This private journey is based at one of New Zealand's premier properties, Huka Lodge, and includes private guided walks on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Great Lakes Trail plus a private lunch cruise on Lake Taupo

New Zealand, North Island

From $5,285 pp

4 Day Private Walk

Tongariro Alpine Crossing & Taupo's Great Lakes Trail

Enquire about this walk

1 Overview

2 Rates & Inclusions

3 Location & Access

4 Luxury Accommodation

5 Itinerary

6 Season & Departure Dates

7 Featured experiences

1Overview

Overview

This four day Taupo experience includes luxury accommodation at Huka Lodge, private guides and drivers and all meals. Your Taupo journey includes a full day private guided hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is widely considered one of New Zealand's best day hikes. If you'd prefer an easier walk your guide will tailor the day to share the best of Tongariro National Park with you incorporating shorter walks. Other highlights of your luxury Taupo itinerary include Huka Falls and the chance to experience one of Taupo's natural thermal springs, and a private guided walk from Kinloch to pretty Kawakawa Bay followed by a private cruise on Lake Taupo. Gourmet dining is included throughout your four day journey, with a destination dining experience one night at Huka Lodge.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Taupo NZ 305 Graeme Murray

View Gallery

2Rates & Inclusions

Inclusions

Three nights at Huka Lodge in a Junior Suite with river views
All meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner and trail provisions (as detailed)
Lunch at Huka Lodge on arrival day
Destination dinner at Huka Lodge one evening
Tongariro Alpine Crossing private guided full day walk
Private Great Lakes Trail walk to Kawakawa Bay
Private two hour cruise on Lake Taupo including gourmet lunch and wines
Visit Huka Falls and the Spa Park Walk
Private driver and walk guide for your included experiences (as detailed)
Return airport transfers
National Park permits/fees
Optional upgrade: add a helicopter to Tongariro National Park for aerial views

Please enquire for family rate options

3Location & Access

Location & Access

Starts and finishes in Taupo on New Zealand's North Island. Taupo is a three hour drive south of Auckland or a short flight. Return transfers from Taupo Airport to Huka Lodge are included in your journey.

4Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

New Zealand, North Island

Huka Lodge, Taupo

Explore More

5Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival into Taupo, you will be met for your transfer to Huka Lodge. Ponder your afternoon activity during lunch on the lodge terrace overlooking the gardens and Waikato River. We recommend enjoying the short riverside walk from the lodge out to Huka Falls, where you will experience the mighty power of this popular New Zealand attraction. Walk a little further and enjoy a dip in the geothermal waters on the riverside spa walk before returning to your accommodation. This evening, enjoy pre-dinner canapes and drinks in the lounge followed by a multi-course dinner prepared by Huka Lodge's expert chefs.

Included: D

NZ journey, Jetty Pavilion at Huka Lodge, Taupo

Day 2

Wake to the sound of the Waikato River bubbling past your window, and enjoy breakfast in the lounge with fellow guests. Your driver will ensure you well prepared before setting off on your journey into Tongariro National Park. For the adventurous, we recommend tackling the bucket-list Tongariro Alpine Crossing today, which is a 19 kilometre hike across an active volcano and World Heritage Site acknowledged for both its natural beauty and cultural value. The alpine crossing is known for its steam vents, emerald lakes and impressive craters, reaching over 1800 metres in elevation. If conditions aren't suitable, or you'd prefer an easier day, your guide will show you the best of Tongariro National Park taking in rivers, valleys and mountain views on shorter walks. On return to Huka Lodge, enjoy canapes with fellow travellers and share tales of your adventure, before another wonderful dinner.

Included: B - L - D

Day 3

This morning, you'll be collected by your driver mid-morning for your guided walk to Kawakawa Bay. Departing from Kinloch, you'll hike with your guide along the Great Lakes Trail enjoying hilltop water views on this two hour walk. At Kawakawa Bay, where there is no road access, you will be collected by boat for your private cruise out onto Lake Taupo. Your cruise includes a gourmet lunch and wines, and there is the opportunity to fish and view the Maori carvings on the cliffs surrounding the lake. After a special day on the land and water, enjoy a destination dinner tonight in one of Huka Lodge's private dining spaces dotted around the lush grounds (subject to availability).

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

Your final morning is yours to enjoy with a lie-in or perhaps a river walk to start the day. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and coffee on the terrace before a late morning departure from the lodge. Your airport transfer is included today.

Included: B

6Season & Departure Dates

Season & Departure Dates

Year-round

Private departures year-round on request. Tongariro Alpine Crossing is available subject to conditions and physical ability in the winter months when there is snow; alternative experiences available. Temporary closure note: Huka Lodge will be closed for refurbishment from May to November 2024. Please contact us for alternative accommodation options for the Tongariro Walk experience during this period.

7Featured experiences

Featured experiences

New Zealand, North Island

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Explore More

New Zealand, North Island

Great Lakes Hike to Kawakawa Bay and Lake Taupo Luxury Cruise

Explore More

New Zealand, North Island

Huka Falls and Geothermal Spa Park Walk, Taupo

Explore More

Frequently asked questions

Ultimate walking season guide for Australia and New Zealand

Plan your next hike with our guide to the Australian and New Zealand walk seasons. Here we answer the common questions: "When is the best time to walk in Australia?", "When is the Great Walk season in New Zealand?", and more.

Best Great Walks of New Zealand for the Luxury Traveller

Discover New Zealand’s Great Walks, a series of premier walking trails through iconic landscapes of the North and South Island. Here are our recommendations on the best walks in New Zealand for the luxury traveller.

How do I get to Huka Lodge?

Huka Lodge is located in Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand and is best accessed by car or air from Auckland or Taupo.

What is the minimum age to stay at Huka Lodge?

Huka Lodge welcomes children over the age of 10 years.

What is the check-in time and check-out time at Huka Lodge?

The check-in time at Huka Lodge is from 14:00 pm, and the check-out time at Huka Lodge is 11:00 am.

What room types can I book at Huka Lodge?

The Huka Lodge rooms include Junior Lodge Suites and two owner's cottages named the Alan Pye Cottage and Alex Van Heeran Cottage.

When is the best time to hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

This trail can be hiked at any time of year however the most stable weather conditions are during summer.

What weather should I expect in New Zealand’s North Island?

The weather in New Zealand's North Island is sub-tropical.

What to pack for a luxury lodge-based walk in New Zealand

Your main luggage remains at the lodge and you will carry just a day pack weighing between 5-7 kg containing the items you need on the trail, including your lunch and snacks, water, waterproof and warm layers, and other personal items.

Get in touch

Start planning your Huka Lodge & Tongariro luxury journey with Walk Into Luxury

To find out more about this private journey or discuss a personalised New Zealand trip, please get in touch

Enquire Today

4 Day Tongariro & Great Lakes Walk at Huka Lodge