Length 5 day
Grade D - easy/medium, one multi-day hike
Extras - NZ$35/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Rafting (NZ$95), Maori concert (NZ$45)
+ dinner (NZ$99), thermal park (NZ$30), Overlander train to Wellington
(NZ$81)
Start - Auckland Visitor Centre, corner Victoria & Federal Streets
@ 8:00am
Finish - Auckland 7:00pm (approx.) OR Wellington 7:25pm (train option)
| Departure Dates |
| Please contact us to make your group booking. |
Volcanic Plateau Tour Dossier
This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.
Maximum 11 people.
Itinerary
Experience the best of New Zealand’s volcanic zone. Inhale the aromas of Rotorua, discover hot streams, and hike along lake tracks and among volcanoes. This is the perfect trip if you’re short on time or like a bit more comfort as the camping is optional. It includes one of New Zealand’s best overnight hikes, among the smoking volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.
Day 1 Tuesday Join trip in Auckland/Rotorua – 7km/2 hours hiking
Our guide gives a short briefing before driving south to Rotorua, which is an optional pick-up point (by arrangement). We check into our Rotorua accommodation before heading off to raft the wild Kaituna River cascades (optional extra) or walk the scenic river track. Picnic lunch and afterwards, hike through bush alongside tranquil Lake Okataina. Attend a traditional Maori concert (optional extra) or concert and hangi dinner (optional extra) or check out the local restaurants before coming back to soak in the lodge’s natural thermal pool.
NOTE: We stop at a cafe a couple of hours into the trip if you need to grab a quick breakfast. Useful things to have in your daypack are: camera, wallet.
Day 2 Wednesday Rotorua/Taupo – 5km/2 hours hiking
We explore one of the amazing thermal areas south of Rotorua (optional extra). Depending on the season, we can bathe in a natural hot river flowing through the bush or take a relaxing swim in Lake Taupo. Peer over the thundering Huka Falls before reaching Taupo. Lake Taupo, a 600sq km volcanic caldera crater created in 186 AD by the largest volcanic explosion known to human-kind, is the largest lake in New Zealand. After lunch, we drive to Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was New Zealand’s first National Park. It was gifted to the people of New Zealand by a far-sighted Maori chief who saw the gift as a way of protecting the tapu (respect, sacredness, preciousness) of this land, in particular the summits of its active volcanoes. We take an afternoon hike across alpine grasslands, between smouldering volcanoes, to a hut set in native beech forest beside a stream. In warm weather, we usually camp nearby.
Day 3 Thursday Tongariro World Heritage Area – 7km/4 hours hiking
We explore beech forest, springs, and desert landscapes before hiking to the next hut/camp on the remote side of Tongariro National Park. The volcanoes in the park rumble from time to time. They most recently erupted in 1995 and 1996, when Mt Ruapehu (at 2797m, it is the highest mountain in the park) spewed clouds of ash and steam. Another much younger volcano, Mt Ngauruhoe, is almost perfectly symmetrical and stands 2291m tall. All around this scarlet moonscape, turquoise and green-blue crater lakes add their surreal colours to the landscape.
Day 4 Friday Tongariro National Park – 11-14km/5-7 hours hiking
We hike up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up a steep section to the emerald lakes, our usual lunch stop. We cross the volcanic plateau, which boasts lava valleys and steaming explosion craters, before descending on the western side. In good conditions, there is an option to climb one of the volcanic peaks. A short drive takes us to an excellent lodge in the National Park alpine village. Have a well-earned beer at the lodge bar with sunset and volcano views.
Day 5 Saturday Wellington/Auckland – 5km/2 hours hiking
Have a relaxing morning if you need it – visit the Department of Conservation display centre or stroll the alpine gardens and short walks. Otherwise, hike the loop track to Taranaki Falls. We leave the lodge at noon to drop off those catching the early afternoon Overlander train to Wellington (arrives 7:25pm). On the return trip north, you can be dropped off in Waitomo (approximately 3pm) or return to Auckland, arriving between 5pm and 8pm. Central drop off only.
