Who says adventure and luxury can't go hand in hand? Head for the hills and sample some of the best flavours the Waikato has to offer
Take on three picturesque peaks in this three day escape
Mt Karioi in Raglan, the rocky outcrop on Sanctuary Mountain and Wairere Falls
Indulge in the finest Waikato cheese, chocolate and ice-cream...
Meet the makers behind the flavours with a back entry pass
Rest, rejuvenate and treat yourself at award-winning luxury accommodation
1 hour spa treatment included!
Get a group together and choose your dates!
Available for groups of 4 - 12
2 nights luxury accommodation at award-winning Lakeside Resort , 3 days. All meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities, tastings and transport while on the escape included.
From $1,980 pp
Fully inclusive price
Double or twin share room options available
*Special rate for groups of 8 or more
Explore
From the west to the east - this active escape is for those who aren't afraid of a challenge! In three days, we will take on three diverse Waikato 'peaks'. Maungatautari, also known as Sanctuary Mountain stands watch over the Karapiro river in the heart of the Waikato region. Step into a world forgotten as we climb the slopes of Maungatautari towards the rocky outcrop. Protected by a 47km long pest-proof fence, the bird life, flora and fauna is abundant and is the closest to pre-human native bush and eco-system we have here in New Zealand. Mt Karioi, just south of Raglan on the west coast boasts a steep track is rewarded by endless coastal and rural views. Climb to the top of the tallest waterfall in the North Island. Wairere falls cascades over the edges of the eastern Kaimai ranges.
Taste
Milk, icecream and chocolate - Reward your taste buds with a visit to the hub of raglan's artisan producers. Home to Dreamview Creamery, Raglan Gelato and Raglan Chocolate, meet the makers at this picturesque farm and enjoy a behind the scenes look (and taste!) of how the create their delicious wares!
Cheese - We are spoiled for cheese in the Waikato with our rich dairy offerings. Cheesemaker Sue started Over the Moon Dairy and has won so many awards for her creations, she's running out of tasting shelf room! Hear her story from her as you get a chance to sample her delicious cheese - you might not be able to resist the Triple Cream Brie...don't say we didn't warn you!
​Relax
Stay at the five star award-winning Lakeside resort, nestled in a serene private setting, bordered by the picturesque Lake Karapiro and offering breathtaking views of the majestic Sanctuary Mountain (that you will be 'peaking'! Treat yourself to a dip the indoor heated saltwater mineral pool or soak in the Jacuzzi spa pool. Enjoy healthy delicious meals and local wine for the table. Enjoy your complimentary 1 hour massage, manicure or pedicure!
Itinerary
Day One: Peak one, 756m
7km / 4 - 5 hours hiking (hard grade)
Meet at Lakeview Lodge at 8.30am to check in before we head to our first peak - Mt Karioi is a forest-clad extinct volcano, surrounded by lush Waikato farmland on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. The track offers spectacular views, and on a fine day, you can see as far south as Mt Taranaki. There are two ways to approach the summit - we are climbing the Wairake track from the southern side, which starts with a gentle, steady climb over private farmland, before a steep ascent into the bushline and up the ridge to the summit for lunch with some epic views. After our walk we head to the surfing arty seaside town of Raglan where we can swim, take in the shops or relax. On our way back to Lakeside Resort, we visit Dreamview creamery farm at Raglan, where Raglan Chocolate and Raglan Gelato are based. Hear from the artisans and get ready for a sweet afternoon or tasting.
Day Two: Peak two, 153m
5km / 3-4 hours hiking (moderate grade)
This morning we head east to the Kaimai range before climbing to the top of the tallest waterfall in the North Island. Plunging 153m from the range above, a well maintained track winds across bridges with lovely views of cascades, before reaching our first view of the falls. From here the track gets serious as we climb to the top of the falls for a breath-taking view over the valley and Waikato plains. With the hard work done, it's time to relax. Back at the resort, spend the afternoon enjoying your spa treatment, the heated pool or jacuzzi. If you are an active relaxer, your guide can take you for a lake side walk along Lake Karapiro and for those looking for some cold water therapy on those muscles - a plunge into the lake waters works wonders! Enjoy a glass of wine or two before dinner overlooking Maungatautari - taking in the profile of the third peak we will be taking on for our final day.
