Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

The safest way to approach lava is to have another person with you, and he goes first. Volcano photographer Villi Knudsen

Length 5 days

Price NZ$1895

Grade A (or if doing the Tongariro Crossing Grade C) - day hikes only
Extras - meals not specified in the itinerary
Extras optional - transit to / from Auckland ($50 each way)
Start - Whakapapa 2:00pm
Finish - Whakapapa 2:00pm (also start / finish in Auckland option, see notes at bottom of page)

Departure Dates

Please contact us to make your group booking.

Keen for more?

Link this trip with:

The Far North
Take the time to truly appreciate the North Island. Combine two trips for the ultimate walking holiday.

Secret South
Let the action-packed adventure continue to the South Island by taking a Secret South trip AFTERWARDS.

Active Earth New Zealand hiking tours

Tongariro Photographic

Expedition

ROB BROWN is a noted Christchurch professional landscape photographer and author, and is well respected for his large and medium format outdoor photography. Rob is also well known for his environmental and conservation advocacy (through the Federated Mountain Clubs and West Coast Conservation Board). His photographs are widely published in magazines, calendars and books both in New Zealand and overseas.

We will take you on a journey of discovery where the scenery is breathtaking and the trekking excellent in this alpine-volcanic wonderland. This trip is for all photographers, be it starting out or experienced, to hone your outdoor photography skills. Rob Brown will work in conjunction with a local adventure guide to manage the flow of the tour, the pace and the itinerary – so we can take the best photographs, seek out the hidden gems, wait for the perfect dawn light or sunset… fully backed by the convenience and security of being on an organised tour.

Each day will begin early to get the best early morning light while the middle of the day will be used for a leisurely lunch and reviewing and critiquing pictures. For those using film, it is suggested photographers also bring a small digital camera so that you can easily participate in the reviewing of each day’s pictures. A laptop and data projector will be available for reviewing pictures.

View Rob Brown's images on Photo New Zealand.

Itinerary

Day 1

Drive south to Tirau and stop for a coffee break – great kiwi-sized muffins! Last chance to stop at a supermarket for any special requirements before taking the back roads to Tongariro. Café lunch stop on route (own cost).

Arrive at Whakapapa approximately 2 pm, time to settle in then your guides will brief you on what to expect over the next days. Introduce yourselves and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2

We start early, striking out on the Taranaki Falls loop track - plenty of time to talk through the basics of composition on the way. This area is especially good for searching out alpine flowers and plants of the area. We return to the lodge for lunch and the afternoon is spent photographing the forests south of Whakapapa Village. An early dinner is followed by a short bus ride to the top of the Bruce Road to check out the sunset on the Volcanoes. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3

We drive to the arid eastern side of Tongariro National Park and take a rough 4WD vehicle track that bounces across volcanic ash ridges and dry streams before climbing steeply to 1500m, the base of Mt Ruapehu. There are impressive views up the jagged gorge to the many pointed peaks of this active volcano. We also get views out across the Whangaehu River, the path of numerous lahars (the most recent in 2007) and across to the plains in front of the Kaimanawa Ranges.

We set off, on the gently descending track through Rangipo Desert, crossing a unique parched landscape of gnarled hebe bushes, stone circles and dry sand streams. The track leads us finally to Ohinepango Springs which rush out beneath the toe of a huge old lava flow and into the mountain beech forest. Later we continue on to the Desert Road, descending through waving tussocks and forest enclaves famous for the orc battles in the Lord of the Rings films. During this day there will be numerous stops on route for both landscape and macro photography. Total hiking up to 4 hours. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4

The Mangatepopo Valley offers many options for interesting and varied photography. We amble up the track beside the Mangatepopo Stream, passing eerie volcanic lava formations on the way to the Soda Springs. If conditions are favourable, some or all of us can hike up into the South Crater and onto the spectacular volcanic environment of the Tongariro Crossing (see notes). If the weather allows we will linger in the Red Crater and Blue Lake areas exploring fully this landscape before heading back in the late afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5

The day begins with a short drive around to Ohakune before heading up the Turoa skifield road. We walk in to Mangahuka Hut in the morning for lunch before returning the same way. This walk is another chance to photograph the alpine and sub-alpine environment of the mountain as well as explore the sculptured streams that run off the mountain towards Mangahuka.

We make a quick stop at the Mangawhero Falls before driving back to Whakapapa.

Those staying in the Park are dropped off at the Lodge, those returning to Auckland or elsewhere head off mid afternoon arriving approximately 9 pm. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Notes

• This trip starts and finishes in Tongariro National Park, however we can provide transport to and from Auckland at additional cost ($50 each way).
• Tongariro Crossing: we have no access to cross the Ketetahi Springs Trust private land so our route will loop back to Mangatepopo - ask if you need more information.
• The itinerary may alter due to weather or local conditions (snow) and days outlined may not happen in the listed order due to weather or other considerations. If the alpine areas are not suitable at all, we will visit other wonderful low-land areas.
• Tongariro is an alpine area and suitable clothes and footwear are required. We will issue an essential gear list to you on booking.
• Your participation and involvement is an integral part of an enjoyable and successful journey. Groups are pleasantly informal, usually comprising a wide range of nationalities and are aimed at healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday. Participants assist the guides with the setting up of breakfast and lunch and other exercises and activities.

Trip includes

• Breakfasts and lunches as indicated in the itinerary.
• Accommodation – ensuite twin share rooms.
• Safety equipment and first aid kit.
• All group ground transportation in Tongariro area by mini-bus.
• Any National Park fees.
• Photographic tuition.

Additional costs

• Transfers to / from Auckland ($50 each way).
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
• Any optional tours, entrance fees and permits during free time.
• Photographic equipment.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry.
• Single supplement.
• Tips and gratuities.

Photographic tuition

• Composition: what makes a good photograph?
• Strategies for taking successful landscape photographs.
• Lighting and exposure: why lighting is important, the different types in the landscape and how to measure the right exposure.
• Making a living from photography: tips on how to turn your hobby into an income.
• Importance of developing your own vision and photographic signature.
• Introduction to publishing: getting your photographs published and printed.