Length 10 days

Price NZ$1195

Grade D - medium, 3 multi-day hikes
Extras - NZ$25/day kitty (food & accommodation)
Extras optional - Sea kayaking (NZ$90), thermal parks (NZ$5-28)
Start - Auckland Visitor Centre, corner Victoria & Federal Streets @ 7:00am
Finish - Wellington 7:00pm (also return to Auckland option, see notes at bottom of page)

2009/2010 dates are available on request.

Volcanoes and Rainforest Safari 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

This trip visits an incredible number of hard-to-get-to or little-known places. We explore the volcanic areas of the North Island, climb on the volcanoes, and soak in hot pools, and also visit New Zealand's best example of mature Jurassic rainforest. Many people are surprised at the extent of wilderness that is hidden in the North Island. On the first day, we drive via Rotorua so we can pick you up from there late morning. This means you can easily spend time there prior to joining us.

Day 1 Wednesday Join trip in Auckland /Rotorua - 10km/2 hours hiking

We have a short briefing by our guide before driving south to Rotorua, where we do a big food shop. Rotorua is also an optional pick-up point (by arrangement). A little further south, we stop beside a forest lake for a picnic lunch and organise our backpacks for the hike into Whirinaki Forest Park. This Park covers an area of 60,000 hectares and is famous for its Jurassic-like rainforest. Its podocarp trees are an ancient off-shoot of the conifer family and evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago. Our first afternoon of hiking is an easy one, walking on a track through native beech forest to a simple forest hut beside a river. While we cook our meal, there is time to relax and your guide will brief you on what to expect over the next 9 days. It’s also time to introduce yourselves and be amazed at the talents of your fellow travellers.

NOTE: We stop at a cafe a couple of hours into the trip if you need to grab a quick breakfast. No need to wear your hiking gear, we will totally reorganise our packs when we stop for a picnic lunch. Useful things to have in your daypack are: camera, wallet.

Day 2 Thursday Whirinaki – 7km/6 hours hiking

This morning, we continue along the easy valley track for 1.5 hours before hiking up a side river, through a beautiful gorge, where we learn river-crossing techniques, to the next hut/camp. We stop for lunch on the way and often have a quick swim in the cascades, which boast crystal-clear water you can drink. This remote wilderness is completely off the tourist trail. We often see rare blue duck and robins, and hear kaka (a large bush parrot). Enjoy an evening campfire, the sounds of the bush, and the feeling of being a million miles from anywhere.

Day 3 Friday Rotorua – 10km/5 hours hiking

Our hike takes us out through cascading creeks on a rougher trail. We hike over a small pass into the world-renowned Whirinaki rainforest of weeping ferns and forest giants. We are met at the track exit at midday before driving to the Rotorua area. This amazing area is festooned with thermal activity. On the way, we have a swim in a natural hot river hidden in bush, complete with a small hot waterfall. Arriving at our accommodation/campground, we have time for a shower before we turn in for the night.

Day 4 Saturday Rotorua Lakes – 15km/5 hours kayaking

Up early to kayak (optional extra) on Lake Tarawera, an ancient crater lake with beautiful sand beaches surrounded by forests. This area is rich in Maori history. We paddle past the site of a Maori village that was buried under ash from the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, and through numerous steaming thermal springs along the lake edge. At lunch, we soak in a hot stream in the bush. Then, we drive south to a thermal area before vehicle-camping beside the impressive aqua-blue waters of the Waikato River.

Day 5 Sunday Taupo – 5km/1.5 hours hiking

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading a short distance south to the clear waters of Lake Taupo for some swimming and relaxing. 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 these smouldering volcanoes, to a hut set in native beech forest beside a stream. In warm weather, we usually camp nearby.

Day 6 Monday Tongariro World Heritage Area – 7km/4 hours hiking

We explore this area of 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 September, 1995, 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. All around this scarlet moonscape, turquoise and green-blue crater lakes add their surreal colours to the landscape.

Day 7 Tuesday Tongariro National Park – 11km/6 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 wee lodge in a sleepy little farming town, which our group has all to itself. We enjoy glorious hot showers, relax in front of a fire, and cook up a big meal. Sometimes we check out the classic kiwi “gumboots at the door” rural pub down the road.

