Tongariro, Waitomo & Rotorua

North Island Volcanic Adventure

  • 5 Days
  • 14 People Max

    5 - 14 guests

  • Activity Level 4
    • Activity Level 4

      Challenge Accepted

      I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Auckland
  • Trip End: Auckland
north island volcanic

Lose track of time as you explore New Zealand's diverse North Island, from rolling green hills to the volcanic landscapes and endless coastlines on our North Island Volcanic Adventure.

The North Island of New Zealand is packed to the brim with incredible landscapes, and there's no better way to experience its vastness than on our North Island Volcanic Adventure. Discover for yourself your favorite part of the island as you hike the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike through redwood forests, and walk through otherwordly caves lit by the mysterious glowworm. With two local guides and every detail looked after, you'll learn about the intimate Maori culture and visit spiritual Kauri forests without a worry in the world. Our year-round North Island Volcanic Adventure is the perfect addition to any of our South Island trips. Starting and finishing in Auckland, all you'll need to do is walk off the plane, and you'll be off on a hiking tour of a lifetime!

Trip Highlights

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

HikingHiking

Rotorua's lakes

HikingHiking

Whakarewarewa Forest

BikingBiking

Maori culture

Plus ...Plus ...

Waitomo Caves

Plus ...Plus ...

North Island Volcanic Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Auckland Trip End: Auckland
  • Day 1Pick-up, visit Te Aroha, hike to Wairere Waterfall

  • Day 2Mountain bike Whakarewarewa Forest, visit Te Puia

  • Day 3Hike Rainbow Mountain, hike to Huka Falls

  • Day 4Hike Tongariro National Park, soak in hot pools

  • Day 5Visit Waitomo Caves, depart for home

  • Day 1

    Pick-up, visit Te Aroha, hike to Wairere Waterfall

    We’ll pick you up from your hotel or the airport and, leaving the city behind us, drive south to the township of Te Aroha. The town is one of the country’s top tourist spots, celebrated for its naturally hot soda waters and Mokena geyser. Today’s hike winds its way amongst tree roots and mossy rocks, and across several bridged river crossings to a lookout platform at the base of the Wairere Falls on the Okauia fault line. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Rotorua, considered the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture and the spiritual home of New Zealand’s tangata whenua (original people of the land).

    Sudima Hotel, Rotorua (Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 5 kilometers (3 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 400 meters (1,312 feet)

  • Day 2

    Mountain bike Whakarewarewa Forest, visit Te Puia

    This morning, we’ll head out to cycle the trails of Whakarewarewa Forest. Cycling in the forest is a real highlight of the trip and we have options to suit all abilities. If you prefer not to cycle, you can stay and soak in the local mineral spas, or explore Rotorua. After a picnic lunch in the forest, we’ll visit Te Puia which is famed for the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley – a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and impressive geysers. Tonight you’ll enjoy a cultural performance by members of the Te Arawa tribe and share a traditional feast. A hangi, as it’s known, is prepared by wrapping food and burying it in the earth to cook over hot stones. This healthy cooking method is similar to steaming and imparts a wonderful flavor.

    Sudima Hotel, Rotorua (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Biking: 2-8 kilometers (1.5-5 miles), +/-20 meters (65 feet), 3 hours including bike fitting & bike briefing and depending on ability and preferences

  • Day 3

    Hike Rainbow Mountain, hike to Huka Falls

    We head south out of Rotorua today to hike Rainbow Mountain, aptly named due to the unusual color of the soil. We’ll head up through the native forest past an impressive crater lake for panoramic views over the volcanic plateau. Then after lunch, we’ll follow the track along New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, for a spectacular view of Huka Falls and maybe a dip in some natural hot springs. Traveling further south, we follow the shores of Lake Taupo, an enormous volcanic caldera and the site of the world’s largest eruption in the last 70,000 years. We’ll stay on the banks of the Tongariro River, New Zealand’s most famous trout fishing river.

    Creel Lodge, Turangi (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: Rainbow Mountain Hike: 5 kilometers (3 miles), 3 hours. elevation +/- 340 meters (1,115 feet)
    Hiking: Huka Falls Hike: 3 kilometers (2 miles), 1 hour, elevation +/- 20 meters (65 feet)

  • Day 4

    Hike Tongariro National Park, soak in hot pools

    Just south of Turangi are three massive volcanoes (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu) – located in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and the fifth oldest in the world. Today we’ll hike to the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids around the base of Mount Ruapehu, both of these hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine shrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 20 meters (65 feet) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces. For more experienced hikers, we have the option to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and this full-day hike is challenging and unforgettable! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters, and steam vents – it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter (from May until October) with alpine conditions such as snow and ice, and if the weather isn’t suitable for the crossing, we’ll all hike the Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids. Your option must be confirmed at time of booking. Tonight, you can bathe in some natural thermal springs before having a celebratory dinner for our last night together.

