Tongariro Hiking Tour
Tongariro Hiking Tour Highlights: Wide variety of day walks amidst the dramatic alpine and volcanic landscapes of World Heritage Area Tongariro National Park, including the unforgettable Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake. Significant cultural heritage combined with arid badlands, crater lakes, sparkling rivers, breath-taking lunar landscapes, native beech forest and alpine meadows - this New Zealand hiking vacation is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed!
Summary:
Depart Rotorua: we connect with Sydney - Rotorua direct flights!
Join a small group, or have an exclusive tour for your own group
3.5 days / 3 nights all-inclusive New Zealand walking vacation package
4-8 hours hiking each day over varied and rocky terrain
Carry a day pack only
Fitness level: moderate to high
Experienced, passionate guides
Includes all meals, wine, transport, and accommodation.
Accommodation: alpine lodge overlooking the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Twin or double rooms, share bathrooms.
| Prices: |
NZ $1250 per adult, $1000 per child (12 years and under). Due to NZ Government GST increase, our prices will increase by 2.5% on 1 October 2010. |
| Dates: | 2010 Nov 23, 30; Dec 7, 14 |
| 2011 Jan 4, 11 (full), 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15, 22; Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Apr 5, 12 | |
Rugby World Cup Walks 2011 Sep 11, 19, 24; Oct 11, 18, 25 (Special itinerary and prices apply to Rugby World Cup Walks) |
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| 2011 Nov 22, 29; Dec 6, 13, 20, 27 | |
| 2012 Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21, 28; Mar 6, 13, 20, 27; Apr 3, 10, 17, 24 | |
| Groups: alternative dates & packages available |
(If none of these dates suit please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you!)
Tongariro Hiking Tour Fact Sheet - please read this PDF before booking.
Make a Tongariro Hiking Tour Booking
Tongariro Hiking Tour Full Itinerary:
Three days should give you a great chance to hike the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing in fair weather. Tongariro National Park boasts many other spectacular tracks and iconic landscapes to be explored and savoured. The itinerary below is a general outline. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Hike are very weather dependent. Your experienced guide will advise you on the best walks to suit weather conditions and fitness levels.
Day One
(Dinner)
Pick-up from Rotorua airport 3pm or central Rotorua 3:30pm. Travel to Tongariro National Park. En route stop for a stroll around Taupo, a picturesque lakeside city.
Drive high up Mt Ruapehu, then walk for 5 minutes to our own alpine lodge. Settle in with a glass of New Zealand wine, while your guide briefs you on tomorrow's walk - The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world's best day hikes.
Relish a delicious NZ-style meal while you get to know your guide and the other members of your small group. Retire to a cozy bed and hot shower.
Day Two
7-8 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - known as the best one-day walk in New Zealand and possibly the world. A challenging hike leads through stunning volcanic landscapes, past steaming craters, quirky coloured lakes and impressive dome volcanoes. Fantastic views over central North Island. Fair weather and a good level of fitness are required to undertake this hike.
Your guides will meet you at the end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Great Walk Track with a celebratory drink and snack.
Head to a local hot spring for a well-earned soak, before returning to the lodge.
Note: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing will be walked without a guide, as currently this track can not be guided commercially. A comprehensive briefing will be given for this hike and a cell-phone and trail map provided, as well as drop off and pick up from track ends. Your guides will ensure you are fully prepared and are just a phone call away.
Day Three
6-8 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Leaving from the lodge on the mountain take a chair lift up to 2000m, then hike up to the crater lake at the top of Mt Ruapehu (approx 2 hours up to 2660m). The lake reaches temperatures of up to 60 C. Impressive views of the central plateau and all its volcanoes are afforded from near the summit of the North Island's highest mountain. This hike is very weather dependent, and may not be possible early or late season due to snow and/or chairlift being closed.
If you fancy a more relaxing day you will have the option of joining a guide and heading down to the local visitor centre to do some of the shorter walks in the area, perhaps to the Tama Lakes on a section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Track.
Tonight enjoy a final celebration dinner with your group in the lodge.
Day Four
3-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch)
Pack up and head down the mountain to walk to the Taranaki Falls. Tumbling 20 metres over the edge of an old lava flow, which erupted from Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago, the falls plunge into a boulder-ringed pool. The track passes through an interesting range of alpine meadows and beech forest.
Then hike through a variety of beautiful sub-alpine gardens to the creamy-white terraces of the Silica Rapids. Spectacular views of the mountains are enjoyed on fine days.
Drop off in Rotorua by 7pm.
7-day Upgrade: Continue your North Island Volcanic Adventure. Package includes award-winning White Island Tour to NZ's spectacular active marine volcano, hike to the top of Mt Tarawera's incredible crater, plus other amazing sites and short walks. Request details |
Tongariro Hiking Tour Fact Sheet - please read this PDF before booking.
