Walking Adventure Tours & Trips in New Zealand North Island

Walk across suspension bridges 12 meters above Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest and wander through ancient redwoods planted over a century ago. Trek to Cathedral Cove marine reserve along coastal paths with hidden coves and Mercury Bay views, then dig your own hot tub at Hot Water Beach when tides allow.

Take the Northern Explorer Train along the historic Raurimu Spiral through the Central Plateau, where Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngauruhoe rise up from Tongariro National Park. After that, you'll hop on e-bikes and ride the Old Coach Road, passing through old tunnels, viaducts, and native forests around Ohakune.

Travel across Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at the very top of New Zealand's North Island, or cruise among 144 islands in the Bay of Islands including the famous hole in the rock. Wander through Rotorua's bubbling mud pools and steaming geothermal vents before watching Te Pō Indigenous Performance at Te Puia, featuring traditional Māori culture and views of the erupting Pohutu Geyser. Head along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, stopping at the thundering Huka Falls and the bright blue waters of Lake Taupo, with optional tours to Hobbiton's film locations in the countryside.

Trek to Wellington's Mount Victoria summit for panoramic city views, then cruise underground waterways in Waitomo Caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms. The 140 islands of Bay of Islands include guided walks through Waitangi Treaty Grounds and optional hikes to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach. Walk through Whangarei's Hundertwasser Arts Centre before returning to Auckland's harbour-studded waterfront.

Board the Northern Explorer Scenic Train and travel through volcanic plateaus, crossing gorges and ravines as you make your way from Wellington to Auckland over 8 days. Trek up to Tūroa ski field on Mt Ruapehu for panoramic views that look straight out of Middle Earth, then walk through Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain to spot some of New Zealand's most endangered species. Later, you'll glide by boat through the bioluminescent Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the Waikato region.