PLEASE NOTE: As at the week ending Sunday 9th October, DOC have reversed their suspension of activities outside the Mt Ruapehu Crater Zone. Adrift Tongariro are now allowed to guide up to 700m of the Crater Lake. All those who have postponed bookings can now redeem their booking. We are also now taking new bookings for the Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Hike! With snow up until the end of January, this is a fantastic snow experience using crampons and ice axes. 

Your world-famous backyard awaits you. Explore Mt Ruapehu and enjoy the Tongariro National Park the way it used to be; with no crowds!

Postpone your trip at any time for up to 12 months from the original tour commencement date.

Use promo code SAVE50RCLS to receive a half price tour for the 4th person. 

For those who like a manageable challenge, we offer a full day Mt Ruapehu Guided Walk. With snow right up until the end of December this is fantastic for those wanting a snow experience using crampons and ice axes.

Mt. Ruapehu 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 us 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 this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The walk begins 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. Payment for the chairlift is made to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (situated at the start of the walk). The lifts close at 4.00 pm daily, should conditions deteriorate during the day the lifts may have to be closed earlier.

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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.

*Lunch is available as a separate booked item which must be advised at the time of booking. $25pp

Timings

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

Summer (1 October - 30 April)

Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 8:00am

Return: 5:30pm

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.

Return Transfers

Return transfers are not included in this tour. If you require return transfers from Taupo, Turangi or Whakapapa please see our premium Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake Guided Walk.

Gear List

Water (1-2 litres), lunch, snack, personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat.   

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.

Fitness and Experience

Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Walking distance is 10 kms return or 7 kms return when the chairlift is utilised. Walking time is about 6-7 hours. This walk requires a good level of fitness. The terrain is uneven and steep in places. It is possible to take the walk as far as Knoll Ridge Cafe if you are concerned about your fitness.

During winter and times of snow, surface conditions will vary from day to day. Crampons and ice axes are required, and your guide will provide instruction on how to use them correctly.

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

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