Friday 2nd April 2027

Auckland -Rotorua

Arrival into Auckland, drive to Rotorua, New Zealand.

Ready, set and GO!!

It’s arrival day and we’re collected as a group from Auckland Airport in the early afternoon, before heading south to Rotorua, our base for the next two nights.

Rotorua is more than its thermal areas, it sits among wilderness lakes and rivers, lush fern forests, and volcanic cones. Once we’ve settled in, we head out together for a Welcome Dinner to kick off the week ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel style, Twin share

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Saturday 3rd April 2027

Rotorua Lakes

After a morning briefing from our guide, we take a water taxi across Lake Tarawera, then follow a well-formed trail along the lakeshore. This area holds deep Maori and early European history, including the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera that buried a nearby village.

There are inviting swimming spots along the way, and a natural hot river flowing out of the bush where we can soak before heading back to the vehicle.

Tonight we head out together for dinner and enjoy some good Kiwi kai (food).

Hiking Distance: Approx 10km

Hiking Time: Approx 3 hours

Accommodation: Hotel style, Twin share

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

*note regardless of hiking time, we are out all day.

Sunday 4th April 2027

Rotorua to Whirinaki Hut

This morning we sort our gear and pack our backpacks for an overnight hike into the Whirinaki Forest.

An hour’s drive takes us to the southern edge of this vast forest park, home to an ancient rainforest that’s a remnant of the supercontinent Gondwanaland, more than 150 million years old.

The hike in has a gentle start, descending through native beech forest to a simple hut beside the Whirinaki River.

We cook a meal together and relax, lighting a campfire in the evening if conditions allow.

Hiking Distance: approx 11km.

Hiking time: approx 3-5 hours

Accommodation: Shared Hut or camping.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

*note regardless of hiking time, we are out all day.

Monday 5th April 2027

Whirinaki Hut to Tongariro National Park

We continue our hike down the valley this morning, following a track well off the main tourist trail.

It’s a good chance to spot native robin and whio, and to hear the call of kaka overhead.

Lower down we walk beneath giant tree ferns and some of New Zealand’s tallest podocarp rainforest.

After leaving the forest, we visit Huka Falls and feel the spray as the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest, plunges into the pool below.

We stop for dinner in Taupo on the way through, before continuing south to our accommodation on the edge of Tongariro National Park, where we spend the next three nights.

Hiking distance:16km

Hiking time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel style, Twin share

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

*note regardless of hiking time, we are out all day.

Tuesday 6th April 2027

Tongariro National Park

This morning’s walk takes us along the Silica Rapids Track, through alpine beech forest, past cascading streams and across golden tussock fields, with clear views of Mount Ruapehu.

The highlight is the Silica Rapids themselves, pale mineral terraces formed by water flowing over ancient lava. Keep an eye out for tomtits and riflemen flitting through the trees along the way.

In the afternoon we choose between the Soda Springs walk or the Taranaki Falls track, depending on conditions and group preference, each offering a different perspective of the park.

Hiking distance: approx 7km

Hiking time: Approx 2 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel style, Twin share

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

*note regardless of hiking time, we are out all day

Thursday 8th April 2027

Tongariro – Waitomo – Auckland

This morning we depart Tongariro and begin the journey north back to Auckland. On the way we stop in Waitomo to visit Ruakuri Cave, descending into vaulted galleries filled with limestone formations. Look up and you’ll see thousands of tiny glowworms clinging to the ceiling, creating the effect of a starlit night sky.

For those who are keen, there’s the option of a short walk before the cave tour.

We enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing on to Auckland, arriving in the late afternoon for our Awards Evening and Celebration Dinner to wrap up the week.

Accommodation: Hotel| Twin Share

Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Friday 9th April 2027

Auckland – Departure Day

After our final group breakfast, the day is yours.

Choose to travel home early or spend the day in Auckland – the choice is yours.

If travelling to the airport with your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader, your airport transfers to Auckland airport are included.

Meals: Breakfast

This adventure provides a mix of hotel accommodation and a night’s camping / mountain hut.

It’s a combination of twin share and camping.

*Note picture is for illustrative purposes and will differ to the image shown

From your Welcome Dinner in Auckland to our final Awards Celebration Dinner, you will be impressed and more than adequately filled with the food.

On our hikes we provide meals designed to satisfy and nourish even the hungriest of hikers.

Includes – 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners and all delicious snacks on the trail

Airport transfers are included if arriving around the same time as your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader.

