You will be picked up from Rotorua City or the Rotorua Airport between 8.30am and 9.00am, or Taupō central at 10.00am before heading south through the North Island’s geothermal heartland. We’ll skirt around the beautiful shores of Lake Taupō, the North Island’s largest lake, and then drive up through stunning native forest onto the mighty central plateau. We can also meet you in Tongariro National Park if you prefer, please just ask us for driving directions.
We will get our first taste of the topography and natural character of the Tongariro National Park with a 2-hour loop walk to Taranaki Falls, which is part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk track. These falls tumble 20 metres over the edge of an old andesite lava flow, erupted from Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago, into a boulder-ringed pool. We’ll see a fascinating range of beech forest, alpine meadows full of red tussock, five-finger, umbrella ferns and mountain toatoa. This is a great chance to orient ourselves amongst spectacular views of the Tongariro volcanic massif. We’ll continue to warm-up and stretch out the legs with an easy, 20 minute walk in to see Tawhai Falls, better known as ‘Gollum’s Pool.’ If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll recognise this picturesque, 13 metre-high waterfall, where Faramir and his archers watch Gollum fish.
After settling into our cozy lodgings, we’ll share a hearty, 2-course Kiwi-style meal and a cold glass of something to toast the beginning of our Tongariro adventure as we watch the sun set over the magnificent volcanic skyline. Have a soak in the hot tub, nurse an after-dinner tipple at the on-site bar, or just put your feet up and prepare for exciting adventures that await us tomorrow!
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.
This morning we’ll set off on one of the world’s greatest one-day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This trail leads us through an incredible variety of ethereal landscapes - lava fields, emerald coloured crater lakes, steaming vents, alpine meadows, over an alpine pass, amidst the stunning mountain peaks – there’s nothing like it anywhere else on the planet! The views across to Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and the central plateau of the North Island are simply spectacular and worth every step! Lonely Planet recommends a walk amidst the Tongariro Volcanoes as “a life-changing experience not to be missed!”
Your guides make this incredible hike even more memorable by sharing local stories and legends and bringing the extraordinary geological history to life. Fair weather and a good level of fitness are required to undertake this hike as sections are steep, exposed and challenging, including a 200 metre descent down a scree-slope. After a well-deserved trailend celebration, we’ll return to our lodgings where you can revive your weary muscles in the outdoor spa pool, before meeting in the cosy lounge for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. Tonight we head out to a lively local restaurant and bar for a casual meal with the locals.
Soak weary muscles in the hot tub and enjoy a second night at the Park Hotel.
Today we 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, and is steeped in interesting pioneering stories from the early days of New Zealand industry. Heritage features on the trail include a unique cobbled stone road, massive steel viaducts, a curved tunnel, railway bridge remnants and old, workers campsites.
The 15km walk takes around 5 hours and passes through some beautiful stands of native forest with sweeping views across the Ohakune district, known for its’ fertile soils and market gardens. In consultation with the group, and if conditions allow, we can squeeze in some extra trails nearby or head up Bruce Road to explore the dramatic, rock-strewn landscapes higher up on 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. Tonight we enjoy a final celebration dinner, glasses raised, to cap off an excellent walking adventure.
Your third and final night is spent in comfort at the Park Hotel.
After a final hearty breakfast, we pack up our kit and farewell the National Park and its majestic mountains. If the legs are feeling fresh, we’ll begin our day with one of the many short walks nearby. Our experienced, local guides love the chance to select a trail from their catalogue of personal favourites to make this particular trip a unique experience for everyone.
On our journey out of the park, we’ll finish things off with a rejuvenating hike around the glistening Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake) nestled in the side of beautiful Mt. Pihanga, a mountain maiden central to the Māori legend that describes how this area was formed. From the carpark, we’ll make our way up a small incline to reach the lake level itself, where the track evens out to circumvent the lakeshore.
We’ll enjoy our final picnic lunch on Five Minute Beach in the peace and serenity of lush, native forest. We’ll have you safely back in Taupo between 3–4 pm or Rotorua around 5–6pm to meet your onward travel arrangements.
