Hiking & Walking
Family-friendly Tours
Half-Day Tours
Volcanic Landscapes, Alpine Scenery & Soda Springs
Following the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, you'll walk through a fascinating landscape shaped by volcanic activity and centuries of natural history. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the geology, flora, fauna and cultural significance of the region.
The walk reaches Soda Springs, where crystal-clear water emerges from the mountainside beneath Mount Ngauruhoe. Surrounded by alpine vegetation and striking volcanic scenery, this peaceful setting provides the perfect place to pause, enjoy refreshments and take in the unique environment of Tongariro National Park.
For those seeking a greater challenge, there may be an opportunity to upgrade to the full Tongariro Alpine Crossing, subject to conditions, availability and fitness requirements.
- Guide/s
- Transport: Included between the start and end of the tour, as well as transport to and from the base.
- Winter Gear: Crampons and ice axes provided if needed for winter conditions.
- NZ$60 allowance for clothing and footwear hire.
Not included
- Lunch
- Transfers from Whakapapa Village
Fitness & Trail
- Level: Low (great for families).
- Terrain: Easy gradients; no steep inclines/declines.
- Alpine Experience: None required.
Distance & Timing
- Time: ~3.5 hours (including breaks & Soda Springs).
- Distance: 10 – 12 km total.
- Pace: ~3 km/h (relaxed and manageable).
Ages 0–12: Suitable, but requires approval from Adrift Tongariro before booking.
Gear List
Summer
- Water (1.5-2 litres)
- Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Backpack per person
- Outdoor shoes with grip
- Walking trousers
- 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers)
- Waterproof raincoat
Winter
- Water (1-1.5 litres)
- Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses
- Backpack per person
- Hiking boots
- Thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers
- 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers)
- Waterproof raincoat
- Warm hat and gloves
In any adventure activity there is an element of risk involved. Examples in undertaking this activity are: hypothermia, slipping on ice and/or loose terrain, and volcanic eruptions to name some. The staff & management of Adrift Tongariro take all practical steps to manage, mitigate, and at times eliminate, exposure to potential danger. Clients must follow our instructions & use the safety equipment provided at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times.
We reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others. We also reserve the right to cancel the trip if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of another person.
You agree to release or indemnify Adrift Tongariro and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu: Environmental risks in undertaking this activity include but are not limited to:-Volcanic activity, avalanche activity, hyperthermia and slipping, all of which could result in injury. You are walking on an active volcano with Tongariro has a NZ Volcanic Alert Level of zero and Ruapehu an alert level of 1 both of which are deemed by the Department of Conservation as to be safe for Adrift to conduct commercial activities, however volcanoes can erupt at any time without notice.
- 14 days or more before travel: Full refund**
- Within 14 days: No Refund
- Postponements within 14 days: Reschedule allowed within 12 months, subject to availability & approval. No refunds if subsequently cancelled.
- Insufficient group size: Options to pay extra, reschedule within a year, or get a refund**
- Weather-related cancellations: Safe alternative provided, or option to reschedule within a year, or receive a refund**
*Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*
