DAY 1: ARRIVE AT NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE
Arrive into National Park Village and check into The Park Hotel. National Park is home to three active volcanic mountains and iconic majestic landscapes, and we suggest a visit to the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre to learn about the natural and cultural values of the park
DAY 2: TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING DAY WALK
Today you get to experience one of the best 1-day walks in the world. The park is a UNESCO dual World Heritage area and was the first in the world to receive Cultural World-Heritage Status. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing spans the length of Mt. Tongariro (19.4Ks) and takes about 7-8 hours to complete. The walk commences at Mangatepopo (1100m) and concludes at Ketetahi (750m). The highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is Red Crater (1886m). The volcanoes are still active, and the hike is a view into their growth and destruction. Mt Tongariro last erupted from Te Maari Crater in 2012 and Mt Ngauruhoe’s last was in 1975.
The landscape on Mt Tongariro is peppered with craters that have been active at different periods. The track leads through the perfectly flat moonscape of South Crater; climbs to the edge of Red Crater; skirts around Central Crater; and then leads down past the steaming Te Maari Crater. There are scoured volcanic rocks, lava flows frozen in time, mountain springs and brightly coloured emerald lakes. No matter what the weather, this is a hike of a lifetime.
DAY 3: RUAPEHU CRATER LAKE GUIDED WALK
This walk is perfect for those who like a manageable challenge. Mt. Ruapehu is the highest (2797m) of the three active andesitic volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park. The last eruption on Mt. Ruapehu was in 2007. We will hike to the top of the North Island highest volcano for our lunch break and from there you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the crater lake. Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The walk begins at the Whakapapa Ski area at the top of the Bruce Road on Mt. Ruapehu. There may be an option of taking a chairlift up to Knoll Ridge cafe. This option will depend on the group on the day and if the chairlifts are operating. Payment for the chairlift is approx NZ$35 pp and is made to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (situated at the start of the walk). The lifts close at 4.00 pm daily, should conditions deteriorate during the day the lifts may have to be closed earlier.
DAY 4: HALF DAY VOLCANIC EXPLORER TOUR
To finish off your time at Tongariro National Park we end your last day of walking with the half day Volcanic Explorer Guided Walk. We have a menu of smaller walks we partake in ensuring you get to see and enjoy all you can in the 4 hours. We will talk and show you all things relevant to Tongariro and New Zealand including recent and past eruptions geology flora and fauna discovery and settlement of NZ myths and legends and the Lord of the Rings filming sites.
DAY 5: DEPART NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE
After breakfast check out of your accommodation. Before heading home maybe take the opportunity to visit areas within the local region. Ohakune is home to the famous Chocolate Éclair and well worth a drive to sample this sweet treat.
Fitness and Experience
A reasonably good level of fitness is required. If you are concerned about your fitness please let your guide know before commencing the walk, as there are options, we can discuss with you.
Your Accommodation
THE PARK HOTEL
The Park Hotel offers the biggest variety of accommodation in National Park and is the ideal base for exploring New Zealand's most popular 1-day walk – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The hotel offers fantastic Tongariro Crossing packages including breakfast, guided walks, packed lunches, and transport to and from the Tongariro Crossing track. From premium hotel rooms to self-catering family rooms to comfortable loft rooms, there is an accommodation style to suit every traveller's needs and budget. Enjoy picturesque alpine views of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings filming locations) from the hotel.
