You will be picked up from Rotorua City or the Rotorua Airport between 1pm and 1:30pm, or Taupo at 2.30pm. We will then drive south through the North's geothermal heartland.
Arrive in Tongariro National Park and become acquainted with the area and your guide with a short walk. Settle in to your accommodation at The Park Hotel 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!
The Park Hotel in Ruapehu offers stunning views of three volcanoes – Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngaruahoe, while providing a friendly and relaxed environment after your day’s activities. Relax in the inviting outdoor hot tubs before enjoying dinner and drinks in the hospitable and character-filled restaurant.
Today you find out what all the fuss is about! We challenge you to find a camera angle that does not produce spectacular, other worldly results, on the track that is known as the world's best day hike. It's not a free ride however, as this is a challenging hike traversing steep volcanic domes and steaming craters; there is NO WHERE else like this on the planet. If conditions allow we will have an early start on the track, so we can enjoy the solitude and watch the sunrise over the mountains - a truly magical experience!
The track runs through the Mangatepopo Valley (900m) to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. Two steep climbs lead to Red Crater (1886m), then a scree slope drops down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue Lakes the track sidles around the northern slope of Mount Tongariro, before the long descent of switch-backs and many steps to the end (600m).
Fair weather and a good level of fitness are required to undertake this hike.
Complete the entire Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track and celebrate at the end with a well-deserved cool drink and snack.
Return to The Park and revive your weary muscles in the outdoor spa pool before having a casual pub dinner with the locals.
Soak weary muscles in the hot tub and enjoy a second night at the Park Hotel.
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 you 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 (6-8 hours hiking).
Tonight enjoy a final celebration dinner with your group in The Chateau’s elegant silver service Ruapehu Room.
Your third and final night is spent in comfort at the Park Hotel.
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 - a great spot for a picnic. 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 volcanic mountain and totally fringed with lush forest.
Drop off in Taupo by 5pm or Rotorua by 6pm.
