Overview
The Te Araroa (Maori for “long pathway”) is a spectacular hiking trail that stretches from the North Island to the South Island of New Zealand. With our phenomenal Trip Leader Jon Imhoof, we hike the best sections on the North Island (watch for the South Island trip in 2020!), from Moturua Island, with its Maori archaeological sites, through remote villages and mystical kauri forests to the Tutukaka Coast. On the central plateau, we hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a World Heritage Site of remarkable volcanic scenery, and travel the sacred Wanganui River by waka (canoe). This unique adventure is full of fantastic hikes, great food, world-class wine, craft beer, and easy-going Kiwi culture.
Days 1-4
Kerikeri / Cape Reinga / Bay of Islands / Russell Forest
Flying to Kerikeri, our first hike on the Te Araroa Trail brings us to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific in a spectacular swirl of currents. On Moturua Island, we hike along sheltered bays and visit Maori archaeological sites. Our trail leads us through stunning native bush in the primeval Russell Forest, with its majestic kauri trees, and then down the Tutukaka Coast.
Kerikeri / Cape Reinga / Bay of Islands / Russell Forest - Days 1-4
Doubtless Bay Villas
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Cable Bay, New ZealandSet high on a hill overlooking a tranquil bay, this hotel is the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s North Island. We stay in two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with spacious living rooms, modern furnishings, and large bathrooms, and airy sliding-glass doors leading out to a private deck or balcony with fantastic ocean views of the pink-sand beach, a lovely place to watch the sunset. The villas also have free WiFi. You can upgrade to your own private apartment for the two-night stay at an additional cost and subject to availability.
Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Russell, New ZealandThe Duke of Marlborough Hotel is located in the heart of Russel, riht near the waterfront. It was one of the first land sales to a European in New Zealand back in 1827, and operated as a hotel for whalers during their breaks to re-stock boats. The lobby and guest rooms feature vintage photographs of the area, and the hotel also has a nice restaurant that is popular among locals.
Lodge 9
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Tutukaka, New ZealandWith only six guest rooms, Lodge 9 is a small yet charming base for our explorations in Tutukaka. There is a common lounge area that opens up to a wide veranda where you can enjoy complimentary tapas and wines in the evening. The hotel also has a saltwater pool, sauna, and is a short walk to the town.
Oceans Resort Hotel
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Tutukaka, New ZealandOceans Resort is nice hotel with a convenient location in Tutukaka. Guest rooms offer comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV, and internet access, and is walking distance to the town.
Days 5-8
Poor Knights Islands / Mangawahi Cliffs / Auckland
We boat to Poor Knights Islands, a pristine marine reserve, for a day of sea kayaking, cave exploration, and a chance to spot dolphins and whales. Back on the mainland, we hike the Mangawahi Cliffs Walkway, nestled between the Pacific and rolling farmland, and follow an ancient Maori path through coastal forests. The Te Araroa Trail brings us right into delightful Auckland, the City of Sails, with a trip out to Waiheke Island, home to wineries and artists.
Poor Knights Islands / Mangawahi Cliffs / Auckland - Days 5-8
Lodge 9
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Tutukaka, New ZealandWith only six guest rooms, Lodge 9 is a small yet charming base for our explorations in Tutukaka. There is a common lounge area that opens up to a wide veranda where you can enjoy complimentary tapas and wines in the evening. The hotel also has a saltwater pool, sauna, and is a short walk to the town.
Oceans Resort Hotel
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Tutukaka, New ZealandOceans Resort is nice hotel with a convenient location in Tutukaka. Guest rooms offer comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV, and internet access, and is walking distance to the town.
Plume Villas
Day 6 (1 night), Matakana, New ZealandDesigned with a modern, minimalist theme, the Plume Villas feature 12 stand-alone villas perfectly placed in a serene location. Each villa has wonderful en suite bathrooms with heated floors and a small private deck so you can relax amid the tranquil Matakana's mountains. All villas are just a short walk to the popular restaurant. We'll stay in two-bedroom villas, or you can upgrade to your own private apartment (additional cost and subject to availability).
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Auckland, New ZealandThis hotel is situated right on Auckland’s harbor, making it the perfect base during our time here. Guest rooms are clean and spacious, with very comfortable beds as well as modern bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers. There is a great restaurant to enjoy a drink, and an open-air cafe that overlooks the harbor. The hotel is a short walk to all the city sights.
Days 9-11
Rotorua / Tongariro Alpine Crossing
In Rotorua, we watch a spine-tingling haka war dance and visit the Maori who live in the unique geothermal landscapes of Whakarewarewa. As we hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we are immersed in a world of emerald lakes, lava flows, and breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Rotorua / Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Days 9-11
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Day 9 (1 night), Rotorua, New ZealandJust a short distance from Lake Rotorua, Novotel Rotorua has comfortable rooms and a nice restaurant. It is also a short walk to Eat Street, a lively block of restaurants and shops. If you have time, the hotel has a lovely spa with natural geothermal mineral pools to have a soak at day’s end.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Tongariro National Park, New ZealandSurrounded by the sacred peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, Chateau Tongariro is a beautiful hotel full of Old World charm. The lounge offers plush seating and a cozy fireplace, and the guest rooms are clean and comfortable. The hotel also has a nine-hole golf course, fitness room, and a spa.
Days 12-14
Wanganui River / Wellington
A jet-boat brings us to the start of our hike through dramatic river gorges in Wanganui National Park, and we drift down the beautiful Wanganui River by waka (traditional Maori canoe). Our last hike on the Te Araroa Trail brings us on foot into Wellington, New Zealand’s urban jewel, with a visit to its famous museum, the Te Papa, full of Maori treasures. Depart on Day 14.
Wanganui River / Wellington - Days 12-14
Powderhorn Chateau
Day 12 (1 night), Ohakune, New ZealandThe name may spark images of wintertime activities, but Powderhorn Chateau is equally wonderful in the summer. Set in the Ruapehu region, the hotel pays homage to its ski-lodge legacy, with cabin-like wood accents, a wonderful restaurant named after Switzerland’s famous peak (The Matterhorn), and has amazing access to outdoor activities. Guest rooms are nice and clean, and there is plenty of space to relax in the lounge or at the Matterhorn grill (perhaps near their fire with a drink in hand).
Sofitel Wellington
Day 13 (1 night), Wellington, New ZealandSet in the downtown area, Sofitel Wellington offers a wonderful stay with nice rooms, spacious bathrooms, and amenities like complimentary WiFi and in-room coffee and tea. If you have time and want to explore, the hotel is a short walk to the waterfront and its many delights.
Te Araroa: New Zealand from Top to Bottom
