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

This is the best way to explore New Zealand.
Jeff, USA

The best guide I have ever had. Open, talkative, funny, well organised, took care of every group member, knew a lot about everything, would not have been half as much fun without him!
Laura, Switzerland

One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.
A. A. Milne - Winnie the Pooh

Length 5 days

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)

The places we went to were remote and gave me a chance to experience New Zealand. It was awesome: the landscape, magnificent locations and unspoilt paradise. Esther, Australia

Volcanic Plateau Tour

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 vacation if you're short on time or you like a bit more comfort as the camping is optional.

Highlights

• Hiking among smoking volcanoes
• One of New Zealand’s best overnight hikes
• Visiting thermal areas
• Discovering hot rivers tumbling through the bush
• Walking lake tracks in Rotorua

Day 1

Morning drive to Rotorua. Raft the wild Kaituna River (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

Tramp to Oturere hut/camp through an extraordinary landscape of active volcanoes and turquoise lakes. 4 hours hiking.

Day 4

Trek 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 Overlander 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.

Trip price

• Rates include guide, vehicle, tents, thermarests and stoves.

Notes

• Finish in Wellington or return to Auckland. This trip can be finished in Tongariro 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

• Kitty fund NZ$35/day (for food and camp/hut/lodge fees). 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).
• The prices for optional activities are listed in the trip summary box on the top right of the page, and in the trip dossier. Optional activities include white water rafting, Maori cultural concert and dinner experience, Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, Department of Conservation volcanic display centre, and Overlander train journey to Wellington Day 5.
• Kitty fund and optional activities must be paid for during the tour.