Hiking & Walking
Multi-Day Short Tours
Private Tours
What's Included in the Tongariro Private Hiking Tour?
Your package includes:
- Two days of private guided hiking with Adrift Tongariro
- Two nights' twin-share accommodation at Alpine Chalets
- Breakfast, gourmet picnic lunch and dinner
- A hamper of local treats
- Transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and selected trails
- Winter hiking equipment when required, including crampons, ice axe and helmet
- Clothing and footwear hire allowance
Accommodation is based on two adults sharing. The tour is available for adults aged 18 and over, with privately arranged departure dates.
Optional experience: A Taupō day experience featuring a boat trip to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings and a Lake Taupō lakeside walk can be arranged at an additional cost.
What to Bring
Pack comfortable hiking clothing, warm layers, waterproof outerwear, a daypack, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medication and overnight essentials. Your guide will advise on any additional requirements for your chosen walks.
Where will you stay during the tour?
Your package includes two nights' twin-share accommodation at Alpine Chalets in Waimarino (National Park Village), close to the walking tracks in Tongariro National Park.
Check-in is from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with check-out by 10:00 am. Accommodation is based on two adults sharing, subject to availability.
Staying in National Park Village provides a convenient base for your two guided hiking days, with transport to the selected trails arranged through Adrift Tongariro.
Which day hikes can you choose in Tongariro National Park?
Choose from full-day alpine hikes, crater lake walks and shorter tracks around Whakapapa Village. Your guide will help select suitable options before departure.
| Walk | Distance | Time | Difficulty |
| Tongariro Alpine Crossing | 20.2 km one way | 7–9 hours | Challenging |
| Tama Lakes | 17.6 km return, plus optional upper viewpoint | 5–6 hours for main track | Moderate to challenging |
| Taranaki Falls | Approx. 6 km loop | 2 hours | Easy to moderate |
| Short scenic walks | Varies | Flexible | Easy to moderate |
Walking times are approximate. Weather, track conditions and fitness affect the time required.
- Departure base: Adrift Tongariro, Waimarino (National Park Village)
- Hiking departure: Transport provided between the Adrift Tongariro base and selected walking tracks
- Departure frequency: Privately arranged dates, subject to availability
- Accommodation: Alpine Chalets, Tongariro National Park
- Accommodation check-in: 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
- Accommodation check-out: 10:00 am
- Parking: Free street parking
What should you know before hiking in Tongariro National Park?
Tongariro National Park is an alpine environment where weather can change quickly. Strong winds, rain, snow, ice and poor visibility can affect walking routes throughout the year.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing and higher Mount Ruapehu walks require good fitness, suitable equipment and appropriate conditions.
Your Adrift Tongariro guide will assess weather forecasts, track access, volcanic activity and your hiking experience before confirming each day's route.
Bring layered clothing, waterproof protection, suitable walking footwear, drinking water, sunscreen and personal medication. Additional equipment may be required during winter.
Alternative walks may be arranged when the planned route cannot proceed safely.
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.
- 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.*
