Meet your North Island guide and the rest of the group in the Heritage Hotel foyer at 6:30 am before driving south through classic patchwork green farming country alongside the Waikato River. Arriving at the Waitomo Caves area, descend into the vaulted galleries of the Ruakuri Cave with its limestone formations and crystals. Thousands of tiny glowworms that cling to the cave ceiling to simulate a starry night sky will enchant you.

Later, emerge into the sunshine and wander on a loop trail through an outstanding limestone canyon. You will arrive in the volcanically active area of Rotorua late in the afternoon. Enjoy a dinner and a cultural show this evening in Rotorua, which is also the hub of Maori cultural tourism in New Zealand.

Up to 7 km (4 miles), 1 hour hiking, elevation +/-60 m (200 ft)

Hike alongside the beautifully clear Lake Tarawera, enjoying the shade that towering tree ferns and ignimbrite cliffs offer. Plunge into the lake to cool off at one of the tiny pumice beaches as you wait for the others to catch up. As you hike along this trail, you will be amazed at how vast the volcano wilderness, lake, and forest are.

Discover some of the incredible thermal regions situated slightly south of Rotorua during the afternoon. Wander along boardwalks that connect pools of bubbling mud, mineralized hot pools, and plumes of rising steam, and wonder at the uniqueness of this area. Grab a cuppa before driving toward the lakeside town of Taupo.

Feel the force of the Waikato River as it squeezes through a slender rock passageway at Huka Falls. Your accommodation is in Taupo. Relax with a drink and enjoy the views.

10 km (6 miles), 4.5 hours hiking, elevation +300m (1,000 ft) –350 m ( 1,140 ft)

Drive around Lake Taupo’s shores to New Zealand’s first national park, Tongariro. Take a leisurely morning walk through the stunning forest around the slopes of Mt. Pihanga and to the mystical Lake Rotopounamu (Lake of Greenstone). 

You will be spending the next two nights in a hotel near the park, giving you plenty of time to explore the area at your leisure. Hike to Taranaki Falls in the afternoon, cascading 20 meters over a 15,000-year-old lava flow. Enjoy dinner with the group in the comfort of your hotel.

11 km (6.8 miles), 2-4 hours hiking, elevation +/-280 m (900 ft)

Join your guide today for a full day of walking on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, regarded as one of the best day walks in the world. The well-built track climbs, steeply at times, to the craters of Mt. Tongariro. Stop and admire the views of the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, and steaming vents that make this hike outstanding. After a sometimes long and physically challenging day, celebrate your achievement at dinner with a bottle of fine New Zealand wine.

Those who prefer a more restful day can find plenty to do at the village: Soda Springs walk, Taranaki Falls walk, or simply drink coffee and view the great exhibits at the Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy your second night in this village.

Up to 21 km (12 miles), 7-8 hours hiking, elevation +900 m (3,000 ft) -1,250 m (4,100 ft)

Rest your legs this morning as you drive south through rolling green hill country to the capital city of Wellington. Stroll along the fabulous waterfront and absorb some of New Zealand’s history in the national museum, Te Papa, or get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. Nowhere is very far in Wellington. Enjoy the vibrant café and restaurant scene here before catching your flight back home.