    Creel Lodge, Turangi (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: Tongariro Crossing: 20 kilometers (12 miles), 7-8 hours, elevation +/- 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
    Hiking: Taranaki Falls: 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), 2 hours, elevation +/- 120 meters (393 feet)
    Hiking: Silica Rapids: 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 220 meters (721 feet)

  • Day 5

    Visit Waitomo Caves, depart for home

    For our last day together, we’ll head to the spectacular Waitomo Caves for a morning of caving. For those keen, you’ll head down to explore an underground cave system. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, headlamp and rubber tube in order to float down a subterranean stream, slide down waterfalls and at one point, switch off your headlamp to check out the incredible glowworms that live on the limestone ceiling of the cave. A shower and some hot soup complete the picture. Alternatively, take in the subterranean beauty on foot with a guided walk through Ruakuri cave system where you’ll learn all about the geological significance of the area. Afterward, we’ll head back to Auckland where your trip finishes. We’ll have you at the airport in time to catch evening flights back home, or down south for one of our South Island trips.

    No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)

Tongariro National Park Hike options

Option A: Taranaki Falls & Silica Rapids

The Taranaki Falls and Silica Rapids hikes showcase a variety of flora from native beech forest to sub-alpine shrublands, each culminating with a spectacular view; Taranaki Falls is 20 meters (65 feet) high and Silica Rapids has water cascading down a series of creamy white terraces. 

Option B: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike that is challenging and unforgettable! The trail takes you through arid volcanic terrain that includes emerald lakes, cold mountain springs, lava flows, active craters, and steam vents – it’s unlike anything else in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a more challenging hike in winter (from May until October) with alpine conditions such as snow and ice.

Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year
USD $3999/per adult (+tax) 

Tax info:
Our New Zealand trip fares are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST 15%)

Not ready to book yet?

Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.

  • Speak with one of our specialists
  • Confirm trip details
  • Discuss your specific needs
2 Oct 2023
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Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides, driver, and cook, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Travel Wallet’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!



Map of Trip

What Our Guests Say About the Ultimate North Island Adventure

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North Island Volcanic Adventure - February 2023

Wonderful

"This trip was just a half tour for us - and in fairness many things… read more

"This trip was just a half tour for us - and in fairness many things had been changed due to the crazy rain the North was getting. It was great to see that part of NZ though! read less

4 Stars (1 reviews)

Margaret,

Austin PIF 2

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full.

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. 

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our three pick-up locations are the Sudima Auckland City Hotel in Auckland central at 8:15am, Auckland International Airport Terminal (AKL) at the Help Desk directly opposite international arrivals at 9am, or the Auckland Domestic Airport Terminal (AKL) directly outside Door #2 at 9.15am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Auckland, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Auckland Airport (AKL) in time for flights below or the Sudima Auckland City Hotel in the late afternoon/early evening.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Auckland by 7am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Auckland after 7pm domestic and 8pm international flight departures. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days. 

Tell me about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often referred to as New Zealand’s best mountain day-hike. It’s a long day hike with a few up hills and a long, gradual downhill at the end. Starting with a gradual uphill walk, you’ll then climb a ridge and traverse over a spectacular moonlike landscape, passing the stunning Emerald Lakes and nearby volcanic features. Good hiking boots are a must as the track, although well marked, has a couple of ridges to climb along and down. There are a few steps too, so it’s a really good idea to have some hiking poles, whether you share between two or use both of them, you’ll be very glad to have them with you.

If you’re booked to come during our winter months from May through to October, you have the option of either hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or some fabulous lower elevation hikes in the Tongariro National Park. 

Winter Alpine crossing of Mt Tongariro
Mt. Tongariro and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is at this time of the year is typically covered in snow and ice. If you’re keen, and fit - and the weather is suitable, you can still hike over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It’s a full day out, and we’ll provide all the gear, such as crampons, ice axes and a specialist guide this day. 

Winter hiking Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park has many other hiking trails to explore, a couple of which are the Taranaki Falls waterfall hike, and the terraces of the Silica Rapids. These tracks are away from the higher elevations of snow and ice and are fabulous hiking alternatives for this day!

Tell me about the Waitomo Caves options?

When we visit Waitomo we have two ways to experience these fabulous caves - either wet or dry! Wet option you’ll be floating along through an underground river on an innertube (wearing all the appropriate gear of course), and dry means you can walk through a nearby cave instead. With both options you’ll see limestone formations and masses of glow-worms. 