All other transfers form part of your adventure and are included.

All vehicles we travel in are Commercially Approved vehicles that comply with all NZ Safety regulations.

From the moment you land in Auckland (or on the plane if you decide to travel together), until the time of your return, your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader is with you every step of the way.

Assisting your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader is One Professional Outdoor Guide with comprehensive knowledge of the local history, flora and fauna. Our guides have many years of experience in the region and in trekking.

Our guides and our adventure are NZ Department of Conservation Approved. Our goal is to deliver you a world class adventure in the picturesque North Island of NZ.

The following elements are included

• Tents should we need them at the mountain hut.
• Emergency communications equipment.
• Group first aid.

Our guiding partners are approved by the N.Z. Department of Conservation to operate in public conservation areas, having  passed environmental and safety standards set by DOC.

Within a few weeks of your booking being confirmed, you will have access to your Gear and Packing list.

By sticking to the list, you will be well prepared for the NZ North Island Fitness Adventure.

If you are new to adventures and do not have the gear, we recommend you watch the Masterclasses on topics such as boots, backpacks and raincoats.

Additionally, make contact with us via the Facebook Group or by contacting the office.

Your membership gives you access to a discount with our Adventure Store partner based in Brisbane. This generous discount is available for use in store, online or over the phone – so can be accessed wherever you live.

Your C.R.E.W Leaders are carrying Emergency Communications Equipment and a group first aid kit.

The New Zealand North Island Fitness Adventure comes complete with its very own private Facebook Group.

This is designed specifically for maximum interaction and communication, to ensure you never miss a moment in the lead up.

Additionally there is an online C.R.E.W Member meeting, designed to bring the group together and check in on training updates.

Safety is our number one priority.

Your Women’s Fitness Adventures Host is fully trained in Remote Area First Aid and holds current CPR Qualifications

Our New Zealand Guide is fully qualified in Mountain Safety First Aid.

In addition, we carry a group first aid kit and emergency communications equipment.

We have partnered with local New Zealand Guides to ensure that your adventure has the right mix of local flavour. Our Professional guides knowledge of the area is second to none, with a comprehensive understanding of the local history, flora and fauna.

Each has extensive outdoor and hiking experience and a passion for New Zealand’s wild and beautiful backcountry.

Combined with our local professional guide is your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader who has extensive experience in trekking and hiking, knowledge of gear and equipment and a passion for women’s fitness and health.

From the moment you book on to the New Zealand North Island & Tongariro Fitness Adventure, you will begin to make new friends.

Once your payment is confirmed, there is a Closed Facebook Group Page that you have access to, whereby you can converse with your fellow hikers.

Our multi day hikes are transformational. Some kind of “magic” happens with the group.

The adventures are the opportunity to create priceless memories and forge lasting friendships in one of the most beautiful countries in the world – New Zealand

Here is what Janet had to say when asked what she liked best about Women’s Fitness Adventures

” The wonderful C.R.E.W members, so supportive, caring and interesting”

The days in New Zealand are outstanding with such a variety of landscapes on offer.

We have graded the adventure moderate due to:

• Consecutive days hiking with a minimum of 8kg in your day pack
• Two days carrying up to 15kg in your pack & staying overnight in a cosy, yet basic Conservation Hut
• Hiking trails that may have obstacles such as trees or rocks across the path & you need to scramble over
• The full day/20km Tongariro Crossing with variable weather conditions. Underfoot will consist of solid ash, scree and boardwalk at times.

A MODERATE or above level of fitness is required.

What this means is:

• There are consecutive days hiking where we are out “all day”, so having a good level of endurance (the ability to be out hiking all day) is necessary
• The hiking consists of hills, and paths that are  uneven underfoot. You need good balance & stability.
• A good level of cardio fitness is required – so being able to recover your breath after hiking hills; hiking up hills/stairs without stopping.
• Strength in your legs is required so that you can handle the distance over time.
• You will need to keep an average pace of 4km/hour over each and every day for the duration of the hikes.

The NZ North Island Fitness Adventure is graded MODERATE.

The hiking is moderate with daily hikes ranging from 10 – 20km

The terrain is undulating and it continually is either ascending or descending.

One of the most common asked questions is “Will I be fit enough?”

As soon as you book into the NZ North Island Fitness Adventure you can get started with training.

Through booking into the adventure early and allowing time to train, those with a current introductory plus level of fitness will find this an achievable goal – provided you put in the training.

