Mount Ruapehu

Experience the Tongariro Crossing with this four-hour, half-day volcanic explorer guided walk. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Tongariro National Park, learn about its geology and surrounding flora and fauna. When possible, the tour will start on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track and head up to Soda Springs before returning to the start. If the Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk is not suitable on the day, there is a menu of smaller walks to enjoy. During this 4-hour tour you'll see a selection of the most popular Tongariro sites. These include Lake Rotopounamu, Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids, Soda Springs, Pukeonake, Whakapapanui River, Tawhai falls and Meads Wall.

Experience the breathtaking volcanic terrain even if you are limited in time. The exact route of this walk is chosen to suit the level of ability for the group, an easier route can be selected if walking on a pathless track is too difficult. Walk for approximately 60 – 80 minutes before enjoying a glass of New Zealands sparkling wine as you watch the sunset. The preferred route is the Taranaki Falls loop track. Other route options are a return trip starting at the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing track or a return route to sunset ridge or Meads Wall.  Learn about geology, volcanology and New Zealand cultural history from your knowledgable guide. This is a memorable way to see the National Park with sunset lighting up a majestic Alpine setting.

Download a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. Explore the stunningly beautiful and popular area of Tongariro which is made up of 3 volcanic peaks. In this audio tour, learn about the volcanic activity and the craters that are found in the area like the Red, Central and North Crater. This 7-hour hike will tell you about Māori myths and legends as you walk along this legendary area that was also made famous by the filming of The Lord of the Rings. You will also see the Lower Mangatepopo Valley, Mount Ruapehu, Soda Springs, Upper Mangatepopo Valley, Ngauruhoe Summit, the Oturere Valley Lookout, the Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake, Lake Rotoaira with North Views, Ketetahi Springs, and the Totara Forest. Your tour. Your way.

Go on an adventure and embark on a full-day guided walk to Ruapehu. Admire Mt. Ruapehu that is the highest (2797m) of the three active andesitic volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park. The last eruption on Mt. Ruapehu was in 2007.  Join the group for lunch on top of the North Island highest volcano from where you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the crater lake. Please note that this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Start your walk at the Whakapapa Ski area at the top of the Bruce Road on Mt. Ruapehu, there may be an option of taking a chairlift up to Knoll Ridge cafe. This option will depend on the group on the day and if the chairlifts are operating. The lifts close at 4:00 PM daily, should conditions worsen during the day the lifts may have to be closed earlier. Enjoy personable, friendly, and qualified guides that provide instruction, transport, equipment, and gear hire.