Itinerary.

Situated 4¼ hrs south of Auckland in the central North Island, is Tongariro National Park. New Zealand’s oldest National Park, 1887 and uniquely of dual World Heritage status. Centred on three active volcanoes, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, the 80,000 hectare park is spectacular. From it’s volcanic peaks, to lush native bush and rivers, emerald lakes, colourful silica terraces and peculiar alpine gardens, Tongariro National Park is an awesome playground year round.

In the winter from June to July, when the snow falls, Tongariro National Park becomes New Zealand’s largest ski field. There are two different ski fields to choose from. Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa on the northern side and the Turoa Ski ares on the southern side offer the most awesome natural skiing and snowboarding terrain in the country, with huge snow filled basins, lift accessed backcountry, steep chutes, drop offs and secret powder stashes. The trails range from beginner to the more serious. Whakapapa boast the highest café in New Zealand, Knoll Ridge at 2020 m. Both locations have accommodation.

The best summer months are December to Febuary and the options are many. There are numerous walks, from the world renown Tongariro Crossing one day (5-8 hrs 19 Km) Crater Lake (7 hrs 10 Km), Silica Rapids (2 ½ hrs 7 Km) and Taranaki Falls (2 hrs 5.3 Km) as an example. There is also mountain biking and river rafting, not to mention Mt Ngauruhoe was Mt Doom in The Lord of The Rings.

Our route south to Tongariro National Park, takes us over the Bombay Hills, into the Waikato region, around Hamilton and into the “King Country” area to the world renown Waitomo Glow Worm Caves for your guided 45 minute tour, You’ll witness the constellations of tiny shining glow worms, it’s magnificent cathedral and intriguing stalagmites & stalactites, emerging from this limestone grotto by boat. Followed by a buffet lunch at the Roselands Resort Restaurant. Our drive continues south west, through several small settlements to the largest town, Taumarunui. Time for a comfort stop.

A little more than an hour has us arriving in the National Park Village and your chosen place of accommodation, or a further 15min to Whakapapa Village, Mt Ruapehu and accommodation. Turoa drop off available.