It was great camping by the rivers and seeing so many stars. Richard, Australia

I had a fantastic time discovering a part of New Zealand I hadn’t been to before and exploring a place I wouldn’t have known about if on a self-guided trip. Graham, Australia

Economists were put on this planet to make weather forecasters look good. Unknown

Length 5 days

Grade D - medium, 1 multi-day hike
Extras - NZ$30/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Start - Auckland
Finish - Rotorua or Auckland

Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted. John Lennon

It was a really great trip. Lukas, Switzerland

Whirinaki Wilderness Hike

The Whirinaki rainforest and Te Urewera National Park together contain the largest areas of native forest in the North Island. The park has been described as one of the most primeval forests of the world, and many of the trees originate from the Jurassic era, 200 million years ago. The BBC documentary 'Walking With Dinosaurs' was filmed here.

Highlights

• Hiking Jurassic-like rainforests and river gorges
• Learning New Zealand river-crossing techniques
• Camping in secluded areas or sleeping in remote huts
• Viewing rare species of birds such as kaka, kereru, kakariki, robin, whio and karearea

Day 1 - Join trip in Auckland/Rotorua 4km/1 hour hiking

Drive from Auckland to the Whirinaki Forest Park through Rotorua. Explore one of the amazing thermal parks. Drive through massive forest to the edge of the plateau, hike in an hour to camp at the Ash Caves or a little further to a remote hut by the Whirinaki River, arriving in the early evening.

Day 2 - Whirinaki Forest Park 12km/3-4 hours hiking

Continue along the upper Whirinaki Valley to the Mangamate Saddle Hut. Splendid views over southern beech forest, with inquisitive robins and hear kaka, a large New Zealand bush parrot.

Day 3 - Whirinaki Forest Park 15km/6-7 hours hiking

From Mangamate Saddle Hut, splash down river then climb up Moerangi Saddle and follow a cascading creek on a rougher trail down the other side. The rainforest of weeping ferns and forest giants is breathtaking as you hike to Moerangi Hut. Enjoy an evening campfire, the sounds of the bush, and the feeling of being a million miles from anywhere.

Day 4 - Whirinaki Forest Park 7km/7-8 hours hiking

We become experts at river-crossing techniques as we travel through remote wilderness completely off the tourist trail. We stop for lunch on the way and can have a quick swim in the cascades, which boast crystal-clear water you can drink. We often see rare blue duck and hear the whistling calls of the male and female pairs on our way to Skips Hut.

Day 5 - Finish in Rotorua or return to Auckland 10km/2 hours hiking

After hiking for a couple hours through beautiful forest to the road end we have time to look at a natural hot river and some cave drawings on our way to Rotorua (arrive 3-5pm). You can finish your trip here or continue with us back to Auckland.

Trip price

• Rates include guide, vehicle, tents, thermarests and stoves.

Additional costs

• Kitty fund NZ$30/day (food and camp/hut/accommodation fees). These must be paid for during the tour.