Experience the best of New Zealand's volcanic zone. Inhale the aromas of Rotorua, discover hot streams, and hike along lakes and among volcanoes. This is the perfect trip if you're short on time or you like a bit more comfort as the camping is optional.
Day 1 >> Morning drive to Rotorua. Raft the wild Kaituna River(optional extra), skydive (optional extra) or walk the scenic river track. Picnic lunch then hike through bush alongside tranquil Lake Okataina. Attend a traditional Maori concert and hangi dinner (optional extras) or check out the local restaurants. 1 hour rafting and 2 hours hiking.
Day 2 >> Head south and be amazed at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland (optional extra). Bathe in a naturally hot river flowing through the bush. Peer over Huka falls before taking a relaxing swim in Lake Taupo. Hike across alpine grasslands to hut/camp in Tongariro National Park. 1.5 hours hiking.
Day 3 >> Hike to Oturere hut/camp through an extraordinary landscape of active volcanoes and turquoise lakes. 4 hours hiking.
Day 4 >> Hike up to Emerald Lakes and across a plateau, perhaps climbing one of the volcanoes (unguided section). Guzzle a well-earned beer at a lodge with amazing views of the volcanoes. 6-8 hours hiking.
Day 5 >> Relaxing morning if you need it. Visit the Department of Conservation display centre, otherwise hike to Taranaki Falls. Leave lodge at noon to catch the TranzScenic train to Wellington. Others travel north to Auckland with an optional get off at Waitomo (3:00pm), reaching Auckland at approximately 7:00pm. 2 hours hiking.
Notes >> Finish in Wellington or return to Auckland. This trip can be finished in Tongariro National Park (for the 1:35pm train to Wellington), Waitomo Caves or Auckland. Please tick 'train option' on your booking form if you wish to have your train trip to Wellington booked for you and included in your overall price.
One 4km section of the Tongariro hike (middle of Day 7) must be unguided for National Park permit reasons - not because we are unsuitable guides!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Additional costs >> Kitty fund NZ$29/day (for food and camp/hut/lodge fees). This costs more than other trips as we use lodges and National Park huts every night (there are some camp options which reduce your kitty cost by approx $8 per day if you choose them).
Optional activities include white water rafting ($89), skydive ($245+), Maori cultural concert ($45) + dinner experience ($88), Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland ($28), and TranzScenic train journey to Wellington Day 5 ($96).
Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Hiking & Trekking
Volcano Tours
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