Tongariro Hike

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. 

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.

We’ll get our final 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. You’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 drink in one last moment amongst spectacular views of the Tongariro volcanic massif.

We’ll have you safely back in Taupō between 3–4 pm or Rotorua around 5–6pm to meet your onward travel arrangements.