Key Information: Tour Duration: 10
day(s) Group Size: 4
- 11
people Destination(s):New Zealand Specialty Categories:Hiking & TrekkingVolcano Tours Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: No Minimum Per Person Price: 1195 New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Maximum Per Person Price: 1195 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Hike through Jurassic-like rainforest and follow a river through a beautiful gorge in Whirinaki Forest Park. Kayak across the enchanting Lake Tarawera and soak in thermal streams surrounded by lush New Zealand native bush. Hike through a spectacular volcanic wonderland in Tongariro National Park and climb to the summit of an active volcano. Find glowworms, waterfalls and limestone formations in a hidden cave. Hike into Mt Egmont National Park and climb Fanthams Peak at dawn for stunning views of Mt Egmont/Taranaki and across to the distant mountains of Tongariro National Park.
Day 1 >> Drive from Auckland to Whirinaki Forest Park. Hike through beech forest to a riverside hut. 2 hours hiking.
Day 2 >> Hike through a beautiful gorge learning river-crossing techniques and watching for rare New Zealand bird-life. 6 hours hiking.
Day 3 >> Hike over a pass into the lush Whirinaki rain forest. Camp at one of Rotorua's beautiful lakes. 5 hours hiking.
Day 4 >> Kayak (NZ$90) on ancient crater lake and soak in a natural hot stream in the bush at lake edge. 5 hours kayaking.
Day 5 >> Swim and relax at Lake Taupo. Hike across alpine grasslands to hut/camp in Tongariro National Park. 1.5 hours hiking.
Day 6 >> Hike to the next hut/camp through an extraordinary landscape of active volcanoes and turquoise lakes. 4 hours hiking.
Day 7 >> Hike up to the Emerald Lakes and across a plateau, perhaps climbing one of the volcanoes. 6 hours hiking.
Day 8 >> Drive to Waitomo and explore a secret river cave. Camp at a beach and prepare a hangi feast. 1 hour caving.
Day 9 >> Explore an ancient Maori pa (village) site, then hike into a cosy hut in Mt Egmont National Park. 1.5 hours hiking.
Day 10 >> Climb Fanthams Peak for dawn views, then descend through forest. Drive to Wellington. 2-5 hours hiking.
Notes >> People heading North after the safari - we connect in Stratford with an Auckland bound bus at 1pm. Please advise guide on Day 1 if this is required. Guide can arrange this booking - cost not included. June to September - we may do different hikes (in the same areas) due to snow and river conditions. Also there is a ski/board option on day 7 - ask us if you need more information.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Additional costs >> Kitty fund for food and camp/hut fees NZ$25/day. During winter (April - September) or wet weather summer safaris you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use alternative accommodation more often.
Optional activities >> Lake Tarawera kayaking NZ$90. Kitty fund and optional activities are paid for during the trip.
