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Discover the underground world of bioluminescent Waitomo Caves, take a swim in Lake Tarawera and explore the Tongariro National Park. The park, which is one of the oldest ones in the world, safekeeps the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging hike along which you’ll find green lakes, glacial valleys, lava flows and more. Excellent ensuite rooms in quality hotels and lodges and an eclectic mix of restaurants will make your evenings just as enjoyable as your days spent outdoors.
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Meet your guide and your group at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland at 7 am. Drive south and enjoy the passing scenery of lush countryside greenery alongside the Waikato River, the longest one in New Zealand. Arriving at the 30-million-year-old Waitomo Caves, journey down to the depths of the world-famous Ruakari Cave—a magical universe offering a bioluminescent experience like no other place on the planet. Thousands of tiny glowworms glittering like stars in the night sky will dazzle you, as will the crystal tapestries and subterranean waterfalls you’ll find along the way. Surfacing back to sunlight, go on a loop trail through a limestone canyon. Final stop of the day is the volcanically active area of Rotorua, the center of Māori cultural tourism and your accommodation for that day in which you’ll have your evening meal and see a cultural performance.
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Hiking: 2 hours, 0.6-1.2 miles/ 1-2 km
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Hike alongside Lake Tarawera, the largest lake surrounding the eponymous volcano. If the canopies of tree ferns aren’t providing you enough shade, dive into the lake at any one of the pumice beaches along the way and cool off while drinking in the views of the vast volcanic area. Rotorua also features geothermal phenomena, which you’ll have the chance to explore in the afternoon—blow off any steam you might have by strolling along bubbling mud pools and lakes. Moving onto the lakeside town of Taupo and the mighty Huka Falls, you’ll hear, feel, and see huge amounts of water erupting from a natural gorge and thundering into the Waikato river. Spend the night in Taupo.
Accommodation: Beechtree Hotel, Taupo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 5 hours, 5 miles/ 8 km
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Spend your morning exploring the Tongariro, the oldest national park in New Zealand where you’ll hike through mountain beech woodlands around the volcanic peak of Mount Pihanga and stroll around the peaceful Lake Rotopounamu. Take a leisure walk to Taranaki Falls, possibly encounter some of the park’s fauna along the way and go see a waterfall cascading over a 15,000-year-old lava flow. Settle in the hotel at the gateway of Tongariro where you’ll stay for two nights and have a well-deserved meal with your group.
Accommodation: Hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 2-4 hours, 5 miles/ 8 km
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Regarded as one of the best hiking trails on the planet, trek across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Expect a challenging full-day hike and steep climbs, and your effort will be awarded with a profusion of natural phenomena: tour the strikingly green Emerald Lakes, the flaming Red Crater, steaming vents, glacial valleys, lava flows, alpine flora, and vivid crater lakes. If you prefer to take it easy, there’s plenty to do at the village—you can tour the Soda Springs walk and Taranaki Falls walk, or you can learn more about the area at the Park Visitor Center. Recuperate with a glass of wine and enjoy your second night in the village.
Accommodation: Hotel at the gateway to Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hiking: 6-8 hours, 14 miles/ 23 km
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Relax and rest while driving through verdant rural landscapes on your way to the capital city of Wellington. Choose what you want to do or see—discover New Zealand’s history at the interactive national museum Te Papa, ride the historic Wellington cable car, get your coffee fix in whichever of the vibrant cafés you choose, or saunter down the promenade. At the end of the day, take a few last photos and say farewell to New Zealand!
Meals: Breakfast
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57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in New Zealand, please refer to the official New Zealand travel website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 5 days of hiking and exploration
- Accommodation (hotels and lodges)
- Minibus transportation for the duration of the tour
- All activities outlined in itinerary
- Maori Village Experience and Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the hike
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to Auckland
- Breakfast on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 5
- Transportation from the endpoint of the tour
- Accommodation before and after the tour
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The best thing about the New Zealand guided hiking tour is that there are options for all skill levels. The hiking tour suits all skill and fitness levels, but keep in mind that you’ll be doing around 4-5 hours of physical activity per day. The most you’ll hike is on day 4, when you’ll walk 23 km (14 miles) through the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. However, there is an option for a more restful day where you can choose how you want to spend your day. You’ll also be carrying your daypack (25-40L).
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
- Spare clothes for layering
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Thermal underwear, socks, warm hat, gloves
- Swimwear
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- For this adventure, the usual client to guide ratio is 13:1.
- The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
- There is a possibility of a single supplement and it costs $320, in case you would like to ensure a room to yourself, and not share it with anybody.
Hiking in New Zealand can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To start this tour, most people fly into Auckland International Airport. From there, you can take a bus, shuttle or taxi to Auckland city center. You’ll meet your New Zealand hiking guide and the rest of the group in the Heritage Hotel foyer at 7am on Day 1 of your tour.
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