Overview
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 for panoramic views and maybe see the Waitomo Caves passageways illuminated by thousands of glow worms in your free time.
Save 22%
Our Price From
A$2,007 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $559 per person
Trip Length
5 Days
Trip Starts
Auckland
Trip Ends
Auckland
Departures
Oct 2026 to Mar 2028
Countries Visited:
Trip Style
Original
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Challenging
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
PHXB
Itinerary
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.
Explore Experiences
Auckland
Tongariro National Park
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Explore Experiences
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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)
- Walking, Private vehicle, Jet boat
- 4 Breakfasts included
- 3 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.
Operator
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.
Download Brochure
Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)
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.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
GJ Loyalty Discount
Save even more if you're a past client of Global Journeys!
Friday
23 Oct 2026
23 Oct 26
Auckland
Tuesday
27 Oct 2026
27 Oct 26
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,590
A$2,031
Save $559
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
13 Nov 2026
13 Nov 26
Auckland
Tuesday
17 Nov 2026
17 Nov 26
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,590
A$2,031
Save $559
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
11 Dec 2026
11 Dec 26
Auckland
Tuesday
15 Dec 2026
15 Dec 26
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,590
A$2,031
Save $559
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
08 Jan 2027
08 Jan 27
Auckland
Tuesday
12 Jan 2027
12 Jan 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,560
A$2,007
Save $553
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
22 Jan 2027
22 Jan 27
Auckland
Tuesday
26 Jan 2027
26 Jan 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,560
A$2,007
Save $553
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
19 Feb 2027
19 Feb 27
Auckland
Tuesday
23 Feb 2027
23 Feb 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,560
A$2,007
Save $553
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
19 Mar 2027
19 Mar 27
Auckland
Tuesday
23 Mar 2027
23 Mar 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,560
A$2,007
Save $553
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
22 Oct 2027
22 Oct 27
Auckland
Tuesday
26 Oct 2027
26 Oct 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,690
A$2,636
Save $54
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
12 Nov 2027
12 Nov 27
Auckland
Tuesday
16 Nov 2027
16 Nov 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,690
A$2,636
Save $54
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
10 Dec 2027
10 Dec 27
Auckland
Tuesday
14 Dec 2027
14 Dec 27
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,690
A$2,636
Save $54
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
07 Jan 2028
07 Jan 28
Auckland
Tuesday
11 Jan 2028
11 Jan 28
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,690
A$2,636
Save $54
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
04 Feb 2028
04 Feb 28
Auckland
Tuesday
08 Feb 2028
08 Feb 28
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,560
A$2,509
Save $51
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday
03 Mar 2028
03 Mar 28
Auckland
Tuesday
07 Mar 2028
07 Mar 28
Auckland
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,560
A$2,509
Save $51
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
