Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: New Zealand North Island Hiking
Day 1 Welcome to Auckland
30-minute airport transfer
Meet your MT Sobek guide at Auckland airport and enjoy a transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, meet your group at the lobby bar, then head out to a waterfront restaurant for your first taste of New Zealand.
Accommodation: Rydges Auckland Hotel
(D)
Day 2 Explore the Hauraki Gulf & Sip Wine on Waiheke Island
50-minute cruise and 10-minute shuttle transfer
40-minutes walking
Hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island, the largest island in Hauraki Gulf. Stroll along its undulating shorelines and admire gorgeous coastal headlands, vine-laden landscapes, olive groves, and pristine beaches of white sand. Transfer by shuttle to one of the island's most established wineries and enjoy a tasting of superb New Zealand wines before lunch. After returning to Auckland mid-afternoon, enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Rydges Auckland Hotel
(B, L)
Day 3 Drive to Rotorua & Hike the Tarawera Trail
3.5-hour drive to Rotorua, 20-minute water taxi
Up to 5 miles/2 to 4 hours hiking with 500' elevation gain and 750' loss
Drive to the town of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region, a beautiful area of lakes, geothermal landscapes, and lush forests. Starting from Lake Tarawera, one of 18 lakes in the region, embark on the Tarawera Trail that meanders through the bush to heavenly sand-strewn beaches where you will enjoy a trail lunch and a refreshing dip. Return by water taxi. After settling in the hotel, enjoy a lovely buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Rydges Rotorua
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Venture into the Whirinaki Rainforest & Explore Rotorua
2.5-hour private transfer
5 miles/3 to 4 hours hiking with 450' elevation gain and loss
Hike in the majestic Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park, an ancient podocarp forest with moss-laden trees up to 1,000-years old and 200-feet tall. Take a riverside loop hike, learning about this home of Ngati Whare people as well as more than 50 endangered species. Stop by a waterfall for a picnic. Back in Rotorua, visit Ohinemutu, a historic Maori village, and the vibrant Anglican church on Rotorua lakeshore. In the evening, feast on the traditional hangi dinner prepared in a ground pit and admire a Maori cultural performance.
Accommodation: Rydges Rotorua
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Experience Waiotapu Thermal Reserve & Explore Lake Taupo
1-hour private van transfer
1.5 hours/3 miles walking, 90-minute boat cruise (optional)
Start the day at the spectacular Waiotapu thermal reserve — an otherworldly landscape of steaming vents, sinter craters, bizarre colored lakes, and mud pools. Weather-permitting, savor a picnic by the mighty Huka Falls or take a swim in the lake. In the late afternoon, set off by public boat to explore Lake Taupo and visit contemporary Maori rock carvings in the northern ignimbrite cliffs (only accessible by water). Dine on the launch and soak up astonishing views across the lake to the volcanoes.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Journey from Taupo to Tongariro National Park
2-hour private van transfer
2 to 3 miles/1.5 to 3 hours hiking with 420' elevation gain and loss; Taranaki Falls 4 miles/1.5 to 3 hours hiking with 450' elevation gain and loss
Start with breakfast at the hotel, then drive south skirting the eastern shore of New Zealand's largest lake, Taupo, formed by massive volcanic eruptions. Drive and hike around the bush-fringed Lake Rotopounamu, keeping an eye out for birds like the North Island robin and kaka. Rest over a picnic lunch at a beach, and then continue on to Tongariro National Park. Join your guide on one of the lower mountain walks, Taranaki Falls or Silica springs, either on the way to the hotel or after check-in.
Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
1.5-hour private van transfer
12.6-miles/9-hours hiking with 3,280' elevation gain and loss
Set out for a full day of hiking over the UNESCO-listed Tongariro Alpine Crossing to the craters of Mount Tongariro. This world-renowned trek features striking volcanic terrain, old lava flows, active craters, steam vents, and emerald lakes. The track can be steep and rocky at times; as such, it is best suited to hikers who are very fit. Guests who prefer a more restful day can explore the area, walk to 50-foot Taranaki Falls, see the exhibits in the Park Visitor Center, and enjoy a lunch on their own.
Accommodation: Skotel Alpine Resort
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Journey to Wellington & Explore the City
4.5-hour private transfer
In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital. Along the way, take in the dazzling imagery of Tongariro National Park, post-glacial river terraces of Rangitikei and the North Wellington coast. Savor an early lunch at a local cafe, and later the farewell drinks at a bar overlooking the marina. Spend the rest of the day exploring this lovely harbor city with a beach-lined waterfront, and a happening craft beer and art scene.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Head Home or Transfer to Nelson
45-minute flight (if continuing to Nelson)
Trip participants who are doing the North Island journey finish the tour in Wellington. This cozy and walkable city, often called the San Francisco of New Zealand, makes for an excellent extension of the trip for a day or two. Those who are continuing on the South Island leg of the trip will take a quick mid-morning transfer to Wellington airport, followed by a 45-minute scenic flight to the town of Nelson.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay
(B)