Day 8 Wednesday Waitomo – 1 hour caving

After an early start, we drive 2 hours westwards through a hill-country farming region to the Waitomo Caves area. The name Waitomo comes from the Maori wai (water) and tomo (shaft). This limestone area is famous for its thousands of caves. We explore a secret river cave with glowworms, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. No other groups go here, which makes this place even more special. Later, we drive through the remote Waitomo backcountry to the wild west coast, stopping on the way to check out some amazing limestone rock formations. We camp at a great little spot, miles from anywhere. It is an interesting place with a lovely river, a rocky headland, and a tunnel leading to a hidden beach. Take time to relax, wander, and swim before cooking our dinner in a traditional beach hangi (Maori earth oven). In the evening, we light a fire on the beach and watch the sunset and listen to the waves crashing.

Day 9 Thursday Mount Egmont National Park – 2km/1.5 hours hiking

We spend the morning at the coast, clambering through bush and exploring the cliff-top site of an ancient Maori pa (fortified village) that is now overgrown with bush. After relaxing, swimming, and exploring the cliffs and beaches, we drive south to Mt Egmont National Park. Its dormant volcano stands at 2518m. It last erupted in 1755 and was smoking when British explorer Captain James Cook sailed past in 1769 and named it after the Earl of Egmont. Maori know the mountain as the spirit/god Taranaki. It is considered a sacred place. The rocks represent his bones and vegetation his hair. We do a late afternoon hike through twisted moss-covered forest to a cosy alpine hut high on the side of the volcano. From here, there are spectacular views of Mt Egmont/Taranaki and across to Tongariro National Park.

Day 10 Friday Tour ends Wellington – 5km/2-5 hours hiking

If the mountain conditions are reasonable, we get up early to climb up the side of Mt Egmont/Taranaki as far as Fanthams Peak. There are commanding views from this parasite cone high on the side of this volcano. Late morning, we descend on ancient lava flows covered in goblin forest back to the minibus. We stop on the way south at wild Wanganui beach for lunch, a big gear sort-out, and a swim. The drive to Wellington takes us through New Zealand’s flattest plains but it doesn’t last long! We arrive in Wellington between 5:00pm and 8:00pm and drop you off at your hostel or preferred accommodation. Then, we head out for an evening meal and farewell drink in our capital city.

Notes

Heading north to Auckland after the safari? We connect in Stratford with an Auckland-bound bus at 1:00pm. Please advise your guide on Day 1 if this is required. Your guide can arrange this booking (cost not included).

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!

June to September – we may do different versions of hikes, in the same areas, due to snow and river conditions. There may be a ski/board option on Day 7 – ask us if you need more information.

Additional costs

During winter (April-September) or on wet weather summer trips you may need to budget an extra NZ$10/day as we use alternative accommodation more often.
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)
• backpack liner (plastic bag)
• 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

Therm-a-rest sleeping mat (self-inflating foam mat), gaiters, binoculars, gloves/mittens, earplugs, walking poles, camera.

We supply

Sleeping mats (dense foam), tents, cooking equipment, plates/cutlery, 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.

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 closed-cell-foam sleeping mats. 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.

Does it matter if I am travelling alone?

Most of the people on our trips are travelling alone. The trips are an excellent way to meet and hang out with a fine bunch of people. There is time to chill out and take in the splendour too when you feel like a bit of solitude.

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.

Which is the best trip to go on?

It depends on what you want, how much time you have, and where you want to go. You can do anything from our 5½ day Far North beach trip to a combination of trips for 40 or more days! The Volcanoes and Rainforest trip has amazing volcanic scenery, the West Coast Wilderness has grand mountains and rainforests, and the Secret South has a lot of travel above the bushline and wildlife (dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and seals).

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.

Who is in my group?

A maximum of 11 people, with a range of ages, nationalities, and work backgrounds. Most people are between 20 and 40, although we have had people from 17 to 72. On average, half are women and half are men. Everyone shares an enthusiasm for outdoor adventure and an appreciation of nature.

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?

Following our normal route, we have access to laundry facilities every three days or so. There is always the opportunity to hand-wash those essential items.

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