We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in central Rotorua between 8:00am and 8:30am, or Matamata at 9:30am. We’ll warm up with a 4km hike to the top of Wairere Falls, the North Islands tallest waterfall, and view the verdant Waikato Basin from two lookouts over hanging 153 metres of thunderous waterfall.

As we continue north, enjoy views out over the mussel farms of the Hauraki Gulf from one of New Zealand’s classic coastal drives, the Coromandel West Coast. Make a brief stop at Waiomu for refreshments before exploring the Waiomu Kauri Grove – this little known trail heads deep into a protected ecological reserve scattered with majestic Kauri trees – New Zealand’s very own forest giants that grow up to 50 metres tall.

Drive further up the Coromandel Peninsula in the late afternoon to reach your peaceful accommodation set amongst lush native bush, and watch the sunset from the verandah with a glass of wine or ice cold brew.

Accommodation: Coromandel Lodge – (L,D)

Walking time: 3-4 hours

If there’s one walk in New Zealand that has it all, it’s this one – the incredible Coromandel Coastal Walkway. After a short drive north from Coromandel township we’ll arrive at the trail head and begin our walk at Stony Bay, a picture perfect isolated beach flanked by green hills and white sand.

This historic trail follows an old bridle path once used by gold miners who populated the Coromandel region in colonial times.  Tracing the north eastern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, we walk through native bush and over high cliff tops with views of Great Barrier Island, Cuvier Island and the Mercury Islands.

We’ll have a picnic lunch at beautiful Poley Bay (a great spot for a swim if you’re keen!) before returning to Stony Bay.

Accommodation: Coromandel Lodge  – (B,L,D)

Walking time: 6 hours

After a delicious fresh breakfast we head south to the start of the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, also known as The Pinnacles.

We’ll make our way up through kauri, rimu and kahikatea forests to the Pinnacles that are perched high above the forest canopy.

The 360 degree views of bush, mountains and 2 coastlines are simply off the charts, and well worth the effort up the steep trail – don’t forget your camera! The Kauaeranga Valley is home to forest bird such as tui, bellbird, tomtit, grey warbler, shining cuckoo, north island brown kiwi and kaka, so keep your eyes peeled here as many of them are frequent visitors on the trail.

If the Pinnacles isn’t your style and you would prefer a more relaxing day you have the option of staying in and exploring Coromandel Township. Highlights include the Driving Creek Railway, local artisan workshops, short walks, cafes, and culture. Take the time to relax in paradise.

A fabulous day is topped off with a celebratory meal at one of Coromandel town’s fine restaurants.

Accommodation: Coromandel Lodgel- (B,L,D)

Walking time: 6-7 hours.

Travel east around the Peninsula towards Whitianga. Walk to the golden sand beaches and azure green waters of one of the top 20 best beaches in the world, New Chums Beach (this walk is dependant on the tides). Relax and absorb the natural beauty amidst the bird and marine life that thrives within this precious ecosystem.

After a restorative café pitstop nearby, we’ll carry on around for a refreshing lunch looking out over Buffalo Beach in sunny, vibrant Whitianga.

Continuing around the East Coast we’ll visit the 309 Kauri walk, a 30-minute stroll to a beautiful grove of majestic kauri trees, then have you safely back to a 4.5 star hotel in Rotorua, where you can enjoy a self-catered dinner at any local establishment that takes your fancy! This evening meal is not included in your tour package, so you have maximum flexibility to follow your nose.

Accommodation: Rotorua Hotel – (B,L)

Walking time: 3-4 hours

We’ll pick you up from your Rotorua accommodation between 8:30 am and 9:00am. As we head east, we’ll follow ancient Māori trails into the remote and breathtaking Whirinaki Forest, home to one of the last remaining giant podocarp forests in the world.

Step into a primeval world as we hike through this untouched wilderness, where only 5% of this ancient forest type remains globally. Towering native trees—including giant tōtara, kahikatea, and mataī—create a stunning canopy, while the forest floor is alive with rich biodiversity. This is not only a place of immense natural beauty but also the site of New Zealand’s first environmental protest, supported by well-known conservationists.

Keep an eye out for the elusive kākā (large forest parrot) and the rare whio (blue duck), both of which thrive in Whirinaki’s pristine ecosystem. The hike passes close to the moss-lined Te Whaiti-Nui-a-Toi canyon, one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets and a truly breathtaking sight.

After immersing ourselves in this extraordinary landscape, we’ll journey back to Rotorua, where you’ll be seen safely back to our Rotorua accommodation. We will finish the day with a restorative two-course meal at one of our favourite local spots.

Accommodation: Rotorua Hotel- (B,L,D)

Walking  time: 3-4 hours.

Today we will be heading south-west alongside the Waikato River and into the heart of the North Island’s mighty King Country.

Before reaching Pureora, we’ll first tackle the stunning Rainbow Mountain, where steaming vents, mineral-streaked cliffs, and regenerating native forest create an otherworldly landscape. From the summit, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching across to Mt Tarawera, the Rotorua lakes, and the distant peaks of Tongariro National Park.

