Tongariro Hike
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| Length | 3.5 days | ||||||
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| Grade |
C (track uneven in places)
Grade C
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| Start | Rotorua. 3 pm (airport or central Rotorua) | ||||||
| Finish | Rotorua. 7 pm | ||||||
| Departs |
Feb 2012: 7, 14, 21,(full) 28 Mar 2012: 6, 13, 20, 27 Apr 2012: 3, 6, 10, 17, 24 |
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| Prices | Period 1 Jul 11 - 30 Jun 12 | ||||||
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Maximum 13
Back to topItinerary
Tongariro National Park – a dual listed World Heritage Area – provides a stunning natural playground bursting with diverse landscapes for visitors to discover. With arid badlands, crater and alpine lakes, sparkling rivers, breath-taking lunar landscapes, lush rainforest and alpine meadows to be explored, a summer hiking vacation is an utterly unique experience not to be missed. The itinerary below is a basic outline. There are many other interesting hikes and sightseeing opportunities within the National Park. Your experienced local guide will help you choose the best walks to suit weather conditions and fitness levels. The itinerary is flexible depending on group preferences and snow and ice conditions.
Day 1.
Rotorua to Tongariro National Park.
Pick-up from central Rotorua 2:30pm, Rotorua airport 3pm or Taupo 4pm. Travel to your group's exclusive lodge in Tongariro National Park. Settle in with a glass of New Zealand wine, while your guide briefs you on tomorrow's walk - The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world's best day hikes.
Relish a delicious home-cooked meal while you get to know your guide and the other members of your small group. Retire to a cozy bed and hot shower.
Day 2.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 7- 8 hours walking
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. This section is fully guided and a comprehesive briefing will be given. Head to a local hot spring for a well-earned soak, before returning to the lodge.
Day 3.
Mt Ruapehu Crater lake 6-8 hours walking
Drive high up Mt Ruapehu and take a chair lift up to 2000m, then hike up to the active crater lake at the top of Mt Ruapehu (approx 2 hours up to 2660m). The lake reaches temperatures of up to 60 C. Impressive views of the central plateau and all its volcanoes are afforded from near the summit of the North Island's highest mountain. (This walk is very weather dependent, and may not be possible early or late season due to snow and/or chairlift being closed). If you fancy a more relaxing day you will have the option of joining a guide and heading down to the local visitor centre to do some of the shorter walks in the area, perhaps to the Tama Lakes on a section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Track. Tonight enjoy a final celebration dinner with your group in the lodge.
Day 4.
Taranaki Falls 3-5 hours walking
Hike to the base of 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. Then hike through a variety of beautiful sub-alpine gardens to the creamy-white terraces of the Silica Rapids. Spectacular views of the mountains are enjoyed on fine days.
Drop off in Rotorua by 6pm.
Grading & Fitness
Grade C
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 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. 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.
Guides & Safety
The guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts who take pride in providing a safe and friendly service. They will explain the natural and human history of the area you are walking in, and provide everything from a hot cup of tea or coffee to advice and support for your walk. Your guide will give you briefings on each day's walk, and demonstrate their culinary skills in the kitchen. All guides are trained in first aid and carry extensive first aid kits.
Back to topWhat to take
Equipment Provided and Required
You may borrow a 40-litre backpack, 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.
Linen is provided.
We lend raincoats on request. See the equipment checklist for full details of what to bring.
Essential Items
Optional Items
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.
Connects with Air New Zealand Sydney to Rotorua direct flights. Pickup and drop off to Taupo also available.
Food
Dinners are delicious 2 course meals with a focus on NZ style cuisine.
Breakfasts have cooked and continental options. Packed lunches are made fresh daily.
All meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks; NZ wine & beer with evening meals are included in the price.
Accommodation
2-3 star private lodge with great views of the volcanoes and Tongariro National Park. Rooms are double or twin-share, with share bathrooms. The lodge has a spacious dining area and lounge, looking out at the mountains.
Back to topQuestions
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 chose the best walks to suit the weather conditions.
What about alcohol and food preferences?
A glass of wine is provided with each of your evening meals. You are welcome to bring additional alcohol if preferred. 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.
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs
Back to topBooking Conditions
Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
Cancellations:
Are charged on the following basis per person:
Outside 31 days from walk departure date = 20% cancelation fee
Between 30-8 days before walk departure date = 50% cancelation fee
Within 7 days of walk departure date = 100% cancelation fee
Travel Insurance:
We suggest clients take out a comprehensive travel insurance.
Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
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