Distance: 10km Difficulty: Moderate Climb: 240-340 Descent: 240-340
Learn of past eruptions as well as more recent events, its significance to the local Maori and the history of the first National Park in New Zealand, as we head up to the base of Mt Tongariro. Enjoy a hot drink and snack along the way as our friendly, knowledgeable guides bring this landscape to life.
The half day Tongariro Alpine Experience suits those people who are not sure that they have either the time, (or maybe the fitness) to take on a full day hike on the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, but are still looking to experience this now famous area.
This quality guided walking experience includes return transport from Turangi, National Park Village and Whakapapa Village.
Will we see those famous Emerald lakes? Not on this trip, those views are the reward for those who commit a whole day to climbing the mountain!
The Mangatepopo Valley is many kilometers from the site of the 2012 volcanic activity of the Te Maari Craters, in fact, on the opposite side of Mt Tongariro, so no worries there!
This is especially well suited to an afternoon trip, due to the angle of the sun shining into the valley and the morning rush of day walkers have gone.
Which one best describes you?
Traveling as two or more: NZ$120.00 per person, Shared Group rate. Groups no larger than 8 per guide.
Traveling Solo: if you book in on a Shared Group Trip for NZ$120.00, but no-one else has booked for that trip, we will only charge a single person surcharge of an additional NZ$70.00 (making it a total of NZ$190.00) on the day if we need to run a trip just for you. You can email or message us to check.
Private Guided trip: NZ$190.00 per person for two or more people.
Private Guided Solo Traveler: NZ$270.00 guarantees it will just be you and the Guide on the trip.
The tragic eruption that occurred on Whakaari/White Island on Monday 9 December 2019 has not had any affect on any of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. These continue to be monitored by the appropriate Government Agencies. There is always some degree of volcanic risk, but we heed the advice found at https://www.geonet.org.nz/volcano. The Department of Conservation has produced the following document showing the potential volcanic hazards affecting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/tongariro-taupo/tongariro-poster-a4.pdf. Even when the tracks are open, volcanic risk is present. If you are uncomfortable with this risk, choose a different track.