6-Day Great Walks Hiking Tour
Tackle the best sections of New Zealand's Great Walks with expert guides and quality hut stays.
Hike New Zealand's Great Walks
Tackle the best sections of the Milford Track, Routeburn, and Kepler with expert guides and quality hut stays.
- Small groups of 8 people maximum
- All meals on track included
- DOC huts and lodges
Tour Overview
This tour takes you through both islands, covering New Zealand's most dramatic natural landscapes.
You'll stand at the edge of bubbling geothermal pools, hike through ancient forests, cruise pristine fjords, and witness the Southern Alps at sunset.
Small groups (maximum 8 people). Flexible daily schedules. Quality accommodation in real communities.
This isn't a checklist tour. We linger where it matters, skip what doesn't interest you, and adapt daily to weather and your energy levels.
Detailed Itinerary
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla.
Day 1
Auckland Arrival
Arrive in Auckland. Transfer to accommodation in a harbour-side suburb.
Evening group dinner to meet your fellow travellers and guide. Overview of the journey ahead.
Day 2
Auckland to Rotorua
Morning departure through the Waikato farmlands. Stop at Matamata (Hobbiton film set) if you're interested, or take the scenic route through rural back roads.
Arrive Rotorua by early afternoon. First taste of geothermal activity at Kuirau Park (free public hot pools and bubbling mud).
Evening: Optional Māori cultural performance and traditional hangi dinner, or quiet evening at accommodation.
Day 3
Rotorua Geothermal Day
Choose your own adventure day:
Option A: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Lady Knox Geyser (morning), then Kerosene Creek (free natural hot river) for afternoon relaxation.
Option B: Te Puia for geysers and Māori arts school, then Redwoods forest walk.
Option C: Lake Tarawera and secluded hot water beaches (weather dependent).
We'll discuss over breakfast and go with group preference.
Day 4
Rotorua to Tongariro
Drive south through the Volcanic Plateau to Tongariro National Park.
Afternoon walk around Taranaki Falls (2 hours, easy circuit) or relax at accommodation with mountain views.
Brief the group on tomorrow's hiking options.
Day 5
Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Alternative
Weather-dependent day:
If conditions are good: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7-8 hours, challenging but spectacular - volcanic craters, emerald lakes, alpine terrain).
If weather is poor: Alternative walks in the national park or visit to the Whakapapa Visitor Centre and shorter trails.
Flexibility is key - we'll make the call together based on conditions and fitness levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Yes. We build free time into most days - mornings before departure, evenings at accommodation, and occasional free afternoons in interesting towns. You're never locked into group activities. If you want to explore on your own or rest, that's always an option.
We monitor conditions daily and adjust plans as needed. If a hike is unsafe, we'll find an alternative activity. If a road closes, we'll reroute. Your guide has backup options for every day. Bad weather often leads to unexpected memorable experiences.
Yes. Let us know your dietary needs when booking - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, or other requirements. New Zealand restaurants and our accommodation hosts are experienced with dietary restrictions. We'll brief all venues before your arrival.
Pack layers - New Zealand weather changes quickly. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a hat. We'll send a detailed packing list after booking. Pack light; you'll have access to laundry facilities during longer tours.
Very flexible. We adapt each day based on weather, group interests, and energy levels. The published itinerary shows what's possible - your guide will discuss options each morning. If the group wants to linger somewhere or skip an activity, we adjust accordingly.
We use quality accommodation in real communities - boutique lodges, character B&Bs, and locally-owned hotels. Rooms have private bathrooms. We avoid large chain hotels and tourist resort areas. Accommodation is selected for comfort, location, and authentic character.
All tours include accommodation, transport during the tour, activities listed in the itinerary, and meals as specified. Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are included. Not included: international flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, and optional activities.
Each tour lists its activity level. Most tours involve daily walks of 1-3 hours on varied terrain. You should be comfortable walking for an hour without stopping. We always offer easier alternatives, and our guides adapt to the group's abilities.