Tongariro Crossing Guided Day Walk

Highlights

• Fully guided walk of the Tongariro Crossing
• New Zealand's best one-day walk!
• 19km (7-8 hr) walk over an alpine crossing
• Views of the Emerald Lakes, Red Crater & Mt Ruapehu

Description

New Zealand is well known for its fast, adrenaline fuelled tours, but taking these tours exclusively often means you miss out on seeing the phenomenal natural beauty of this Island paradise! If you really want to see the true New Zealand, the slow, calm pace of a guided walk ensures you don’t miss out.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the world’s most beautiful hiking destinations. Adrift Tongariro offer the opportunity to experience it for yourself, on a guided hike with a friendly and experienced professional. This 7-8 hour hike takes you through a rugged alpine environment that includes the amazing Red Crater, the enchanting Emerald Lakes, and the volcanoes – Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The landscape of solidified volcanic lava bombs, solidified lava flows and loose tephra gives a magical feeling to the atmosphere – almost like taking a stroll on Mars. Known as the ‘world’s best walk’, this incredible journey is very relaxing and peaceful and your guides will ensure the pace is comfortable for all. The amazing geography and history of this wonderful area as you hike and stop for frequent refreshments will awe you.

From Mangatepopo Valley (900m) to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains and up a couple of steep climbs leads you to the Red Crater (1886m) – a volcano that still contains active fumaroles (steam vents) and last erupted in 1926 (don’t worry though, there is no real danger from the Red Crater these days!). After admiring the inspiring views, you will descend a scree slope down to the gorgeous, bright aqua Emerald Lakes – deeply coloured by the volcanic minerals. Following the Lakes, you will edge around the northern side of Mount Tongariro before descending 600m down steps and switch-backs to the end of your hike. From here, you will be greeted by your Adrift Tongariro transport, who will be ready and waiting to take you back to base.

Trip Includes

• 7-8 hour fully guided walk on the Tongariro Crossing
• 19km walk - including rocky terrain, 1000 metre climb & descent over alpine pass
• Professional & experienced guides
• Return transfers from Adrift Tongariro Base to Tongariro Crossing
• Crampons & ice axes if required for winter conditions
• Alpine training & tuition provided on the day

Duration

• Allow 8 hours

Departures

• 8:00am in summer (returns 5:30pm)
• 7:00am in winter (returns 5:30pm)
• Departs from Adrift Tongariro Base, 53 Carroll St, National Park Village
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Minimum age is 12yrs
• PLEASE BRING: 1-2 litres water, picnic lunch & snacks, personal medications (e.g. asthma inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 2/3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), waterproof raincoat, warm hat and gloves
• Gear hire is available at the Adrift Tongariro Base prior to your departure: Boots $35; Clothing items $15 each; Clothing accessories (gloves, hats and sunglasses) $5 each; Backpacks $15 each
• A reasonably good level of fitness is required (terrain is uneven & steep in places). No alpine experience is needed.
• Crampons and ice axes are provided if required in winter
• Free parking available at Adrift Tongariro base
• Cancellations made 14 days prior are unable to be refunded 

Normal Retail Price

• Adult (12yrs+): NZD$425.00