Cave Tubing at Waitomo (wet)
Waitomo is renowned for its caves and what an awesome way to experience this region by really getting in it! We’ll provide all the gear, such as a head-lamp, helmet, wet-suit and rubber tubes, along with and a specialist guide this day and head off on a subterranean adventure through the Ruakuri Caves. You’ll take leaps of faith over cascading waterfalls, and float serenely down an underground river as you enjoy the glow-worms above you (enjoy lovely hot showers and hot soup after!)

Walking Ruakuri Caves (dry)
A dry option today is wandering through the Ruakuri Cave at Waitomo. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and see shawl-like limestone formations, crystal tapestries, stalactites & stalagmites - as well as glowworms.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
15% NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Pre/Post Accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides
Rental gear

Is tipping expected in New Zealand?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement. 

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Trip Inquiry

New Zealand

North Island Volcanic Adventure

USD $3999/per adult
$500 USD deposit per person required to secure your place on the trip

What To Expect

  • Place your booking
  • Receive your confirmation email & details to set up your Travel Wallet
  • Our dedicated team will keep you up to date all the way to the departure date

Dates

2023
2024
2025

October 2023

Monday 2 October 2023
To Friday 6 October 2023
Open
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *
Monday 16 October 2023
To Friday 20 October 2023
Full
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *
Monday 30 October 2023
To Friday 3 November 2023
Open
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *

Monday 13 November 2023
To Friday 17 November 2023
Open
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *
Monday 27 November 2023
To Friday 1 December 2023
Open
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *

Monday 11 December 2023
To Friday 15 December 2023
Full
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *
Monday 18 December 2023
To Friday 22 December 2023
Full
* GUARANTEED DEPARTURE *
Monday 25 December 2023
To Friday 29 December 2023
Open
*GUARANTEED DEPARTURE*

Monday 1 January 2024
To Friday 5 January 2024
Open
Monday 8 January 2024
To Friday 12 January 2024
Open
Monday 15 January 2024
To Friday 19 January 2024
Open
Monday 22 January 2024
To Friday 26 January 2024
Open
Monday 29 January 2024
To Friday 2 February 2024
Open

Monday 5 February 2024
To Friday 9 February 2024
Open
Monday 12 February 2024
To Friday 16 February 2024
Open
Monday 19 February 2024
To Friday 23 February 2024
Filling Up
Monday 26 February 2024
To Friday 1 March 2024
Open

Monday 4 March 2024
To Friday 8 March 2024
Open
Monday 11 March 2024
To Friday 15 March 2024
Open
Monday 18 March 2024
To Friday 22 March 2024
Open

Monday 1 April 2024
To Friday 5 April 2024
Open
Monday 15 April 2024
To Friday 19 April 2024
Open
Monday 29 April 2024
To Friday 3 May 2024
Open

Monday 6 May 2024
To Friday 10 May 2024
Open
Monday 20 May 2024
To Friday 24 May 2024
Open

Monday 29 July 2024
To Friday 2 August 2024
Open

Monday 9 September 2024
To Friday 13 September 2024
Open
Monday 30 September 2024
To Friday 4 October 2024
Open

Monday 14 October 2024
To Friday 18 October 2024
Open
Monday 28 October 2024
To Friday 1 November 2024
Open

Monday 11 November 2024
To Friday 15 November 2024
Open
Monday 25 November 2024
To Friday 29 November 2024
Open

Monday 2 December 2024
To Friday 6 December 2024
Open
Monday 9 December 2024
To Friday 13 December 2024
Open
Monday 16 December 2024
To Friday 20 December 2024
Open
Monday 23 December 2024
To Friday 27 December 2024
Open
Monday 30 December 2024
To Friday 3 January 2025
Open

Monday 6 January 2025
To Friday 10 January 2025
Open
Monday 13 January 2025
To Friday 17 January 2025
Open
Monday 20 January 2025
To Friday 24 January 2025
Open
Monday 27 January 2025
To Friday 31 January 2025
Open

Monday 3 February 2025
To Friday 7 February 2025
Open
Monday 10 February 2025
To Friday 14 February 2025
Open
Monday 17 February 2025
To Friday 21 February 2025
Open
Monday 24 February 2025
To Friday 28 February 2025
Open

Monday 3 March 2025
To Friday 7 March 2025
Open
Monday 10 March 2025
To Friday 14 March 2025
Open
Monday 17 March 2025
To Friday 21 March 2025
Open
Monday 31 March 2025
To Friday 4 April 2025
Open

Monday 14 April 2025
To Friday 18 April 2025
Open
Monday 28 April 2025
To Friday 2 May 2025
Open

Monday 5 May 2025
To Friday 9 May 2025
Open
Monday 19 May 2025
To Friday 23 May 2025
Open