Overview
The Te Araroa (Maori for “long pathway”) is the world’s newest long-distance hiking trail, from the northernmost tip of the North Island to the southern point of the South Island. If you were to walk all of it, it would take five months! Our adventure begins in the seaside town of Russell among the subtropical splendor of the Bay of Islands. Here, we’ll meet a local Maori family who still follows some of the traditional Polynesian practices handed down through generations. We start our first hike of the roughly 2,000 mile-long Te Araroa Trail at remote Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific, and where the Maori believe the spirits of their dead depart for their ancestral homeland in Polynesia. Heading south, we’ll pass remote villages, mystical kauri forests, and “Lord of the Rings” volcanoes, then ferry into Auckland, the City of Sails, to walk the Te Araroa Trail right through the city. On the central plateau, our hike brings us into the dramatic volcanic scenery of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a World Heritage Site, and when we reach the beautiful and sacred Whanganui River, part of the Te Araroa Trail, we’ll drift down as the Maori did before us—by waka (canoe). Our trail leads us into cosmopolitan Wellington, the nation's capital. This unique adventure is full of fantastic hikes, great food, world-class wine, craft beer, and easy-going Kiwi culture.
Days 1-5
Kerikeri / Cape Reinga / Moturua Island / Russell Forest
Flying to Kerikeri, we visit historic Russell, the first European settlement in New Zealand, then head out to Moturua Island to hike amid Maori archaeological sites. We’ll visit the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a Maori performance, then hike along the Kerikeri River to the spectacular cascade of Rainbow Falls. The Te Araroa Trail at Cape Reinga Lighthouse brings us down to sweeping Twilight Beach, and the next day we’ll hike into the primeval Russell Forest, with its majestic kauri trees.
Kerikeri / Cape Reinga / Moturua Island / Russell Forest - Days 1-5
Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Russell, New ZealandThe Duke of Marlborough Hotel is located in the heart of Russel, right 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.
Doubtless Bay Villas
Day 3 (1 night), 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.
Lodge 9
Days 5 to 6 (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 5 to 6 (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 6-8
Poor Knights Islands / Mangawhai Heads / Matakana Wine Country
We boat out to the marine reserve of the Poor Knights Islands for a memorable day of sea kayaking, cave exploration, and swimming. Back on the mainland, we enjoy spectacular coastal views as we hike the Te Araroa Trail across the Mangawhai Heads, nestled between the Pacific and rolling farmland, and explore Matakana wine country.
Poor Knights Islands / Mangawhai Heads / Matakana Wine Country - Days 6-8
Lodge 9
Days 5 to 6 (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 5 to 6 (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
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), 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).
Days 9-11
Auckland / Tongariro Alpine Crossing
After a walking tour of harborside Auckland, we hike through the limestone bluffs of Mangaokewa Gorge, then make the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bringing us into a world of emerald lakes, lava flows, and breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Auckland / Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Days 9-11
Henley Hotel
Day 9 (1 night), Cambridge, New ZealandTucked away in a pristine garden-like setting is the Henley Hotel, an estate-turned-lovely-boutique getaway. Fourteen guest rooms are uniquely desgined with spacious bathrooms and beautiful views. The hotel has a nice restaurant and bar, the Gin Bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail (perhaps a G&T) before dinner. Be sure to take a walk around the grounds to see the flowers, fountains, and chapel. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's day spa and heated pool.
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
Whanganui River / Wellington
A jet-boat brings us to the start of our hike through dramatic river gorges in Whanganui National Park, and we drift down the beautiful Whanganui 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 via Wellington.
Whanganui 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
