Join Adrift Tongariro on a guided hike to the top of Mt Ruapehu, the largest of the three volcanoes in Tongariro National Park. This is a great hike and does require a good level of fitness.

For those who like a manageable challenge, we offer a full day Ruapehu Guided Walk. Mt. Ruapehu is the highest (2797m) of the three active andesitic volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park. The last eruption on Mt. Ruapehu was in 2007. Join us for lunch on top of the North Island highest volcano from where you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the crater lake. Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The walk begins at the Whakapapa Ski area at the top of the Bruce Road on Mt. Ruapehu. There may be an option of taking a chairlift up to Knoll Ridge cafe. This option will depend on the group on the day and if the chairlifts are operating. Payment for the chairlift is about $35 pp and is made to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (situated at the start of the walk). The lifts close at 4.00 pm daily, should conditions deteriorate during the day the lifts may have to be closed earlier.

Included

Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the activity, lunch (vegetarian available on request at time of booking), crampons and ice axes if required for winter conditions, $40 of clothing and footwear hire (boots $20, clothing $10 per item).

Timings

Tour starts and finishes at the Adrift Tongariro Base 53 Carroll St, National Park Village.

Summer (1 October - 30 April), Winter (1 May - 30 September)

Summer

Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 8:00am

Return: 5:30pm

Winter

Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 7:00am

Return: 5:30pm

We endeavor to remove the risk of clients not having adequate clothing and equipment for the conditions. To achieve this, we request clients to meet at the Adrift Tongariro base to improve both safety and service as this is outfitted with all equipment and clothing needs for the conditions of the day.

Return Transfers

Return transfers are an additional service and cost over and above the tour booking and require a minimum of 2 to operate. For full terms and conditions click here. Summer (1 October - 30 April), Winter (1 May - 30 September).

Whakapapa Village $35pp.

SummerPick up 7:50am / Return 5:30pm  Winter Pick up 6:50am / Return 5:30pm

Turangi $125pp

SummerPick up 7:15am / Return 5:45pm  Winter Pick up 6:15am / Return 5:45pm

Ohakune $125pp

Summer Pick up 7:30am / Return 6:00pm  Winter N/A

Taupo CBD $225pp

Summer Pick up 6:20am / Return 6:30pm  Winter Pick up 5:20am / Return 6:30pm

Gear List

Summer

Water (1-2 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat.

Winter

Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), waterproof raincoat, warm hat and gloves.

Gear Hire

Adrift Tongariro has available for hire personal equipment footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks, walking poles and sleeping bags and liners.

Fitness and Experience

Please note this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Walking distance is 10 kms return or 7 kms return when the chairlift is utilised. Walking time is about 6-7 hours. This walk requires a good level of fitness. The terrain is uneven and steep in places. It is possible to take the walk as far as Knoll Ridge Cafe if you are concerned about your fitness.

During winter and times of snow, surface conditions will vary from day to day. Crampons and ice axes are required, and your guide will provide instruction on how to use them correctly.

Re-confirmation

It is essential all clients phone the Adrift Tongariro base between 10:00am - 5:00pm the day prior to trip date to confirm tour departure time and discuss exact timings.  +64 7892 2751.