Lock in this great deal now! You can postpone your trip at any time for up to 12 months from the original tour commencement date. Special offers are greatly discounted off our standard product offer. We are happy to offer free postponement if trips cannot be completed for any reason, but not a refund. Refundable tour options are available, please see our premium tours. 

Use promo code SAVE50TACSP to receive a half price tour for the 4th person. 

This 21km trek is New Zealand’s best day one-day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with different coloured and shaped craters that have been active at different periods, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs and brightly coloured emerald lakes.

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This is a Tongariro Alpine guided tour. We do not guarantee to reach the Ketatahi end.  Safety regarding weather, avalanche, ice and hypothermia are taken into consideration when securing our exact route for the day.

We take all individual and group bookings. If you are travelling alone please book as we generally always meet minimum numbers, especially on good weather days.

Included

Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the activity, all mountain equipment including helmet, crampons and ice axes if required for winter conditions.

Adrift Tongariro have available for hire personal equipment, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need. Please see the “Gear Hire” section below for a full list of gear available for hire and pricing.

Timings

Tour starts and finishes at the Adrift Tongariro Base 53 Carroll St, National Park Village. 

Spring (1 August - 31 October)

Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 8:00am

Return: 5:30pm

*Meeting times during October may change depending on track conditions and snow levels on track. It is essential that you call Adrift Tongariro between 10:00am – 5:00pm the day prior to confirm tour departure time. +64 7892 2751.

We endeavor to remove the risk of clients not having adequate clothing and equipment for the conditions. To achieve this, we request clients to meet at the Adrift Tongariro base to improve both safety and service as this is outfitted with all equipment and clothing needs for the conditions of the day.

Morning of the tour

Meet the team at the Adrift Tongariro base the morning of the tour where our guides will check everyone in, go over the day's trip conditions and assess and provide the required equipment, and additional clothing and boots if needed. 

Once we meet you, you are under our guidance so you can then relax and enjoy the journey with Adrift. 

Return Transfers

Return transfers are not included in this tour. If you require return transfers from Taupo, Turangi or Whakapapa please see our Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk. 

Gear List 

Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat, Warm hat and gloves. 

Gear Hire 

Adrift Tongariro has available for hire personal equipment footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks, walking poles and sleeping bags and liners.

• Boots $20
• Clothing items $10 each
• Clothing accessories (gloves, hats and sunglasses) $5 each
• Backpacks $10 each.

Fitness and Experience

A reasonably good level of fitness is required. If you are concerned about your fitness, please let your guide know before commencing the walk as there are options they may be able to offer if your concerns come to fruition. The winter time taken for the trek is approximately 8 hours and because we are limited for daylight hours in winter we need to keep a moderate pace during the day.  We start walking at approximately 8:30am and finish at approximately 4:30pm with a number of stops including a half hour stop to fit crampons and instruct in their correct use and a 15 minute stop for lunch.  Our walking pace is about 3kms per hour which is easily achievable for just about everyone.

Fitness and age are inversely proportional, unfortunately.

15-40 Years - The fitter you are the less one hurts the day after, just about everyone in this age bracket should be able to get over in the time allocated, unless exercise is a dirty word.

40-55 Years - Most should be able to get over in the time allowed, some may hurt the following day.

55+ Years - A good average level of fitness for the age is needed to ensure one can make it over in the time permitted.

Crampons and ice axes are required and our guides are there to show you how to use them safely. No alpine experience is required when undertaking a guided trip.  

Reconfirmation

It is essential all clients phone the Adrift Tongariro base between 10:00am – 5:00pm the day prior to trip date to reconfirm tour departure time, date and discuss exact timings. We highly recommend that single person bookings phone 3 days prior to the trip date to establish if minimum numbers have been met.  +64 7892 2751. Adrift Tongariro will not be liable to you for any losses that you may incur if you fail to do so.

Terms and Conditions

This is a Tongariro Alpine guided tour. We do not guarantee reaching the Ketatahi end. Safety regarding, weather, avalanche, ice and hypothermia are taken into consideration when securing our exact route for the day.

Meeting times during October may change depending on track conditions and snow levels on track. 

Special offers are greatly discounted off our standard product offer. We are happy to offer free postponement if trips cannot be completed for any reason, but not a refund. Refundable tour options are available, please see our premium tours. 

For full terms and conditions click here