Here’s what you get:

• A 14 week hike training plan relevant to your adventure.
• A structured ONLINE Adventure Meeting that covers fitness motivation, gear & equipment, logistics and more. AND introduces you to the rest of the group.
• Access to the closed NZ North Island Fitness Adventure Facebook Group – which provides your fitness accountability.

Your ONLINE training program has been developed by Women’s Fitness Adventures, based on years of experience and qualifications in both the fitness industry and hiking in the outdoors.

By following (that is “doing”) our training programs and actively moving “toward” your adventure you will become Adventure Ready.

Soon after your place is confirmed, a comprehensive gear list will be supplied to you.

If you are unsure as to your current fitness level please use this handy resource: How to find your hiking fitness level

It is important to come along with an open mind ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. It is very important you bring the right gear for the conditions.

New Zealand weather can be unpredictable, storms can arise very quickly and heavy rain can fall at any time of the year. A comprehensive gear list will be provided once we have secured your booking.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, the adventure may vary from the itinerary. Please be aware of this and accept this as part of the adventure.

Your personal safety is our highest priority.

The itinerary is also subject to change with any change in community regulations as well as governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

The following items are INCLUDED as part of the adventure

• All transfers that form part of the daily activities whilst on the adventure, including water taxi
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners and all delicious snacks on the trail including our Welcome Dinner and Traditional Celebration and Awards evening
• Nightly accommodation – twin share in hotel/cabin style accommodation or in the National Park huts
• Your Women’s Fitness Adventures C.R.E.W Leader
• Qualified New Zealand Hiking Guide
• All necessary permits and Licenses
• Public Liability insurance
• Comprehensive First Aid Kit and emergency communications equipment.
• Entrance fee to Ruakuri Caves
• Hike Training Plan

The following items are NOT included as part of the adventure:

• Airfares
• Transfers other than specified
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcohol
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Meals and food not specified on the itinerary
• Entrance fees unless specified
• Items of a personal nature that you may wish to purchase
• Travel Insurance

NZ North Island & Tongariro Fitness Adventure 2nd-9th April 2027

A Quick Guide to Our Booking Terms and Conditions

We’re thrilled you’re considering joining us for the NZ North Island & Tongariro Fitness Adventure! Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect when you book:

Travel Insurance: To ensure everyone has peace of mind, travel insurance is required shortly after your booking—within five days. Your policy should cover everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations.

Itinerary Changes: Adventures are full of surprises! Sometimes, external factors may necessitate itinerary changes. While we can’t offer refunds for these changes, we strive to ensure every adventure is as amazing as planned.

Once you make your first payment, we’ll send you a document with all the details of these terms. Please read it carefully, sign via DocuSign, and return it to us to confirm your spot.

For all the details and to read our full terms, please read the PDF for this adventure.

We can’t wait to have you on this adventure!

Our fabulous adventures allow you to create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. At Women’s Fitness Adventures we are also committed to sustainable adventures so that the places and spaces we go will also last well beyond our lifetime and the many generations to follow. Sustainability starts when you join our community and never ends.

We are committed to the principles of minimal impact, leave no trace, tread lightly and give back to the local community. Here’s how we do that for all of our adventures (short and long)

Consumables

• We encourage “no plastics” so bringing refillable water bottles, reusable cups and cutlery where applicable and using lunchboxes where plastic can be minimised
• It’s a leave no trace principle, so all food scraps, toilet waste and rubbish items are carried out. (See our Masterclass on Toileting for the Trail)
• We are committed to reducing paper waste inside our organisation and have implemented a paperless booking system.

Transport

• We encourage the use of public transport or carpooling to minimise the use of motor vehicles.
• When flying, we encourage you to offset your emissions by purchasing carbon offsets.

Minimal impact

• We have a “tread lightly” policy where we stay on known tracks and paths, minimising our impact to bush, plants and wildlife.
• Before we embark on an adventure or trail, we brief you on the flora, fauna and any other considerations that form the uniqueness of the environment so that you understand and appreciate the minimal impact approach.

Accommodation & Adventure Partners

• Where possible we partner with fellow Eco Certified businesses who follow the same eco philosophies
• Our destinations are all pre-arranged and when we camp we do so in designated campsites.
• Our adventures have all the applicable National Park permits and licenses to operate.
• Our “give back” policy also applies to the locations we stay – choosing local operators, businesses and townships where funds spent go directly to small business owners – doing our part to create sustainable communities.