See the stunning volcanic landscapes

The Tongariro Hiking Tour is a 4-day / 3-night all-inclusive walking vacation package, featuring some of New Zealand's best day hikes, such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake. Staying in an alpine lodge overlooking the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro National Park – a dual listed World Heritage Area – boasts diverse landscapes for visitors to discover. With arid badlands, crater and alpine lakes, sparkling rivers, breath-taking lunar landscapes, lush rainforest and alpine meadows to be explored, a summer hiking vacation is an utterly unique experience not to be missed!

Your experienced local guide will choose the best walks to suit weather conditions and fitness levels, to ensure you get the most from your time in this special region

Please Note: There is a 4 person minimum, in order for this tour to operate. .

Schedule

2012

• January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• February 7, 14, 21, 28
• March 6, 13, 20, 27
• April 3, 10, 17, 24
• November 20 & 27
• December 4, 11 & 18

2013

• January 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
• February 5, 12, 19 & 26
• March 5, 12, 19 & 26,br> April 2, 9, 16 & 23

Itinerary

Day One
(Dinner)
Pick-up from Rotorua 3pm or meet at our lodge in Tongariro National Park at 6pm.

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, and the primary objective of this hiking tour.

Enjoy a delicious NZ-style dinner with your small group of hiking friends.

Day Two
17kms, 7-8 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you find out what all the fuss is about! We challenge you to find a camera angle that does not produce spectacular, other worldly results, on the track that is known as the world’s best day hike. It’s not a free ride however, a challenging hike traverses steep volcanic domes and steaming craters, there is NO WHERE else like this on the planet.

The track runs through the Mangatepopo Valley (900m) to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. Two steep climbs lead to Red Crater (1886m), then a scree slope drops down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakesthe track sidles around the northern slope of Mount Tongariro, before the long descent of switch-backs and many steps to the end (600m). Fair weather and a good level of fitness are required to undertake this hike.

Complete the entire Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track and celebrate at the end with a well-deserved cool drink and snack.

There may be the option to revive your weary bones in a local hot spring, before returning to the log.

Day Three
6-8 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Our favourite hike! The climb to the Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake is equally as stunning as the Tongariro Crossing, but offers a different array of landscapes and is crowd-free.

Take a chair lift up to 2000m, then hike up to the Crater Lake near the summit (approx 2 hours up to 2660m). There is no formed trail; the guide will choose the best route through boulder fields, old lava flows and patches of snow.

The climax is reaching the active acid Crater Lake, whose waters reach temperatures of up to 60°C, not to mention the unforgettable 360 degree views from near the summit of the North Island's highest mountain. (This walk 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 to do some of the shorter walks in the area, perhaps to the Tama Lakes, or perusing the local museum/visitor centre/cafe.

Tonight enjoy a final celebration dinner with your group in the lodge.

Day Four
3-5 hours walking (Breakfast, Lunch)
After another delicious cooked breakfast pack up and leave the lodge. Today’s walk may lead 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 boulderringed pool – a great spot for a picnic. The track passes through an interesting range of alpine meadows and beech forest.

In total contrast to the previous walks there is also a perfect temperate rainforest to explore, and an historic Maori fortress.

Drop off in Taupo by 5pm or Rotorua by 6pm.

Drop off in Rotorua by 7:00 pm

Fitness Required:
A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required for this tour. You will need to be able to carry a small pack containing your lunch, drinking water and warm clothing for at least 3 hours a day. Track surfaces vary from well-formed paths to rough terrain broken by tree roots, rocks and loose scree. A high level of fitness is required to undertake the Tongariro Crossing, which is a strenuous hike of 7-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres through an alpine environment. Your guide will provide advice on fitness and weather conditions. There is always the option of doing shorter hikes or relaxing in the lodge instead. A vast network of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty make this area a hiker's paradise.

Group Size:
Maximum group size is 14 walkers and 2 guides. Small groups provide a personal service and give walkers an intimate nature experience.

Trip Includes:
All meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks, including wine with evening meals - Rotorua transfers (pick-up/drop-off at Rotorua accommodation) - park fees - hut accommodation fees - gear cartage by boat - support boat - hiking equipment (packs, raincoats & sleeping bags) - knowledgeable and experienced guides.

Accommodations:
Lodging is in a private ski lodge high up on the side of Mt Ruapehu. There are great views of the mountains and central plateau, right out to Mt Taranaki. The lodge has a large and comfortable dining area and lounge, looking up at Mt Ruapehu. Rooms are twin share, with full linen. There are separate men's and ladies bathrooms. The lodge is a 5-minute walk from the carpark over rocky terrain. Therefore your gear needs to be packed in a backpack or easy to carry bags. No large suitcases please! Backpacks can be loaned out on request.

What to bring:
Although you won't require any specialist gear for this trip, you will require warm and wind-proof clothing, good hiking boots and a raincoat. Equipment checklist for full details of what to bring will be provided on your E-Ticket.

Please Note:

We assume no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss or delay. We reserve the right to cancel or alter any trips and departure dates for any reason. We recommend that you take out travel insurance. This standard precaution does not reflect any likelihood of any incident occurring during your walk.

Environmental Policy

All trips are run according to our Environmental Policy, which incorporates the Department of Conservation's Environmental and Water Care Codes.

Please Note: An additional fee is required for individuals who want to take in this tour alone.

Please Note: There is a 4 person minimum, in order for this tour to operate. Tour includes Rotorua hotel pick-up. If you are ordering this tour for one person only, you must order the basic adult rate plus the Single Supplement rate. Rates are per person and in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-8190.