Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 5 Day Walk New Zealand's Tongariro Crossing. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on this this five-day adventure through New Zealand. Visit a local marae (Maori meeting house) for a powhiri (formal welcome), explore New Zealand’s oldest national park and UNESCO World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park, and relax in the Ohakune wood-fired hot tubs at the foothills of Mt Ruapehu. Learn about the Bridge to Nowhere, significance to World War I servicemen and their families on a short hike, catch the Sky Waka Gondola to the Whakapapa Ski fields read more for panoramic views and maybe see the Waitomo Caves passageways illuminated by thousands of glow worms in your free time.
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 8 am in Auckland. After your meeting, you’ll drive to Tongariro National Park, stopping at the Morero Marae (Maori meeting house) along the way for a powhiri (formal welcome) and a korero (conversation). Then, set off on a short bushwalk with your local leader and learn more about the region. Tonight, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner. (L)
Lace up your boots and set out on the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This crossing is said to be the best one-day trek in New Zealand! Spend the day hiking through the Tongariro National Park – New Zealand’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you go, take in the beautiful landscapes around you, like the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu and the natural forests. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your leader will have the best recommendations. (B/L)
This morning, hike through alpine shrubland and beech forest to Taranaki Falls. Along the way, you’ll pass over the Wairere Stream and climb the shoulder of the lava flow, now covered with red tussock. On a clear day, you might be able to see Ngauruhoe’s symmetrical cone and the older, eroded mountains of Tongariro and Pukekaikiore. Then catch the Sky Waka (gondola) to the Whakapapa Ski fields for panoramic views over the region. From here, set off on a short walk to see more of the ski fields, then visit Ohakune. In your free time, you could go for a soak in the Ohakune wood-fired hot tubs or take a short walk through mountain beaches and kaikawaka forests to Waitonga Falls – Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. (B/L)
After breakfast, drive to Pipiriki, where you’ll board a jetboat to travel up the beautiful Whanganui River, deep into the heart of the national park. In 2017, this river was declared a living entity and it bears significant importance to the local Iwi (Maori tribes). Take a short hike to the Bridge to Nowhere and learn about the history of this region and its significance to World War I servicemen and their families. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner in Ohakune to celebrate your final night in New Zealand. (B/L)
Travel back to Auckland this morning, stopping at the Waitomo Caves on the way. Maybe explore the subterranean system of caverns and passageways that are illuminated by thousands of glow worms. This afternoon, maybe set off on a short walk through forested gorges, past natural sculpted cliffs and under low limestone arches along the Ruakuri Bushwalk. When you arrive in Auckland, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
Hike the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing and see the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu. You’ll be immersed in New Zealand’s natural forest scenery while you learn about the region’s rich history.
Get a bird's eye view of Tongariro National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site and New Zealand's oldest national park! Catch the Sky Waka Gondola (the country's longest gondola) to the Whakapapa Ski fields for epic views.
Soak in the Ohakune wood-fired hot tubs at the foothills of Mt Ruapehu or take a short walk through mountain beaches and kaikawaka forest to Waitonga Falls during your free time.
Journey along the beautiful Whanganui River on a jetboat. After, take a short hike to the Bridge to Nowhere and learn about the history of this region and its significance to World War I servicemen and their families.
Stop in at Morero Marae on the way to Tongariro National Park. Visit the Maori meeting house in Taumarunui for a powhiri (formal welcome) and a korero (conversation), then set off on a short bushwalk with your local leader and learn more about the region.
Hotel (4 nights)
4 Breakfasts included
4 Lunches included
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.
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