Tongariro Hike Details | Hiking New Zealand

Tour Details

Start

Rotorua 9:00am (airport or central Rotorua), or Taupō 10:00am

Finish

Rotorua 6:00pm

DEPARTURE DATES

13, 27 November, 2025
3, 15 December, 2025
8, 22 January, 2026
9, 19 February, 2026
9, 23 March, 2026
6, 20 April, 2026

Prices

Period 1 Jul 2025 - 30 Jun 2026
Adult NZD $1,950.00
Child NZD $1,300.00

Days

4 days

Fitness grade

Grade: C
(track uneven in places)

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Child rate applies to those 15 years and under. Recommended minimum age is 10 years.

Optional single room supplements are available at point of booking.

Maximum: 13

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Transport

You are transported to the start of the track by mini coach. Pick up from Central Rotorua accommodation or airport. Your return transport to Rotorua is also by mini coach.
Pickup and drop off to Taupo also available.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: C

Average of 6 hrs physical activity per day*
At times carrying backpack of 5-6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 1000m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.

*A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required for this tour. Walkers need to carry a daypack containing 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 higher level of fitness is required to undertake the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Climb, which are strenuous hikes of 7-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres through an alpine environment. The guide will provide advice on fitness and weather conditions. There is always the option of doing shorter hikes or relaxing in the lodge instead.

Accommodation

The Park Hotel is a 3-star hikers and skiers lodge with beautiful views of the mountains and National Park. A cosy lounge area provides the perfect place to relax and socialise with the group at the end of each day. The outdoor hot tub is ideal for tired muscles!

Rooms are studio twin or double with a small economical ensuite. All meals, snacks, pre-dinner drinks and nibbles are included. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners. At times, alternative accommodation to the itinerary may be used.

What to Take

Equipment Provided and Required
You may borrow a 40-litre backpack and/or waterproof raincoat, or you can use your own. Weather conditions are highly variable so it is essential to have clothing that keeps you warm, even when wet. For this reason, polypropylene or wool clothing is recommended to walk in, and not cotton.

Bring your own or borrow from operator

Daypack approx. 40 litres
Raincoat, waterproof with hood

Essential Items:

Day-pack
Warm hat & gloves
Drink bottle or camel back – 2 litre capacity
Personal toiletries and medications
Sunscreen, sunglasses & sunhat
Camera and charger

Essential clothing for walking:

Hiking Boots (worn in please!)
Raincoat (we lend raincoats by prior arrangement)
Socks (about 3 pairs, wool is best)
Shorts or light weight trousers for hiking
Thermal leggings or long-johns to wear while walking (these are essential for walking in an alpine environment)
Thermal long-sleeved shirt (polypropylene or wool)
Short-sleeved shirts (preferably polypropylene or wool: merino wool is ideal)
Long-sleeved shirt or light sweater
Warm wool or polar fleece jersey
Clothes & shoes for the evenings – smart / casual
PJ’s / sleepwear
Small torch/flashlight

Optional Items:

Swimsuit (hot-pool swimming opportunities may exist)
Walking sticks (highly recommended)
Mobile phone (highly recommended for safety, good cell phone reception throughout the park)
Water-proof over trousers
Down jacket &/or wind-proof shell
Lunch-box to protect your sandwiches (otherwise we provide paper bags)
Blister kit

Food

All meals & snacks; hot and cold drinks throughout the day; evening aperitifs are included in the price.
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.

Guides & Safety

The guides are hiking addicts who love to have fun. They take special pride in providing a safe and friendly service. They enjoying sharing the natural and cultural histories of their specialist areas and provide a full guiding service - everything from a hot cup of tea or coffee to first aid treatments! They’ll accompany you on each days’ walk and put their culinary skills to good use in the kitchen to replenish you. All our guides are trained in first aid and carry comprehensive first aid kits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the weather be like?

It is essential to be well prepared when walking in New Zealand, as the weather can change rapidly. Although you may be walking in summer season, rain, cold and wind can occur at any time of year. Good raincoats can be provided and hiking boots are recommended so you will be comfortable in any weather conditions. The above itinerary is weather dependant. Your guides will choose the best walks to suit the weather conditions.

What about alcohol and food preferences?

Wine and other beverages can be purchased with dinner. If you have any particular food allergies or tastes please advise well ahead of time so that you can be catered for.

Do I need to be very fit?

You need to be of moderate fitness to enjoy this trip. Although some of the track is rough in parts, the pace is not difficult and there are plenty of rest stops for drinks and admiring the views.
A high level of fitness is required to undertake the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is a strenuous hike of 7-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres through an alpine environment.

What do I need to carry?

Walkers need to carry a daypack containing 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.

Where can we leave our vehicle?

Vehicles can be left at your Rotorua accommodation.
There is also an option to self-drive to the lodge in Tongariro. Please arrive approx 6pm on day 1. Driving time takes approx 4.5-5 hours from Auckland or Wellington.

Will I need something nice to wear in the evenings?

You’re on holiday after all, so why not!? Our lodge-based tours visit a local restaurant for an evening meal each night, so it’s a good idea to have something nice to wear out to dinner. They’re not super formal occasions, so you could say the dress code is smart casual. Gents – no ties or dinner jackets required, but covered shoes are a good idea. Ladies – comfortable footwear is advisable, but not enforced. Jeans and sports shoes are okay.

Booking Conditions

Payment:

For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure, a 25% deposit can be paid, with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required. NZD$300 of the deposit is non-refundable.

Cancellations:

60 - 31 days: 30% of the tour price is forfeited
30 – 0 days: 100% of tour price forfeited.

Transfers:

Customers may transfer their booking between departure dates up to 60 days prior departure without fees.

Please note that due to circumstances out of our control, itineraries may change at any time. The operator will always endeavour to ensure that where changes are made, clients are notified as soon as possible.

Travel Insurance

We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.
Notes: This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.

Tongariro Hike