Transition metal catalysts widely used in refineries are provided as oxides and require pre-reduction to become activated. The auto-reduction of a NiO/Al2O3 catalyst with acetic acid (HAc) followed by HAc steam reforming was investigated in a packed bed reactor. Effects of temperature and molar steam to carbon ratio (SIC) on reduction kinetics and catalyst performance were analysed. Results showed that a steady steam reforming regime along with complete NiO reduction could be obtained after a coexistence stage of reduction and reforming. A 2D nucleation and nuclei growth model fitted the NiO auto-reduction. The maximum reduction rate constant was attained at S/C = 2. Steam reforming activity of the auto-reduced catalyst was just below that of the H-2-reduced catalyst, probably attributed to denser carbon filament formation and larger loss of active Ni. Despite this, a H-2 yield of 76.4% of the equilibrium value and HAc conversion of 88.97% were achieved at 750 degrees C and S/C = 3. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.