Overview
From Rotorua (or Taupo):
The Tongariro Hiking Tour, New Zealand 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.
We have designed this tour to cater for the adventurous souls keen to tackle the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Four days should give us a great chance to hike in fair weather and explore the park's many other tracks and attractions.
Tongariro National Park is a dual listed World Heritage Area - significant cultural heritage combined with arid badlands, crater lakes, sparkling rivers, breath-taking lunar landscapes, lush rainforest and alpine meadows - this New Zealand hiking vacation is a unique experience not to be missed! The itinerary below is a basic outline. Your experienced local guide will help you choose the best walks to suit weather conditions and fitness levels.
For people flying into Auckland on an International flight, there are plenty of flight connections through to Rotorua. Hikers can be picked up from their central Rotorua accommodation or Rotorua airport by their guide at about 1:30pm, and then be dining in our alpine lodge in the heart of the Tongariro Volcanoes within 6 hours of leaving Sydney - reducing valuable travel time. We then return to Rotorua on Friday evening, in time for the flight back to Sydney on Saturday.
Alternatively we recommend staying one or more nights in Rotorua accommodation at the beginning or end of your walk, so you can explore some of the many attractions of Rotorua.
Tour Grading: C
- 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 both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Ruapehu Crater Lake Climb, which are strenuous hikes of 5-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres and 600 metres respectively through an alpine environment.
- Both tracks cross sections of loose scree and rocks. 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
Dinners are delicious 2 course restaurant meals with a focus on NZ style cuisine, with generous pre-dinner nibbles and drinks. Wine and other beverages can be purchased with dinner. Breakfasts have cooked and continental options. Packed lunches are made fresh daily.
Accommodation:
Double or twin rooms with ensuite in the Park Hotel in National Park Village, a 3 star hikers and skiers lodge. Single supplements are available. The beautiful dining and lounge area is the perfect place for apperitifs with your small group of hikers after an exhilirating day outdoors. We dine in a range of different restaurants each evening.
Food
From the time you are picked up all your food and drinks are provided. Picnic lunches are made fresh daily and include delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit of your choice, and energy snacks to keep you sustained throughout the day. At most of the lunch stops you will also have the comfort of a hot or cold drink.
After an exhilarating day outside you will have worked up an appetite. Scrumptious nibbles and pre-dinner drinks will greet you when you return to the lodge. A hearty dinner follows: a traditional New Zealand main; seasonal vegetables or fresh garden salad; and no Kiwi meal would be complete without pudding (dessert), and tea or coffee. Enjoy a selection of NZ wines with your evening meals.
Breakfast offers a selection from fruit, cereal and toast, to a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs, pancakes or porridge. Just what you need to start a great day in the outdoors!
-
Any special dietary requests or requirements are happily provided for. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to cater for your needs.
Never too old for "adventure" - a programme I was sure was within my abilities and with real "adventure" content. A good programme and lots of flexibility along the way to accommodate weather & people's wishes etc. I liked Spud's light-hearted attitude, and being allowed to proceed at my own pace. Nothing competitive about one's progress against the others. - John Price (UK)
Well organised, challenging, and lots of fun which others should experience if coming to New Zealand. Had a brilliant 4 days - amazing walks with cool scenery, good food, warm bed, and something I will always remember. - Jo Sellwood (UK)
"This trip FAR exceeded the expectations of me, and of my group. We walked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rafted down the Whakapapa river, saw glow worms in a cave, and ate like royalty!." - Cortney, USA.
“Back to work today after the most amazing adventure I have ever had. We all had such an amazing time. I know for myself, I would have been happy to have been picked up the day after you dropped us off and did the 4 days all over again. Thank you so much for the memories, I will for sure be telling of my adventure in New Zealand all my life.” Francis, Australia.
Cancellation Policy:
| Days prior to departure | Cancellation fee per person | Fee to transfer to another date (subject to availability) |
| 61 or more days | Full Refund less deposit | Free |
| 60-31 days | Full refund less admin fee NZ$85 plus deposit | NZ$85 per person |
| 30-15 days | 50% of full fare | NZ$200 per person |
| 14 days or less | 100% of full fare | Booking cannot be transferred |
Details
Difficulty: 3
Departure Dates
| Month | Year | Day |
| November | 2024 | 17, 27(C) |
| December | 2024 | 4, 17 |
| January | 2025 | 15 |
| February | 2025 | 11, 27 |
| March | 2025 | 11, 25 |
| April | 2025 | 1, 15 |
(C) Tour Closed/Full
(G) Guaranteed Departure
Start: Rotorua or Taupo
Finish: Rotorua or Taupo
Includes:
-
3 nights Park Hotel, National Park Village (3 star) twin share ensuite hotel accommodation
-
All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, plus complimentary evening aperitifs
-
Knowledgeable and experienced guides
-
Rotorua or Taupo return transport
-
Transport to all walks
-
Park fees
-
Chair lift tickets
Pricing:
Cost per person twin share
October 2024 - April 2025
- Adult: NZ$1,950
- Child: NZ$1,300*
- Single supplement: NZ$300
* Child age 15 years and under
Payment
Deposit NZ$350 on booking
Balance due 45 days before travel
Currency ConverterOverview
From Rotorua (or Taupo):
The Tongariro Hiking Tour, New Zealand 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.
