee bit of a challenge. You can scale your activity level up to a 4 or down to a 3 every day so you can enjoy New Zealand at a pace that's right for you. Walk on a variety of trails and enjoy day walks and hikes that showcase the best of New Zealand.

Elevation Maps & Hike Information

Tour dates

Explore the incredible natural diversity of our North Island across three of our National Parks and two Great Walks. This six-day adventure is the perfect complement to any of our South Island trips or as a own standalone adventure. From the lush native forest of the Whanganui River to the iconic peak of Mt Taranaki this trip is the ultimate North Island hiking experience. 

Check out our trip dates below to find your ideal time to visit. Places on our trips fill up quickly so keep an eye on availability here too. 

Thinking of visiting New Zealand in the next year or so?

We only run a limited number of departures each year and as you can see below, they fill up months in advance! Most of our guests lock in their trips at least a year out from travelling so they don't miss out on their preferred dates. If you have specific dates in mind, let’s chat!

2024

GREAT WALKS NORTH
11 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2023
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2025

GREAT WALKS NORTH
06 Jan 2025 - 11 Jan 2025
Nearly Full - Only three spots left!
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Only three spots left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
20 Jan 2025 - 25 Jan 2025
Nearly Full - Only five spots left!
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Only five spots left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
03 Feb 2025 - 08 Feb 2025
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
17 Feb 2025 - 22 Feb 2025
Nearly Full - Only one spot left!
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Only one spot left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
03 Mar 2025 - 08 Mar 2025
Nearly Full - Only two spots left!
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Only two spots left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
17 Mar 2025 - 22 Mar 2025
Nearly Full - Only five spots left!
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Only five spots left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
24 Mar 2025 - 29 Mar 2025
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Check availability!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
03 Nov 2025 - 08 Nov 2025
Nearly Full - Private trip
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Private trip
GREAT WALKS NORTH
17 Nov 2025 - 22 Nov 2025
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
08 Dec 2025 - 13 Dec 2025
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2026

GREAT WALKS NORTH
12 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
26 Jan 2026 - 31 Jan 2026
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
23 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
09 Mar 2026 - 14 Mar 2026
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
09 Nov 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
23 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
14 Dec 2026 - 19 Dec 2026
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2027

GREAT WALKS NORTH
25 Jan 2027 - 30 Jan 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
01 Feb 2027 - 06 Feb 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
08 Feb 2027 - 13 Feb 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
15 Feb 2027 - 20 Feb 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
08 Mar 2027 - 13 Mar 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
15 Mar 2027 - 20 Mar 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
08 Nov 2027 - 13 Nov 2027
Great
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
22 Nov 2027 - 27 Nov 2027
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2028

GREAT WALKS NORTH
17 Jan 2028 - 22 Jan 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
14 Feb 2028 - 19 Feb 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
13 Mar 2028 - 18 Mar 2028
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New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North – ready to book?

The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure – North is the ultimate North Island hiking experience. Explore the best of our North Island’s Great Walks and get off the beaten track on this six-day hiking adventure!

Local guides

Small groups

All food (except where noted on itinerary), transportation and activities

All inclusive

All accommodation

NZD$6299 AUD$5999 USD$4399+tax GBP£3499 NZD$7499 CAD$5999+tax
per person (twin or double share)

Bridge to Nowhere5

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