Hiking & Walking
Family-friendly Tours
Private Tours
A True Year-Round Alpine Adventure
This private hike is ideal for those seeking flexibility, allowing groups of family or friends to explore at their own rhythm. Routes can be adjusted to suit different fitness levels, and more exposed sections may be avoided if necessary. The personalised nature of the hike ensures you can focus on enjoying the journey, not just the destination.
Guided year-round, the hike changes dramatically with the seasons. Snow often lingers until late December, while winter and spring bring the excitement of crampons and ice axes into play. No matter the time of year, a private guided journey to Mt Ruapehu’s summit plateau is an unforgettable alpine experience, combining raw natural beauty with the thrill of exploration.
Please note: this route does not follow a formal track, and footing is more unstable compared to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing—so a good level of care is required.
INCLUSIONS
- Private guide(s)
- Transport between the start and end of the tour and the Adrift Tongariro base included
- All winter equipment, including crampons and ice axes if needed for winter conditions
Extra Options:
- Lunch. Two options are available: standard or vegetarian.
- Gear hire
AGE INFORMATION
- Children: 11 years & under must receive approval before joining the tour
CANCELLATION FEES & REFUNDS:
- 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: **Refund excludes credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.
Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*
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.
Walking distance is 10 kms return or 7 kms return when the chairlift is utilised. Walking time is about 6-7 hours. This walk requires a good level of fitness. Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The terrain is uneven and steep in places. It is possible to take the walk as far as Knoll Ridge Cafe if you are concerned about your fitness.
During winter and times of snow, surface conditions will vary from day to day. Crampons and ice axes are required, and your guide will provide instruction on how to use them correctly. No alpine experience is required.
Summer
- Water (1.5-2 litres)
- Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Backpack per person
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Walking trousers
- 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers)
- Waterproof raincoat
- Own lunch if not ordered via Adrift at time of booking
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
- Own lunch if not ordered via Adrift at time of booking