Trip Price
| Rate per person per day (NZ$) | ||||||||||
| No of people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$ pp/day | 820 | 466 | 323 | 251 | 210 | 185 | 166 | 154 | 142 | 133 |
Rates include guide, vehicle, tents, thermarests and stoves.
Notes
Finish in Wellington or return to Auckland. This trip can be finished in National Park (for the 1:20pm train to Wellington), Waitomo Caves, or Auckland. Follow this link for transport options.
One 4km section of the Tongariro hike (middle of Day 4) must be unguided for National Park permit reasons – not because we are unsuitable guides!
Additional costs
We use lodges and National Park huts every night (there are some camp options, which make your kitty cost about NZ$8 less per day if you choose them).
Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the trip.
Hiking and fitness – D
Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 7 hours on longer days.
Pack weights of 10-12kgs on some days.
Altitude gains of up to 800m.
Uneven track surfaces and river crossings.
No hiking experience necessary.
Agility and fitness required.
What to take
New Zealand's weather is changeable and we can experience extremely cold weather at any time of year, especially in the mountains. Our huts/camps vary in altitude from sea level to over 1000m. It is necessary to have warm clothing. Jeans are not suitable for hiking. See the Recommended gear list page for further information on each essential item we recommend you bring.
Essential items
• hiking boots (not shoes)
• backpack (at least 60 litres capacity)
• 3-season sleeping bag
• waterproof raincoat (goretex or similar)
• warm fleece/wool jersey (not cotton)
• shorts for hiking
• polypro/thermal underwear – top and long-johns
• 3 pairs of socks (they get wet)
• warm hat or balaclava
• sunscreen and sunglasses
• drink bottle (1 litre)
• spare shoes or sandals
• flashlight/headlamp
• insect repellent (sandflies like foreign blood)
• spare set of clothes
Optional items
Gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles and camera.
We supply
Therm-a-rest sleeping mat (self-inflating foam mat), tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, backpack liner (plastic bag), first aid kit, safety equipment and maps.
Luggage
We allow space for 120 litres per person (one large pack plus one day pack). You may be required to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. If you can’t easily carry all your gear without falling over, then you have too much! Any gear you do not need while hiking can be locked in the vehicle. We do not accept any responsibility for security of your luggage. We highly recommend travel insurance.
Equipment hire
We have high-quality hiking equipment that you can hire for our trips. Please arrange hire gear when you book. Requests for hire equipment must be made at least 5 days before the departure date. Cancellation of gear hire must also occur at least 5 days in advance or no refund will be given.
| Item | 7 - 11 day trips | 4 - 6 day trips |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | $50 | $20 |
| Backpack | $50 | $30 |
| Thermal top and bottom | $20 | $20 |
| Fleece jacket | $20 | $20 |
| Raincoat | $40 | $20 |
| Full set of above | $140 | $90 |
| Walking poles | $20 each | $20 each |
| Gaiters | $20 | $20 |
Transport
We travel in a 10- or 12-seat minibus, towing a trailer with camp equipment and luggage. We use a mix of 2-Wheel-Drive and 4-Wheel-Drive vehicles depending on the trip and the time of year. All vehicles have a stereo and we carry a range of natural history reference books. We average 2-3 hours driving per day (we drive – you get to watch the amazing New Zealand scenery slip by while listening to your favourite tunes). We travel on a range of roads, from sealed highways to dusty, windy, bouncy tracks. We can stop whenever you want to take photos or check out the strange locals! We try not to drive too much, but occasionally we might do a 5-hour drive.
Food
All food is run on a kitty system and everyone chips in to prepare and cook meals. Each person’s contribution is about NZ$10 per day. Although we have an excellent menu system – barbecues, salads, pancakes, and pasta – it frequently gets hijacked by the inspired cook. We always carry lots of hiking food – chocolate, peanuts, raisins and biscuits. The vehicles carry a full range of cooking equipment, including gas burners, woks, frying pans, and billies. When we go on overnight hikes, we carry small (but impressive) liquid fuel stoves. We realise cooking is a creative art and look forward to your input. Vegetarian meals are no problem – just advise us when you book.
