Hike New Zealand The Ultimate Walking Holiday

Day 1 - UK to Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, collecting your car hire and making your way to your chosen hotel. 

Day 2 - Auckland

Staying at Waitakere Resort & Spa you are located away from the main city just outside Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Home to more than 16,000 hectares of native rainforest and coastline with a variety of hiking and walking trails to explore. A popular highlight of the park is Kareakre Falls.

Day 3 - Rotorua (226km/145 miles)

Today's drive takes you from Auckland to Rotoura. 

Day 4 - Rotorua

Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) is located 5 minutes from Rotorua the ideal location for mountain biking, walkers, and hikers. The trails take you through native ferns covered by the soaring Redwoods Radiata, Douglas Fur and Larch Trees. Once you are above the canopy enjoy the panoramic views of Rotorua’s spectacular lakes and geothermal activity. 

Day 5 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park (180km/115 miles)

Today's drive takes you to Tongariro National Park. Upon arrival checking into your hotel spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 6 - Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is home to some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes and was the first National Park in New Zealand in 1887 later being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status for its Maori Heritage and natural features. The most popular walk in Tongariro National Park is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing a 19.4km hike across a volcano. This hike is challenging with steep inclines and uneven terrain, if you are looking for an easier walk there is plenty of routes to follow. 

In the evening we have included a sunset guided walk to enjoy. This evening enjoy a 2 hour guided Sunset Bush walk in amongst the Tongariro Volcanoes. Your guide will pick the exact route to suit the level of ability for your group. The route is selected from one of the following: Either a 1 hour 20 minute return route out to our sunset ridge and back, a 2 hour walk along the Taranaki Falls track, or up to Meads wall on Mt. Ruapehu. No matter what tour is taken you stop at the end to enjoy a glass of NZ wine as you watch the sun set in a majestic Alpine setting.

Day 7 - Tongariro National Park to Wellington (290km/ 185 miles)

Today's drive takes you from Tongariro National Park to Wellington. After checking into your hotel spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 8 - Wellington to Picton (100km/65 miles)

Today's drive takes you from Wellington across to Picton. Make your way to the ferry port for your journey on one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world across to the South Island. We have included a walking excursion where you will be picked up from the Picton ferry terminal. Step ashore at Ship Cove, in the footsteps of explorer Captain Cook, for the most popular day walk. Through magnificent virgin forest you’ll emerge at the ridgeline to breathtaking views of Cook Strait and Resolution Bay, before descending to the sheltered shoreline of Endeavour inlet.

Day 9 - Picton

Staying in Picton there is a wide varitey of walking trails you can explore. A popualr route is the Tirohanga Track when you reach the top you are surronded by amazing views of Picton, Waikawa and Marlborough Sounds. 

Day 10 - Picton to Kaikoura (156km/ 100 miles)

Checking out of your Picton hotel today's drive takes you along the South Island's coastline to Kaikoura. 

Day 11 - Kaikoura Whale Watching Experience

Today we have included a spectacular whale watching experience. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales, and Southern Right Whales. Orcas and Hector's dolphins are common sightings.

Day 12 - Kaikoura to Christchurch (181km / 115 miles)

Continuing your drive along the coast today to Christchurch. After checking into your hotel spending the rest of your day at leisure. 

Day 13 - Christchurch

Today we have included a half day guided walk. Today you will be picked up by your guide, who will entertain you with the history of Christchurch on the 30-minute drive to Sumner/Lyttelton where your walk will commence. You will walk to the Crater Rim surrounding the caldera of the ancient volcano and take in amazing views of the rugged Pacific coastline stretching across Pegasus Bay to the often snow-covered Southern Alps, Lyttelton harbour and wide expanses of the Pacific Ocean. Total walking time is approximately 2.5 hours with a short break for morning or afternoon tea, before returning to Christchurch City. 

Day 14 - Christchurch to UK

After checking out of your hotel make your way to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight home.