New Zealand Trails

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

Intro Map Itinerary Price Reviews Dates Activity Level Accommodation FAQs

New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North

The ultimate North Island hiking experience.

map

North Island

6 Days | 5 Nights

Start/End: Auckland

Activity Level: 3 - 4

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. 

ACTIVITIES
  • Walking & Hiking
  • Jet Boat Ride
  • Glowworm Caves
  • Eco Sanctuary
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Tongariro Crossing
  • Whanganui Journey Day Trip
  • Glowworm Cave Tour
  • Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
  • And more!
ACCOMMODATION STYLE

Comfortable Lodging

ALL-INCLUSIVE OF:

Accommodation, all meals, your local guides, premium transport, and all hikes & activities.

Price: NZD$6698 NZD$7998 AUD$6298 USD$3999 +tax GBP£3698 CAD$5599 +tax
All inclusive
Secure your spot with a 15% deposit.
Guaranteed for life.

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

New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North Route Map

NZ GW NORTH7

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

Day

1

Arrive Auckland
Glowworm Caves

Includes

Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Walking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Pureora Forest

Spellbound Cave Tour on your New Zealand North Island itinerary2
spellbound waitomo glowworm caves waikato3 Spellbound glowworm threads

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland & Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves

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 Waitomo for an otherworldly experience. On the way, we'll stop for our first hike of the trip. 

Spellbound Waitomo Caves

Today we’ll explore the famous Waitomo Caves. With an expert guide leading the way, you will wander through the cave whilst gazing at these wonderful creatures that are only found here in New Zealand! 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!

This afternoon we'll make our way to Pureora Forest - our home for the night.

Tonight we stay at Timber Trail Lodge*

Day

2

Hike Pureora Forest
Taranaki

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Walking Sightseeing Hiking
Accommodation

New Plymouth

Kaniwhaniwha Reserve
Day 2 guests exploring Taranaki solo woman explores Pureora Forest GN2

Day 2 - Pureora Forest Walks & Taranaki

After a restful night’s sleep, we'll explore Pureora Forest before we hit the road again and make our way to Taranaki. We’ll take our time, stopping at some of our favourite spots along the way to stretch our legs and capture the glorious views. If the tides are in our favour, we'll explore Three Sisters, spectacular rock formations found on the North Taranaki coast. 

Pureora Forest

Step into the heart of Pureora Forest, where ancient podocarp trees tower above and birdsong echoes through the canopy. With well-formed trails weaving through lush native bush, this is a hiker’s paradise. As we hike through the forest, you’ll learn about the unique plants and wildlife.

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge Walk

This scenic walk takes you to the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, where art, engineering, and landscape come together. You’ll follow a coastal walkway to this striking white archway, perfectly framing Mt Taranaki on a clear day.

Tonight we stay at Distinction New Plymouth Hotel*

Day

3

Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
Egmont National Park

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing
Accommodation

Whanganui

5 Couple in Egmont National Park3
New Zealand North Island Forest2 Mt Taranaki Blue Sky2

Day 3 - Explore Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/Egmont National Park

Today we'll explore Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki/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.

Lake Mangamahoe Loop Track

The Lake Mangamahoe Loop Track takes us through quiet forest and along the peaceful edge of Lake Mangamahoe. Keep an eye out for cheeky fantails and other native birdlife along the way. On a clear day, you’ll catch striking views of Mount Taranaki.

Ngatoro Loop Track & Connett Loop Track

This afternoon we’ll hike the Ngatoro Loop Track & Connett Loop Track through 'goblin forest,' where moss and lichens drape over roots and cling to twisted trees. Look out for native birdlife flitting through the canopy as you immerse yourself in this unique forest.

Tonight we stay at Kings Court Motel*

Day

4

Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River Journey

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Jetboating Hiking Wildlife
Accommodation

Tongariro National Park Region

Bridge to Nowhere2
happy guests on Whanganui River Journey Whanganui River Journey

Day 4 - The Whanganui River Journey & Bridge to Nowhere

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

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 at Braxmere Lodge.*

Day

5

Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro Crossing

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Meals
Activities
Hiking Sightseeing Geothermal
Accommodation

Tongariro National Park region

3 Tongariro Crossing hiking and adventure tours 3
guests and guide maddy hiking tongariro 3 Emerald Lake Tongariro Crossing2

Day 5 - Tongariro National Park & The Tongariro Crossing

Today we’ll experience our second New Zealand Great Walk of the trip - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a trail widely renowned as the best day hike in the world! 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 Braxmere Lodge again*

Day

6

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Depart Auckland

Includes

Breakfast
Lunch

Meals
Activities
Hiking Wildlife
Accommodation

three women hiking in the forest
tui bird in tree 6 Kaka Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari GN

Day 6 - Explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari & Depart Auckland

It may be the final day of our North Island adventure, but it will certainly be one to remember. Today we’ll explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a remarkable eco-sanctuary that protects native wildlife. Home to some of New Zealand’s rarest birds and plants, this predator-free sanctuary offers a glimpse of the land as it once was.