Day Three: Peak three, 753m
9km / 4 hours walking (moderate to hard grade)
Today we are soaking in the mana and magic of the largest mainland ecological island in the Southern Hemisphere, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Explore primeval forest where ferns, fungi, nikau and native seedlings carpet the undergrowth and huge trees tower over us. As we make our way up to the rocky outcrop on the Te Tonga tramping track, there is plenty of time for breaks to appreciate the unique surroundings and curious birds. A short, sharp climb to the rocky outcrop offers magnificent views across the Waikato basin on a clear day, where we can enjoy a hot drink and morning tea. Down the other side of the outcrop, we intersect the Over The Mountain track make a loop back to the start. After our sanctuary walk we head to multi award-winning Over the Moon Cheese in Putaruru for a private talk and taste with award-winning Cheese maker Sue, before we head back to the resort to pack up and say farewell.
Note: We will always endeavour to stick as closely to this itinerary as possible to deliver the best experience to you. If anything outside of our control should change as it does from time to time, we will substitute elements of this itinerary to reflect the same value and level of amazing!
Grading
Grade
Varies each day:
Day one: 4 hours hiking (moderate to hard grade)
Day two: 3-4 hours hiking (moderate grade)
Day three: 3 hours hiking (moderate to hard grade)
Carrying a small day backpack for your personal gear such as water, lunch and a rain jacket. *times above include stops for snacks and/or lunch - and depends on group speed.
Track conditions and fitness requirements
Track surfaces on this escape vary, but you will need good supportive tramping boots with good grip as surfaces can be a combination of dirt/clay/mud, rocks and tree roots, leaf litter and gravel. You will get the most out of this escape if you have a good level of fitness and have some tramping experience. However, you do not have to be an experienced tramper as our wonderful guides will ensure that the pace is dictated by the group and allow plenty of time for short breaks for water, refreshments and photos. For us, it's about the journey, not the destination.
Escape Food
This escape is all about balance. As we will be treating ourselves to all the good flavours in life (cheese, wine, chocolate, icecream!) our meals at the resort are healthy, light and balanced. Each meal is prepared with lean protein, complex carbs, and a variety of veggies for the energy you need for your climbs!
The ins and outs
Meet at Lakeside Resort at 9am on day one. Return transfers from Auckland or Rotorua available on request at a cost of $600 per group - we will head straight to Raglan for our first walk on day one if we are transferring you. During this escape, you will be transported around in our super comfortable and spacious, Nature and Nosh Ford Transit custom van.
Your chalets
Each chalets boasts 60 square metres with a separate lounge area, well-equipped kitchenette and a dining area furnished with a refrigerator and tea-making facilities. The generous bedroom presents come as double or twin-share and the beds are adorned with luxurious linens, ensuring a great night's rest. The bathroom features a rejuvenating jacuzzi bathtub, spacious shower, high-end towels and robes, and indulgent Ashley & Co toiletries. Step outside onto the outdoor patio and immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings.
Food
Meals included on this escape:
Day 1: Lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 3: Breakfast, lunch, snacks
Cooked and continental breakfast options, gourmet picnic or nutritious packed lunches, two-course evening meals with antipasto platters to share with you group over wine as the first course. Local wine for the table and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided per night as part of this escape. You may also bring your own alcoholic beverages.
Special dietary requirements
If you have special dietary requirements, as long as we know about them in advance we can cater to almost all requirements.
Safety
We are Qualmark Gold endorsed operators. Qualmark independently evaluates tourism operators in New Zealand annually to ensure quality across all business areas. A Gold Award is evidence of one of the most high quality, safe and sustainable experiences in New Zealand, with the delivery of exceptional customer experiences an integral part of everything we do.
Weather
We do walk in the rain! As long as our guides have deemed conditions safe for walking. We can usually change our day around a little to make the best of the weather, but you need to come prepared for the elements! See our recommended packing list.
Review
Myself, Cindy and Jo, all had a fabulous few days doing the Three Peaks tour. It was nice to explore a different part of the country. Great walks, great tours, delicious food, and Robyn was a fabulous guide.
Rachel, New Zealand
Interested in joining a group?
If you love the sound of this trip and want to register your interest in joining a group - let us know via the form below and we'll get in touch if we get minimum numbers for your trip and preferred dates!
