u/AnyNormalPerson

I'm planning a trip to Hardangervidda this summer. Since I will be in the area, I thought about including the Trolltunga hike in the trip. But then I remembered my experience with the crowds at Preikestolen, and quickly changed my mind.

I'm wondering if there are other viewpoints in the area that are somewhat similar to Trollutunga, but are not as known or popular? I don't care much about going to the edge of a rock, more into the view itself.

I would also be happy to see some suggestions for 5-7 days long hikes in the area in general, ideally hut to hut. Currently I'm thinking about north to south traverse (the massiv trail).

I'm planning a route through the North Island, currently looking like this:

Auckland - tour shuttle to Rotorua via Waitomo caves - Rotorua - Turangi - shuttle to Mangatepopo car park.

Here I will hike the Tongagiro Northern Circuit, ending at Whakapapa Village.

Shuttle to National Park - Wellington.

Is this a good plan? I'm not sure about the best way to get from Rotorua to the trail start. Google maps suggests going back to Hamilton then switching to a train to National Park, which seems like not the best solution and takes 7.5 hours. Considering the bus to Turangi is 2.5h instead and I could get a shuttle from there, is there any reason why I shouldn't do it this way?

Similarly on the way back, is there any reason to go from National Park vs Turangi when I'm heading to Wellington?