Accommodation
The trip uses a range of accommodation from camping and backcountry huts to cribs (summer house), hostels, and cabins. We generally camp if the weather is fine so you get to enjoy the outdoors more and it costs you less. In less pleasant weather, your guide will arrange accommodation for the group. Note that the accommodation and food costs are not included in the price of this trip.
Camping
We camp as much as we can in a range of locations, under natural rock overhangs, on the beach, at Department of Conservation campsites, and in established campgrounds with showers. We provide 2-person tents for you to sleep in and a 3/4 length thermarest-style (self-inflating) hiking mat. We frequently have a small campfire.
Huts
We make use of excellent Department of Conservation huts. They are equipped with mattresses, running water, and an outside toilet. Cooking is done on a portable stove. We do not have sole rights to huts and so must share with other hikers.
Cabins/cribs
When the weather is bad we will seek out alternative accommodation. This can be anything that is available, from a private crib (summer house) to a cabin at a campground. You must be prepared to go for 3 days (sometimes more) without a hot shower. There is always a river or lake for you to wash in. Some of our campsites/huts have saunas or natural hot pools!
Questions
Do we all get involved with camp duties?
Everyone is fully involved with the running of the trip, from collecting firewood, to setting up camp, and cooking meals. You are expected to do your share of work. If you are not a great cook, don’t worry; your guide and other people in the group will help you. People often say that this is a great aspect of our trips that everyone is working together. Some of our most hilarious moments happen when people get tangled dismantling a tent on a windy day.
Can I do more than one trip?
Yes. More and more people are connecting trips to cover the whole of New Zealand. We really are the hassle-free way to experience New Zealand’s best adventures.
I am travelling and have a lot of stuff that I will not need on the trip – what should I do with it?
You can store it at your accommodation if you plan on returning to the area. Or, you can travel with it on the trip. We allow a maximum space of 120 litres per person (1 large pack plus a day pack). Depending on how full the trip is, we may require you to forward excess luggage if you exceed this. During overnight hikes everything is locked securely in the vehicle.
What do I do with my valuables (passport, airline tickets, money) while we are hiking?
Keep them with you in your hiking pack. We pack all those things in plastic bags to keep them dry and keep them with us while we are hiking.
Can I be picked up at my hostel or accommodation?
No, sorry. We try to leave the city early so we can spend more time in the wilderness. Taxiing around Auckland drives everyone nuts and it’s best to start in a good mood. We meet at a central location – the local Visitor Information Centre – so it doesn’t cost you much to get there in a taxi, shuttle, bus, or by walking!
I'm a vegetarian – is that a problem?
Not at all. We usually have vegetarians in the group. All the guides are familiar with vegetarian cooking. We also have lots of excellent vegetarian recipes. Sometimes the whole group will cook vegetarian or we may cook a separate vegetarian meal. The hangi (Maori earth oven) meal is always a mixture of vegetarian and meat foods.
What is the weather going to be like?
New Zealand’s weather is very changeable so you need to be prepared for any eventuality. Some days we can be broiling in 30 degrees and the next day we could be freezing in a cool southerly from the sub-Antarctic. It is best to be prepared for the worst conditions we are likely to expect – see our Weather page for links to New Zealand weather sites. We may get some rain on the trip so a good waterproof raincoat is important. It’s warmer up north so thermal underwear and warm hats become an option rather than a necessity.
Who is the guide for my trip?
Check out the Guides page – you will have one of them! All the guides are carefully selected and trained. They are fun people with at least a decade of outdoor experience and mountain first aid certification, along with a natural history qualification. We plan the guide roster well in advance but there are occasionally last-minute changes to who is guiding what particular departure.
Will I be fit enough?
Our trips are graded on a scale from A to E. Read the Fitness page and choose a trip to suit you. If you are concerned about your fitness, get out on some day hikes in the weeks prior to your trip departure.
How far in advance do I need to book?
The sooner the better for trips departing in the peak season (November-April). We get many advance bookings so it is important to book early to avoid disappointment.
