The Best of the Te Araroa Trail across the North and South Islands
Hiker’s Journey to New Zealand
Overview
The 1,900-mile-long Te Araroa Trail (Maori for “Long Pathway”) traverses New Zealand from the bottom of the South Island to the top of the North Island—it takes hardy “through-hikers” about three months to hike this entire route. For our own adventure, we’ve selected some of the best sections on both islands, including the lush Queen Charlotte Track, the panoramic “Stairway to Heaven” staircases above the Kapiti Coast, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the best one-day hike in New Zealand. Many delights await, including swimming with dusky dolphins, jetboating on the Whanganui River, sampling superb cuisine and wines, and enjoying New Zealand’s friendly culture.
Arrive: Christchurch, New Zealand
Depart: Taupo, New Zealand
Highlights
- Hike the epic volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Snorkel with dolphins on the Kaikoura Coast
- Walk the tranquil paths of the lush Queen Charlotte Track
- Climb the “Stairway to Heaven” for high panoramas over the Kapiti Coast
- Jetboat on the Whanganui River
- Taste New Zealand’s best cuisines and wines
Itinerary
From Christchurch, we take the Coastal Pacific train to the enchanting Kaikoura Coast, where we’ll board a boat and snorkel with playful dusky dolphins (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins provided), or just watch their leaps and backflips.
The spectacular Queen Charlotte Track, part of the Te Araroa Trail, stretches from historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa through coastal forest and skyline ridges with breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte Sound. Scenic water taxi rides take us from our lodges to our daily trailheads.
We fly to Wellington for a visit to the fascinating Te Papa Museum, then hike the Te Araroa Trail’s spectacular “Stairway to Heaven,” a breathtaking path above the Kapiti Coast. Day 9 finds us in Whanganui National Park, where we’ll jetboat along the pristine Whanganui River.
We make the challenging full-day hike known as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, navigating a volcanic landscape of steaming vents, glacial valleys, vividly hued crater lakes, and ancient lava flows. Easier hikes are also offered. The next day we’ll relax with a soak in the geothermal waters at Wairakei Terraces. Depart on Day 12 via Taupo.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system, and is for people who enjoy a real hiking challenge. The trails vary from well-maintained tracks to more challenging, unmodified trails. Some trails can be muddy and slippery and require a certain level of coordination and hiking ability. New Zealand is mountainous and trails include ascents and descents ranging from 300-3,750 feet, depending on hiking option, so we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition.
Average Hiking Day
- 8 miles
- 4-5 hours
- 1,800' ascent/descent
Challenge Days
- Day 5: 14 miles, 8 hours, 3,750' ascent/descent
- Day 10: 12 miles, 7-8 hours, 2,510' ascent/3,690' descent
The Te Araroa Trail from the tip of the North Island to the very bottom of the South Island connects some of the country's iconic hiking trails, such as the Tongariro Crossing, but often follows paths that range from flat and paved roads to barely discernible routes through nearly impenetrable bush and steep climbs of extended duration. We have selected hikes that are within the description of a “Level 4” Wilderness Travel trip, but we also sample the incredible diversity of the Te Araroa Trail. Although you carry only a daypack, there are some steep ascents and descents and many sections that cross rough or rocky trails. Many trails are not “groomed” but follow the natural contours of the land and are therefore uneven. We will no doubt experience every conceivable type of weather on this trip, so it's best to be prepared.
To get the most out of this trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.
Temperatures on the North and South islands in midsummer are generally warm and pleasant with averages in the high 60s and low 70s and minimal rain, but it can get much colder. Since the weather in New Zealand is often variable so we may occasionally have to wait for it to change in order to participate in our planned activities or change our activities to suit the weather. In such a case, we may rearrange the daily itinerary to accommodate the weather conditions. Note: On the Tongariro Crossing (Day 10), you will be hiking in alpine conditions, so be sure to bring the recommended clothing layers.
We spend our nights in small, picturesque inns, full of Kiwi charm and ambiance. The rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
One of the highlights of this trip is the chance to enjoy the fresh local food New Zealand is famous for. We’ll be close to the source of much of the food we eat, experiencing a variety of dining experiences, most of which will also be memorable for the location and the company. Most lunches will be either a picnic or packed lunch on the trail.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"A great trip with wonderful, varied experiences from swimming with dolphins to hiking beside volcanic vents. Our Trip Leaders were knowledgeable, funny, and passionate about New Zealand. Truly a “hiker’s journey” as we hiked some of the best tracks New Zealand has to offer. A terrific experience, made even better when combined with the Ultimate South Island trip!"
Bob F.
Arlington, VA
"We enjoyed every minute of it and lLoved the variety -- trains, ferries, jet boat, van and, of course, the unparalleled hiking, canoeing, sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins, et al. Every day was the ultimate adventure with great food, drink, and accommodations thrown in."
Lisa S.
Santa Fe, NM
"Extraordinary landscapes, highly knowledgeable and delightfully personable leaders, excellent accommodations and food. That's why we keep coming back to WT!"
Lynne F.
Mill Valley, CA
"This a a fabulous trip that shows participants a real slice of NZ and introduces so many cultural and natural elements that is unique to many Wilderness Travel trips."
Pamela G.
Bedford, NH
"Every aspect was excellent: my fellow hikers, the guide, the itinerary. I liked that there were some non-hiking days (swimming with the dolphins!, Wellington museum and bird sanctuary, Whanganui river) interspersed with mostly rigorous hiking days -- plus the New Zealand people and landscape, and the food and wine."
Tom H.
Portland, OR
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.