10 Day North Island Great Walks Package

New Zealand is one of the best hiking destinations in the world. Highlights of North Island New Zealand hiking holidays include the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Lake Waikaremoana Track.

Experience a stunning diversity of scenery with the 10 Day North Island Great Walks Package. From volcanos and glowworm caves to mist-shrouded native forests, the North Island is packed with wonders.

Our New Zealand hiking holidays cover everything you need for a fantastic experience. From meals to hiking gear, every element of your guided walk is seen too.

Read on for more details on the 10 Day North Island Great Walks Package.

10 Day North Island Great Walks Package | New Zealand Hiking Holidays

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbours. Collect your rental car from the airport, explore the city, then make your way to your accommodation.

Relax in Auckland today. Your options include visiting the Sky Tower, the Auckland Zoo, or Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World; venturing to one of Auckland’s stunning beaches or West Auckland wineries, or doing a spot of shopping.

Auckland is a shopaholic’s paradise, with everything from top-end designers to open–air street markets. Discover the diverse range of cafés and restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe and check out the buzzing nightlife of the central city. Favourite spots include Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct Harbour, the Britomart precinct and City Works Depot.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 2 Hobbiton > Hamilton

Driving time Auckland to Matamata 161 km / 100 miles , 2 hours

Make your way to Matamata and visit the Hobbiton Movie Set to experience the real Middle-Earth. The bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies. The tour includes a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. A guide will show you around the 12 acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Film Set was created.

Driving time Matamata to Hamilton 64 km / 40 miles , 1 hour

Follow up Hobbiton tour make your way to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, situated on the banks of the Waikato River. With several iconic attractions including the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Raglan’s surf coast and Te Aroha Mineral Pools.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 3 Waitomo Caves > Taupo

Driving time Hamilton to Waitomo Caves 71 km / 44 miles, 1 hour

Venture to the Waitomo Caves, where you will enjoy the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Caves Combo! Deep underground in the heart of the Waikato are a series of unique caves that will take your breath away. At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thousands of tiny glowworms cling to the cave ceiling, creating a starry sky within the underground night. Nearby, the Ruakuri Cave is home to an innovative spiral entrance, echoing waterfalls, and limestone that flows into delicate shawl-like formations.

Driving time Waitomo Caves to Taupo 151 km / 94 miles, 2 hours

After visiting the Waitomo Caves travel onwards to Taupo, rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls.

Stay 2 nights in Taupo.

Day 4 Taupo > Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Included in New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks the well known Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must do day walk. After getting picked up from your accommodation in Taupo travel to the start of the trail at Mangatepopo Valley. This walk takes you up and over the Mt Tongariro & Mt Ngauruhoe saddle, and past the South Crater and the Red Crater summit with great photo opportunities. Descending to the Emerald Lakes for lunch, refreshment and a well earned break. Continue on up and over Mt Tongariro then it’s down hill from there. A great walk in both summer and winter. Moderate fitness levels required.

Return to Taupo in the afternoon.

Day 5 Rotorua

Driving time Taupo to Rotorua 82 km / 51 miles, 1 hour

Take the leisurely drive from Taupo to Rotorua.

The Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park is Rotorua’s most active geothermal area featuring a walkway lined with unique geothermal wonders and interactive opportunities. Experience the geothermal features with a self-guided map to show you around or join a guided tour of the reserve to learn more about the history, features and uniqueness of the geothermal area.

See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After this, the geothermal waters of the Hell’s Gate Sulphur Spa will rejuvenate and refresh you, as you relax and take in the surreal surroundings of the wondrous geothermal landscape.

Explore Rotorua in the afternoon or add on one of the must do activities.

Stay 1 night in Rotorua.

Day 6 Rotorua > Lake Waikairemoana

Today you will be picked up from Rotorua and drive through small villages and dense rainforest into the heart of Te Urewera National Park. This is the first day of the Guided Lake Waikaremoana Walk – one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. Today you will walk 10.5 km (approximately 4 hrs) through native bush, along the shoreline before arriving at the Waiharuru Hut. This 4 day walk does require a good fitness level where you are able to walk for 4 – 6 hours per day.

*Accommodation for the 3 nights while walking is in a 2 Star Lodge.

Stay 3 nights in 2 Star Lodge Accommodation.

Day 7 Lake Waikaremoana Walk

Day two involves some challenging walking, but you will be rewarded with some great views. You’ll be following the lake’s western arm. After lunch take a short boat ride to the Korokoro Falls, before continuing on to the Waiopaoa Hut for the evening. 18.3 km reduced with boat ride (approximately 7 hrs).

Day 8 Lake Waikaremoana

Today climb 600 m up the Panekire Bluffs, with breathtaking views. Continuing on through native bush onto Panekire Hut for the night and a glass of wine on the verandah. Walk 7.6 km (approximately 4.5 hrs).

Day 9 Lake Waikaremoana > Rotorua

Day four and the final day, watch the sunrise on the beautiful East Coast one of the first places in the world to see the sun. Continue on along the Panekire Ridge, with awesome views and great photo opportunities. Mark the end of this great 4 day walk with a BBQ before travelling back to Rotorua.

Stay 1 night in Rotorua.

Day 10 Auckland

Driving time Rotorua to Auckland 229 km / 142 miles, 3.5 hours

Travel back at your leisure to Auckland, explore the city or enjoy your last evening in Auckland with an evening sail and dining cruise aboard a America’s Cup yacht on the harbour, or cruise the expansive Hauraki Gulf to view whales and dolphins.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Drop your rental car off at Auckland Airport and depart Auckland.

Planning New Zealand Hiking Holidays 

A few of the New Zealand hiking tours included in this package only depart on certain days of the week, depending on the season. As you begin planning your New Zealand holiday, we recommend keeping your dates flexible so we can advise which departures are available. 

The multi-day hikes included in this New Zealand hiking tour are among the best in New Zealand. Explore diverse landscapes, from volcanoes to mysterious native forest. In addition, you have the option to enjoy self-guided day hikes along the way. 

For inspiration, you may wish to read the Comprehensive List of New Zealand’s Greatest Hikes. 

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your unforgettable hiking tour.