Next, we step into the ancient embrace of Pureora Forest Park, a globally significant environmental area and a habitat for rare native bats. Walking part of the Timber Trail cycleway, we’ll experience a forest that has remained untouched for over 2,000 years. Towering tōtara trees dominate the canopy, hosting fragile ecosystems and providing a home for kōkako, kākāriki (green forest parrot), and kākā (brown forest parrot).

Immersed in this primordial landscape, we’ll reflect on what New Zealand’s forests were like before human settlement. As the day comes to a close, we’ll head back to our accommodation to unwind and enjoy another delicious two-course meal, paired with a refreshing drink to toast the day’s adventures.

Accommodation: Rotorua Hotel- (B,L,D)

Walking time: 4 hours.

We’ll pick you up from our Rotorua accommodation between 8:30am – 9:00, before heading to the heart of Rotorua’s natural wonders. Our first stop is the tranquil Blue Lake, where we’ll take a scenic loop around its calm waters, surrounded by lush forest. From here, we’ll make our way to Lake Okareka, where you’ll be immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful lake as we enjoy a short walk along its shores. The lake is a breeding habitat for rare dabchicks.

Next, we head to Tutea Falls, where the powerful water cascades over rocky cliffs in a dramatic display. This iconic waterfall is one of the most impressive in Rotorua, and we’ll take the time to appreciate its sheer force and beauty. Finally, we’ll venture into the towering ancient forests of the Redwoods, where the giant trees stand as silent guardians of the forest, creating a truly magical environment.

After exploring these stunning landscapes, we’ll return to Rotorua around 5-6pm.  Dinner this evening is outside your tour package, your guide will be happy to recommend great local eateries to try.

Accommodation: Rotorua Hotel – (B,L)

Walking time: 5 hours

We’ll depart Rotorua between 8.30am and 9.00am, or central Taupō at 10.00am, before heading south through the North Island’s geothermal heartland. We’ll skirt around the beautiful shores of Lake Taupō, the North Island’s largest lake, and then drive up through stunning native forest onto the mighty central plateau.

We’ll get our first taste of the topography and natural character of the Tongariro National Park with a 2-hour loop walk to Taranaki Falls, which is part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk track. These falls tumble 20 metres over the edge of an old andesite lava flow, erupted from Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago, into a boulder-ringed pool.

We’ll continue to warm-up and stretch out the legs with an easy, 20 minute walk in to see Tawhai Falls, better known as ‘Gollum’s Pool.’ If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll recognise this picturesque, 13 metre-high waterfall, where Faramir and his archers watch Gollum fish.

After settling into our cozy lodgings, we’ll share a hearty, 2-course Kiwi-style meal and a cold glass of something to toast the beginning of our Tongariro adventure as we watch the sun set over the magnificent volcanic skyline.

Accommodation: The Park Hotel – (B,L,D)

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 meadows, over an alpine pass, amidst the stunning mountain peaks – 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!

After a well-deserved trailend celebration, we’ll return to The Park and revive your weary muscles in the outdoor spa pool, before meeting in the cosy lounge for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. Tonight we head out to a lively local restaurant and bar for a casual meal with the locals.

Accommodation:  The Park Hotel – (B,L,D)                                      Walking time: 7-8 hours.

Travel around the southern side of Mt Ruapehu to experience some of New Zealand’s rail history on the Old Coach Road trail. Between 1906 to 1908 the road was used to carry passengers and goods by horse and coach, between two railheads on the main trunk line.

Heritage features on the trail include a unique cobbled road of stone “setts”, massive steel viaducts, a curved tunnel, railway bridge remains, and old campsites. The 15km walk takes around 5 hours, and also passes through some beautiful stands of native forest with sweeping views across the district.

In consultation with the group, and if local conditions allow, we will explore the dramatic, rock-strewn landscapes higher up Mt Ruapehu. At 2,797 metres above sea level, the North Island’s highest mountain offers jaw-dropping views over the National Park.

Tonight we enjoy a final celebration dinner together and raise our glasses to completing a fantastic walking adventure.

Accommodation: The Park Hotel – (B,L,D)                                       

Walking time: approx. 5 hours

After a final hearty breakfast, we pack up our kit and farewell the National Park and its majestic mountains.

On our journey out of the park, we’ll finish things off with a rejuvenating hike around the glistening Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake) nestled in the side of beautiful Mt. Pihanga, a mountain maiden central to the Māori legend that describes how this area was formed. From the carpark, we’ll make our way up a small incline to reach the lake level itself, where the track evens out to circumvent the lakeshore. We’ll enjoy our final picnic lunch on Five Minute Beach in the peace and serenity of lush, native forest. We support Project Tongariro, an eco-trust that are working to restore the native birdlife to this special area, by sponsoring the care of hectare #189. Let us all enjoy time amongst the abundant native birdlife that our conservation efforts have helped to revive.

We’ll have you safely back in Taupo between 3–4 pm or Rotorua around 5–6pm to meet your onward travel arrangements.

Walking time: 3-4 hours – (B,L)