This afternoon 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.  

*For logistical reasons, we may make small changes to our itineraries or accommodation from time to time. 

Don’t take our word for it...

Don GN12JAN26
From the very beginning, we were contacted by Jodi when we just were exploring going to New Zealand. From then on, it was stellar. The help with pre-trip hotel booking, flights from the USA and any little thing we might have a question about was handled quickly and gave us the feeling we were no bother. Our guides for both trips were awesome! Shona and Simone in the north. Wow, can Simone make a salad, and Shona has the humor and driving ability that can't be beat. With all of our guides, we felt safe, informed, and did we ever have fun. To sum it up, our time in New Zealand was the best!
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- Don Seely, January 2026

Star
Grace Vella GN08DEC25
This walking holiday on the North Island exceeded my expectations in relation to the attention to detail and care for our group of eight visitors. As diverse as our nationalities and experiences were, it felt like friendships were easily forged and we encouraged each other when the trekking got hard. As I kept saying to Age when we were driving through the fantastic landscapes of NZ, "just how much green can there be? When do the mountains stop?" There was always something to be amazed by out the window. The walks were just as wonderous, some challenging, but all different across the week. It was so good to arrive at very comfortable accommodation and then be wined and dined so well to finish off the day. Natalie and Age: two incredible humans who I got to admire so dearly in the short time I knew them. Genuinely interested in the people on the trip, patient when they had to wait for us (me) slow coaches! No request was too difficult or annoying. We had some very deep conversations and some very funny moments. As I say, it's not just the places you see but the people you meet, that is why I love to travel. I'm already thinking about which New Zealand Trails holiday I will choose next!
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- Grace Vella, December 2025

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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?

What's not included in The New Zealand Great Walk Adventure - North?

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?

Tell me about your safety standards.

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?

How do I sign up for a trip?

I'm ready to sign up - how and when do I pay for my trip?

Can I pay off my trip in instalments?

How much is the deposit?

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!

2026

GREAT WALKS NORTH
9 11 2026 - 14 11 2026
Nearly Full - Only one spot left!
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Only one spot left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
23 11 2026 - 28 11 2026
Nearly Full - Only four spots left!
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Only four spots left!

2027

GREAT WALKS NORTH
25 1 2027 - 30 1 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
1 2 2027 - 6 2 2027
Nearly Full - Only one spot left!
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Only one spot left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
8 2 2027 - 13 2 2027
Nearly Full - Only five spots left!
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Only five spots left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
15 2 2027 - 20 2 2027
Nearly Full - Only one spot left!
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Only one spot left!
GREAT WALKS NORTH
8 3 2027 - 13 3 2027
Full - Sold Out
Full
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
15 3 2027 - 20 3 2027
Full - Sold Out
Full
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
22 3 2027 - 27 3 2027
Full - Sold Out
Full
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
29 3 2027 - 3 4 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
8 11 2027 - 13 11 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
22 11 2027 - 27 11 2027
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
29 11 2027 - 4 12 2027
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2028

GREAT WALKS NORTH
17 1 2028 - 22 1 2028
Great
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
24 1 2028 - 29 1 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
31 1 2028 - 5 2 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
14 2 2028 - 19 2 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
28 2 2028 - 4 3 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
13 3 2028 - 18 3 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
27 3 2028 - 1 4 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
6 11 2028 - 11 11 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
20 11 2028 - 25 11 2028
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
4 12 2028 - 9 12 2028
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2029

GREAT WALKS NORTH
15 1 2029 - 20 1 2029
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
12 2 2029 - 17 2 2029
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GREAT WALKS NORTH
19 3 2029 - 24 3 2029
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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$6698 AUD$6298 USD$3999+tax GBP£3698 NZD$7998 CAD$5599+tax
per person (twin or double share)

Bridge to Nowhere5

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