We have designed this tour to cater for the adventurous souls keen to tackle the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Four days should give us a great chance to hike in fair weather and explore the park's many other tracks and attractions.
Tongariro National Park is a dual listed World Heritage Area - significant cultural heritage combined with arid badlands, crater lakes, sparkling rivers, breath-taking lunar landscapes, lush rainforest and alpine meadows - this New Zealand hiking vacation is a unique experience not to be missed! The itinerary below is a basic outline. Your experienced local guide will help you choose the best walks to suit weather conditions and fitness levels.
For people flying into Auckland on an International flight, there are plenty of flight connections through to Rotorua. Hikers can be picked up from their central Rotorua accommodation or Rotorua airport by their guide at about 1:30pm, and then be dining in our alpine lodge in the heart of the Tongariro Volcanoes within 6 hours of leaving Sydney - reducing valuable travel time. We then return to Rotorua on Friday evening, in time for the flight back to Sydney on Saturday.
Alternatively we recommend staying one or more nights in Rotorua accommodation at the beginning or end of your walk, so you can explore some of the many attractions of Rotorua.
Tour Grading: C
- 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 both the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Ruapehu Crater Lake Climb, which are strenuous hikes of 5-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres and 600 metres respectively through an alpine environment.
- Both tracks cross sections of loose scree and rocks. 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
Dinners are delicious 2 course restaurant meals with a focus on NZ style cuisine, with generous pre-dinner nibbles and drinks. Wine and other beverages can be purchased with dinner. Breakfasts have cooked and continental options. Packed lunches are made fresh daily.
Accommodation:
Double or twin rooms with ensuite in the Park Hotel in National Park Village, a 3 star hikers and skiers lodge. Single supplements are available. The beautiful dining and lounge area is the perfect place for apperitifs with your small group of hikers after an exhilirating day outdoors. We dine in a range of different restaurants each evening.
Food
From the time you are picked up all your food and drinks are provided. Picnic lunches are made fresh daily and include delicious sandwiches, fresh fruit of your choice, and energy snacks to keep you sustained throughout the day. At most of the lunch stops you will also have the comfort of a hot or cold drink.
After an exhilarating day outside you will have worked up an appetite. Scrumptious nibbles and pre-dinner drinks will greet you when you return to the lodge. A hearty dinner follows: a traditional New Zealand main; seasonal vegetables or fresh garden salad; and no Kiwi meal would be complete without pudding (dessert), and tea or coffee. Enjoy a selection of NZ wines with your evening meals.
Breakfast offers a selection from fruit, cereal and toast, to a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs, pancakes or porridge. Just what you need to start a great day in the outdoors!
-
Any special dietary requests or requirements are happily provided for. Please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to cater for your needs.
Never too old for "adventure" - a programme I was sure was within my abilities and with real "adventure" content. A good programme and lots of flexibility along the way to accommodate weather & people's wishes etc. I liked Spud's light-hearted attitude, and being allowed to proceed at my own pace. Nothing competitive about one's progress against the others. - John Price (UK)
Well organised, challenging, and lots of fun which others should experience if coming to New Zealand. Had a brilliant 4 days - amazing walks with cool scenery, good food, warm bed, and something I will always remember. - Jo Sellwood (UK)
"This trip FAR exceeded the expectations of me, and of my group. We walked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rafted down the Whakapapa river, saw glow worms in a cave, and ate like royalty!." - Cortney, USA.
“Back to work today after the most amazing adventure I have ever had. We all had such an amazing time. I know for myself, I would have been happy to have been picked up the day after you dropped us off and did the 4 days all over again. Thank you so much for the memories, I will for sure be telling of my adventure in New Zealand all my life.” Francis, Australia.
