We’ll pick you up from central Rotorua City or the Rotorua Airport between 8.30am and 9.00am, or central Taupō at 10.00am, before heading south through the North Island’s geothermal heartland. We’ll skirt around the beautiful shores of Lake Taupō,the North Island’s largest lake, and then drive up through stunning native forest onto the mighty central plateau. We can also meet you in Tongariro National Park if you prefer, please just ask us for driving directions.

We’ll get our first taste of the topography and natural character of the Tongariro National Park with a 2-hour loop walk to Taranaki Falls, which is part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk track. We’ll continue to warm-up and stretch out the legs with an easy, 20 minute walk in to see Tawhai Falls, better known as ‘Gollum’s Pool.’ If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll recognise this picturesque, 13 metre-high waterfall, where Faramir and his archers watch Gollum fish.

After settling into our cozy lodgings, we’ll share a hearty, 2-course Kiwi-style meal and a cold glass of something to toast the beginning of our Tongariro adventure as we watch the sun set over the magnificent volcanic skyline.

This morning we’ll set off on one of the world’s greatest one-day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This trail leads us through an incredible variety of ethereal landscapes – lava fields, emerald coloured crater lakes, steaming vents, alpine meadows, over an alpine pass, amidst the stunning mountain peaks – there’s nothing like it anywhere else on the planet! The views across to Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and the central plateau of the North Island are simply spectacular and worth every step!

After a well-deserved trail end celebration, we’ll return to our lodgings where you can revive your weary muscles in the outdoor spa pool, before meeting in the cosy lounge for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. Tonight we head out to a lively local restaurant and bar for a casual meal with the locals.

Today we travel around the southern side of Mt Ruapehu to experience some of New Zealand’s rail history on the Old Coach Road trail. Between 1906 to 1908 the road was used to carry passengers and goods by horse and coach, between two railheads on the main trunk line, and is steeped in interesting pioneering stories from the early days of New Zealand industry.

Heritage features on the trail include a unique cobbled stone road, massive steel viaducts, a curved tunnel, railway bridge remnants and old, workers campsites. The 15km walk takes around 5 hours and passes through some beautiful stands of native forest with sweeping views across the Ohakune district, known for its’ fertile soils and market gardens.

In consultation with the group, and if conditions allow, we can squeeze in some extra trails nearby or head up Bruce Road to explore the dramatic, rock-strewn landscapes higher up on Mt Ruapehu. At 2797 metres above sea level, the North Island’s highest mountain offers jaw-dropping views over the National Park with various hiking options.

Tonight we enjoy a final celebration dinner, to cap off an excellent walking adventure.

After a final hearty breakfast, we pack up our kit and farewell the National Park and its majestic mountains.

On our journey out of the park, we’ll finish things off with a rejuvenating hike around the glistening Lake Rotopounamu (Greenstone Lake) nestled in the side of beautiful Mt. Pihanga, a mountain maiden central to the Māori legend that describes how this area was formed.

From the carpark, we’ll make our way up a small incline to reach the lake level itself, where the track evens out to circumvent the lakeshore. We’ll enjoy our final picnic lunch on Five Minute Beach in the peace and serenity of lush, native forest.

We’ll have you safely back in Taupo between 3–4 pm or Rotorua around 5–6pm to meet your onward travel arrangements.