Tongariro Hiking Tour
Click here for one-day Tongariro Crossing Guided Day Walks
Tongariro Hiking Tour Highlights: Three-day package combining a 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 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: lodge-style with views of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Twin or double rooms, share bathrooms.
| Prices: |
NZ $1290 per adult, $1000 per child (15 years and under). |
| Dates: | 2012 Jan 3 (full), 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 21 (full), 28; Mar 6, 13, 20, 27; Apr 3, 6 (Easter Weekend), 10, 17, 24 |
| 2012 Nov 20, 27; Dec 4, 11, 18, 27 | |
| 2013 Jan 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; Mar 5, 12, 29, 26, 29 (Easter Weekend); Apr 2, 9, 16, 23 | |
| 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.
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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 central or airport approx 3pm, or Taupo 4pm. Travel to Tongariro National Park.
Transfer to Tongariro National Park and settle in to your lodge accommodation. 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.
Lonely Planet recommends a walk amidst the Tongariro Volcanoes as "a life-changing experience not to be missed!" Your guides make this unforgettable hike even more memorable by sharing their knowledge, and providing a well-earned celebratory drink and snack at the end of the track.
Head to a local hot spring for a rejuvenating soak, before returning to the lodge.
Day Three
6-8 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Head up Mount Ruapehu and take a chair lift up to 2000m, then hike up to the crater lake near the summit (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 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.
Day Four
3-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch)
Pack up and explore more of Tongariro National Park with a 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 Taupo by 5pm or Rotorua by 6pm.
7-day Upgrade: Continue your North Island Volcanic Adventure! Package includes award-winning White Island Tour to NZ's spectacular active marine volcano, plus other amazing sites and walks. Request details |
Tongariro Hiking Tour Fact Sheet - please read this PDF before booking.