Cancellation Policy:
| Days prior to departure | Cancellation fee per person | Fee to transfer to another date (subject to availability) |
| 61 or more days | Full Refund less deposit | Free |
| 60-31 days | Full refund less admin fee NZ$85 plus deposit | NZ$85 per person |
| 30-15 days | 50% of full fare | NZ$200 per person |
| 14 days or less | 100% of full fare | Booking cannot be transferred |
Itinerary
Open All(Dinner)
Pick-up from Rotorua central or airport approx 1:30pm, or Taupo 2:30pm.
Arrive in Tongariro National Park and become acquainted with the area and your guide with a short walk. Settle in to your accommodation with a glass of New Zealand wine, while the sun sets over the impressive Tongariro volcanoes.
Relish a delicious New Zealand style restaurant meal while you get to know the other members of your small group. Retire to a cozy bed and hot shower, ready to tackle the world's best day hike tomorrow - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
(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.
If conditions allow we will have an early start on the track, so we can enjoy the pre-dawn solitude of the mountains and watch the sunrise over the volcanoes – a truly magical experience!
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 local knowledge, setting a relaxed pace, and providing a well-earned celebratory drink and snack at the end of the track.
Return to our lodgings to soak your weary muscles in the hot plunge pool, before having a casual pub dinner with the locals.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Travel around the southern side of Mt Ruapehu to experience some of New Zealand’s rail history on the Old Coach Road trail. Between 1906 to 1908 the road was used to carry passengers and goods by horse and coach, between two railheads on the main trunk line.
Heritage features on the trail include a unique cobbled road, massive steel viaducts, a curved tunnel, railway bridge remains, and old campsites. The 15km walk takes around 5 hours, and also passes through some beautiful stands of native forest with sweeping views across the district.
If conditions allow we will explore the dramatic, rock-strewn landscapes higher up Mt Ruapehu. At 2797 metres above sea level, the North Island’s highest mountain offers jaw-dropping views over the National Park with various hiking options or catch a chair-lift up to NZ’s highest café.
Tonight enjoy a final celebration dinner with your group in The Chateau's elegant restaurant.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we 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, with spectacular views of the mountains.
Then hike around the glistening Lake Rotopounamu, which is nestled in the side of an old volanic mountain and totally fringed with lush forest. Walking Legends support an eco trust that are working to restore the native birdlife to this special area.
Drop off in Taupo approx 4 - 5pm or Rotorua 5 - 6pm.
Cost per person twin share
October 2024 - April 2025
- Adult: NZ$1,950
- Child: NZ$1,300*
- Single supplement: NZ$300
* Child age 15 years and under
Payment
Deposit NZ$350 on booking
Balance due 45 days before travel
Itinerary
Open All(Dinner)
Pick-up from Rotorua central or airport approx 1:30pm, or Taupo 2:30pm.
Arrive in Tongariro National Park and become acquainted with the area and your guide with a short walk. Settle in to your accommodation with a glass of New Zealand wine, while the sun sets over the impressive Tongariro volcanoes.
Relish a delicious New Zealand style restaurant meal while you get to know the other members of your small group. Retire to a cozy bed and hot shower, ready to tackle the world's best day hike tomorrow - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
(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.
If conditions allow we will have an early start on the track, so we can enjoy the pre-dawn solitude of the mountains and watch the sunrise over the volcanoes – a truly magical experience!
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 local knowledge, setting a relaxed pace, and providing a well-earned celebratory drink and snack at the end of the track.
Return to our lodgings to soak your weary muscles in the hot plunge pool, before having a casual pub dinner with the locals.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Travel around the southern side of Mt Ruapehu to experience some of New Zealand’s rail history on the Old Coach Road trail. Between 1906 to 1908 the road was used to carry passengers and goods by horse and coach, between two railheads on the main trunk line.
Heritage features on the trail include a unique cobbled road, massive steel viaducts, a curved tunnel, railway bridge remains, and old campsites. The 15km walk takes around 5 hours, and also passes through some beautiful stands of native forest with sweeping views across the district.
If conditions allow we will explore the dramatic, rock-strewn landscapes higher up Mt Ruapehu. At 2797 metres above sea level, the North Island’s highest mountain offers jaw-dropping views over the National Park with various hiking options or catch a chair-lift up to NZ’s highest café.
Tonight enjoy a final celebration dinner with your group in The Chateau's elegant restaurant.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we 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, with spectacular views of the mountains.
Then hike around the glistening Lake Rotopounamu, which is nestled in the side of an old volanic mountain and totally fringed with lush forest. Walking Legends support an eco trust that are working to restore the native birdlife to this special area.
Drop off in Taupo approx 4 - 5pm or Rotorua 5 - 6pm.
