The Tongariro Crossing Walk
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The Tongariro Crossing Walk is a 3 day package that encompasses a variety of trips in the iconic Tongariro National Park. It features the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, unforgettable volcanic landscapes, spectacular views over the central North Island, and the wonderful experience of passing through native beech forests and alpine fields, and seeing a host of sparkling (and sometimes steaming) crater lakes (including the well-known crater at the top of Mt Ruapehu).
It has been recommended as a “life changing experience” by the Lonely Planet.
The area in which you will be walking was designated a National Park on the 23rd of September 1887. Te Heuheu, the Paramount Chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa people, gifted 2,630ha of the central volcano area to the New Zealand Government, including the summits of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. His generosity secured access to the mountains for everyone.
These landscapes and vistas are so important to New Zealand that the Park has been granted the rare honour of dual World Heritage status…….for its outstanding natural features, and for the cultural importance that the peaks and rivers represent to the local Maori.
Features of the Tongariro Crossing Walk:
- You will be accompanied by an experienced guide.
- Lodge style accommodation is provided for 3 nights.
- We provide you with all of your transport and for your luggage during the day. All you need to carry is your day pack and your camera. However, you should have clothes for all seasons, as the weather can be extreme.
- Your fitness levels should be moderate to high.
- The tour begins and ends in Rotorua – the scenic capital of the North Island of New Zealand.
- There is comfortable, good standard lodge accommodation, on each night.
- Meals and wine are provided for the duration of the trip and each night you will experience a variety of local cuisine. The atmosphere and ambience of the journey is an important part of Tuatara Tours adventures.
- There are three days of very special walking.
Itinerary
Day One (Pick up and dinner) 
We will pick you up mid to late afternoon at the Rotorua airport or in the Rotorua central city. From there you will travel by coach to the Tongariro National Park – to prepare for 3 days of extensive walking. With an introductory glass of wine, we will introduce you to our experienced guide who will brief you on the plan for the trip, and the safety features that are an important part of your adventure.
You will experience delicious local New Zealand cuisine that night and be able to meet other walkers who will accompany you on the trip. Cameradie is an important part of the exercise.
Day Two (7 to 8 hours of walking)
This is the day that most people have been waiting for as it encompasses the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing – over intriguing volcanic terrain, past spectacular turquoise crater lakes, and before views that will literally take your breath away.
Make no mistake about it this experience is famous around the world. What makes it unique is that it is virtually a “martian” landscape, barren and lifeless like the moon…..and most people will not have seen anything like it.
However, bear in mind that this is not an easy exercise - you should have a good level of fitness and be well prepared for changing weather conditions.
You will enjoy a great dinner that night to celebrate the crossing.
Day Three (6 to 8 hours of walking)
On the third day you will initially take a chairlift up the mighty Mt Ruapehu – which is the North Island’s highest mountain, and is well known for its exhilarating skiing experiences during winter. By using the chairlift you can be whisked to a level of around 2000 metres, from where you can hike to the Crater Lake – which is about 600 metres further up. The lake is spectacular to look at - as it bubbles away……..reaching temperatures of around 60 degrees centigrade.
Because of the altitude, this walk is quite naturally weather dependent. If instead you want to spend a more relaxing day at the lower levels we can arrange shorter walks for you in the surrounding area.
That evening you will be able to experience some of the local cuisine and regale each other with the fantastic sights that you experienced during the day.
Day Four (3 to 5 hours walking)
On the last day you will experience more features of the Tongariro hinterland, strolling through beautiful alpine fields and stunning beech forests, and in particular walk to the outstanding Taranaki Falls – which is an interesting 20m waterfall that cuts through and flows over an ancient lava flow, which has created the falls' unique setting and shape.
You will also enjoy walking across alpine tussock and shrublands, through picturesque forests, in a walk up to the golden Silica Rapids. The colour of the water (and of the river bed) is derived from the minerals and chemicals of the surrounding volcanic rock. There you can see spectacular views of the mountains in the area.
At the end of this interesting and exhilarating day you can be dropped off in Taupo (at around 5pm) or at Rotorua (6 pm).
