About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team tackled this two-day trek, it paired serious hiking with genuine downtime in the Hawke's Bay backcountry. You'll walk the Te Puia Track from Napier, soak in natural hot pools at Mangatainoka Springs, and bed down at Te Puia Lodge surrounded by native bush. It's a proper balance of leg-work and recovery — the kind of trip that leaves you tired and properly sorted, not wrecked. Guides are clued-in, meals and all kit are sorted, so you just show up and walk.
Highlights
- Natural hot pools at Mangatainoka Springs mid-hike — genuinely warm water
- Te Puia Track offers solid views without brutal scrambling or exposure
- Private setup means no tour-group rush or scheduling stress
- Lodge accommodation feels remote but comfortable, not spartan
- All meals included — no meal-planning or pack weight drama
- Guides carry local know-how about flora, geology, and Māori heritage
- Dawn or dusk soaking in the geothermal pools, no crowds
What to expect
Day one is a steady walk on Te Puia Track. The terrain is well-graded, with proper track work — think forest floor, stream crossings, and gradual climb. Hawke's Bay is hill country, so views open up as you gain height. Your guide will handle pacing and spot interesting plants or landscape features as you go. Around midday or early afternoon, you'll reach the hot springs and have time to soak properly without rushing.
That night at Te Puia Lodge is the real perk: hot meals, a proper bed, and chance to ease sore legs in the pools again at sunrise. Day two is usually a gentler walk out, or a loop depending on conditions. The whole vibe is purposeful but not punishing — no extreme scrambling, no survival mode. Weather in Hawke's Bay can shift, so layering is key. It's the kind of trip where you actually enjoy the walking rather than just endure it.
What travellers say
- Small private group avoids tour-bus crowds and dictates its own pace
- Natural geothermal pools are genuine highlight, not gimmick
- Guide knowledge adds context to landscape and Māori stories
- All-inclusive meals and lodging removes logistics stress
- Two-day length fits sweet spot between day-walk and serious expedition
- Not suitable for spinal, cardiovascular, or pregnancy-related concerns
- Full two days of walking will challenge those unused to tramping
- Remote location means no resupply or shelter if weather turns nasty
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works for people who want legitimate tramping without mountaineering skills or extreme fitness. The private setup means your guide tailors pace to your group — no one gets left behind or held up. Hot pools are a genuine luxury mid-hike, and a night in the bush with proper meals and a bed is a rare middle ground between camping rough and staying in town. Great for couples, friends, or small family groups.
Not suitable if you have spinal issues, are pregnant, or have weak cardiovascular fitness — medical screening is smart. It's two full days of walking, so calf muscles will let you know about it. Hawke's Bay weather can turn; cold rain or wind will make you work harder. The track is remote, so you're genuinely out of phone range. Early starts are standard. There may be stream crossings in winter flow.
Bring good boots, waterproof jacket, and layers. Guide and equipment are included; meals and accommodation sorted. Groups are small (private). Peak season (December–February) books early.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.