Do I really need boots and will they get wet?
Yes and yes! Good hiking boots are essential to protect your feet and provide ankle support. We hike through rough terrain, sometimes off-track. We frequently have to cross rivers with our boots on – this protects our feet from getting cut on sharp rocks. If we had to take our boots off every time we crossed a river we’d take forever to get anywhere. One traveller who recently completed a trip said: “my most favourite part of the trip was the discovery that walking in soggy boots and socks after crossing rivers is quite comfortable”.
What type of gear should I buy?
If you intend to do a lot of hiking then it is worth buying quality equipment – good leather hiking boots and hiking clothing. If you think you might not do any more hiking after the trip then you could buy cheaper alternatives. Just remember that it won’t last as long or do the job as well. See our Recommended gear list for advice on the items you need to bring.
Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
Yes, at least once, usually halfway through the trip. There is always the opportunity to hand-wash those essential items. We recommend bringing items that are quick drying and plenty of spare pairs of socks and underwear, since you will most likely have to line-dry clothing.
Can I charge my camera / phone / laptop etc while on the trip?
About two or three times per trip we stay at places that have electricity so you will be able to recharge batteries. If you have a vehicle adaptor, bring it along as there may be an opportunity to charge items while we are driving.
How much cash will I need during the trip?
Every 3 or 4 days we pass through a town so you can run off to the bank if you need to. Usually the person in charge of the kitty gets $100 off you at the start of the trip.
What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the group?
We hike together as a group, stopping often for snacks and a good lunch. Some activities are optional if you feel like having some time out.
Are we going to encounter dangerous animals?
New Zealand does not have any snakes, bears, lions, or alligators. We have a small poisonous spider called the katipo that is so rare that it was recently made a protected species. At certain times of the summer and autumn, wasps can be a problem in some of our beech forests. If you are allergic to their sting, then make sure you carry medication, and tell your guide about it at the beginning of the trip. Otherwise, it is great to climb through the bush and lie in the grass without a thing to worry about.
Booking conditions
Payment
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 20% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
Transferring
You can transfer to another trip/departure as long as you do so more than 20 days prior to your pre-booked departure. Transfers within 20 days will require a cancellation and new booking. All transfers are subject to seat availability.
Cancellations
More than 20 days prior to departure – 80% refund if full amount paid.
20 to 10 days prior to departure – 50% refund.
Less than 10 days prior to departure – NO REFUND.
Deposits are not refunded.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. We ask you to fill out a disclaimer before you begin a trip. You must follow the instructions of your guide at all times.
Medical conditions
When you book you must notify us of any medical condition or medical history and any medications that you are on. In particular, we want to know about asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, allergies to wasp/ bee stings, and food allergies.
Client responsibilities
With any outdoor activity, there is an element of risk. Active Earth New Zealand operates in remote and mountainous areas. Risks could include hypothermia due to adverse weather conditions, or personal injury or property damage from hiking over rugged and uneven terrain.
The staff and management of Active Earth New Zealand take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers. However, you must follow our instructions (and use the safety equipment provided) at all times. Adults accompanying any person under the age of 18 must ensure that the underage person follows our instructions at all times. You must release or indemnify Active Earth New Zealand and our staff against any liability we incur to anyone else, resulting from your failure to follow our instructions or the failure of any person accompanying you under the age of 18 to follow our instructions.
Active Earth New Zealand and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort, or unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure.
Active Earth New Zealand operates in remote areas. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to our published schedules but no guarantee is given. Active Earth New Zealand will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay, or the missing of connecting services.
Active Earth New Zealand reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at any time if, in the opinion of the guide or operator, that person may be likely to risk the health, safety, or comfort (because of unsociable behaviour) of him or herself, other clients, or the environment. In such circumstances Active Earth New Zealand will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket.
Active Earth New Zealand
Postal Address: PO Box 51, Lyttelton 8841, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 384 3706; Fax: +64 3 376 6483
Free Phone New Zealand: 0800 20 10 40
Email: info@ActiveEarthNewZealand.com