Our holiday fun begins as soon as you step on the plane at your departure point from Australia. Don't forget your passport and your smiles to equip you for an epic hiking trip and exploration of New Zealand's picturesque North Island.

Arriving in Auckland you will make your way to a hotel to meet the rest of the team and freshen up before dinner, where your GirlsTrek Guide will brief you on the following day's plan and then you can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep.

Meals: Dinner

Trek: Tongariro National Park 1.5hrs

Skyline Track and Gondola, Mt Ruapehu

Our 4 hour drive south takes us through the heart of the North Island, and along the eastern shores of Lake Taupō with views clear across the North Island’s largest lake all the way to the Tongariro National Park volcanic massif.

Enjoy a hot cuppa and a picnic lunch next to Lake Taupō. Begin your Tongariro National Park hiking adventure with a 1.5 hour hike along the Skyline Track on Mt. Ruapehu for vantage-point views at 2,300m of Mt. Ngauruhoe or Mt. Doom. *SkyWaka Gondola included ( weather dependent )

Late afternoon, settle into your comfortable accommodation in National Park Village for stunning views of Mt. Ruapehu and gather for a welcome dinner with a delicious 2-course Kiwi-style meal.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Trek: world renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4kms)

We’ll rise early and after a quick breakfast and head straight out onto the world-renowned 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Famously known as the world’s best walk, the Tongariro Crossing is a fascinating and challenging 7-8 hour (19.4km) hike through a dramatic volcanic and alpine environment. A steady climb to the Mangetepōpō Saddle rewards us with views of the valley and if clear, Mt. Taranaki to the west. From the saddle, the track crosses South Crater, a large plateau sandwiched between Mt Tongariro and the classic conical peak of Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings). A steep climb up a rocky ridge reaches the highest point of the track (1886m), and we are rewarded with mind-blowing views over the North Island – not to mention the incredible Mars-like landscape immediately surrounding us!

After passing the culturally significant Green and Blue Lakes the track then winds around the northern slope of Mt. Tongariro with amazing views over Lake Taupo, the North Islands largest lake, before the descent of switch-backs and steps to reach the trail end (600m).

We head back to our hotel after a great day of hiking to enjoy a cosy dinner.

Note: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike is weather dependent. If weather conditions aren’t optimal for this hike, the Department of Conservation will close the track and we will adjust the itinerary accordingly. Your guide is a local expert and will advise you of the best conditions in which to undertake the hike. Only the worst weather would keep us off this track, so come prepared to walk in a little rain, just in case!

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Trek: 18kms between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Ruapehu

Today we approach the mountains from a different angle for a completely new perspective. The 18km easy to moderate, return track is part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk. One hour into the walk we’ll arrive at the bottom of Taranaki Falls, a beautiful 20 metre high single-drop cascading into a perfectly boulder-ringed pool at the base.

A network of timber staircases leads us to the top of the falls to rejoin the main track. An hour after we leave the falls, we’ll branch off towards the lower of the two lakes, Lower Tama Lake at 1,240m. There is a shallow, wide, unbridged stream crossing with plenty of flat-topped boulders from rock-hopping across. A further climb of 200m gets us to Upper Tama Lake and the peak of the track at 1,440m.

From here the track is not formed and is made of loose and uneven rock, but worth it to view the beautiful, crystal blue lakes that occupy ancient explosion craters from long-dorminant proto-volcanoes. This is the oldest area of activity in the central plateau, the birthplace of the volcanic massif.

We’ll return you safely to National Park Village to enjoy a period of free time this afternoon to have a soak in the lodge spa (pre-booking required), have a round of mini golf, enjoy a leisurely coffee or simply relax with a book.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner

Travel to Auckland for departure flights

Note: Please book flights departing from 4pm onwards, not earlier. Only book flights once your Trip is Guaranteed for Departure. We will confirm once your trip is guaranteed.

Enjoy breakfast and then pack up your hiking kit and farewell the Tongariro National Park as we make our way down off the central plateau and north through the Bay of Plenty and Waikato districts. Your private transfer will have you back in Auckland in time to grab a quick bite before boarding your afternoon flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Price includes

Ex Auckland

3 days trekking and experiences and 2 travel days

Private vehicle transfers to/from Auckland airport

Hotel accommodation in Auckland and in National Park Village, Ruapehu (twin share)

Local NZ Wilderness Guide and GirlsTrek host

Average of 7 hours per trekking day

All meals as per itinerary incl picnic lunches, trail snacks and hot drinks on trail

Premium New Zealand sparkling wine celebration

Small group size travel

Currency fluctuation absorbed

Seasonal Adjustment included

GirlsTrek Gift

Department of Conservation park entry fees

Trip specific packing list with expert advice and great discounts

Trip info briefing to detail the trip plan and answer any of your questions

At home training program to prepare for the trek

Contribution to Sevenwomen.org assisting women in business and girls in education in Nepal

Price excludes

Travel to/from destination

Travel insurance, which is compulsory

Jet-boating or Skyline Gondola experience Day 7 (Client choice)

Beverages, optional and personal expenses

*Single supplement available on request at an additional cost

Essential gear

Daypack - 34L -36L with rain cover

2-3L Water bladder

Good trekking shoes

Waterproof rain jacket with hood

Hat and sunglasses

Beanie and gloves

Buff or kerchief for neck protection

Refill 600ml+ water bottle - for travelling in buses

Sunscreen, lip balm

Tissues & hand sanitiser

Personal first aid kit (band aids, compression bandage, pain relief tablets)

Recommended gear

trekking poles - we recommend Helinox

Earplugs

SOS electrolyte or similar

Clothing for trip

2 walking shorts, leggings or long trekking pants

2 short sleeve walking shirts - we recommend Icebreaker merino 120 - 150 gsm

1 long sleeve warm layer - we recommend Icebreaker merino 150 - 200 gsm

3 walking socks - merino wool to prevent blisters

Fleece or down Jacket

Down vest/puffer vest

Gaiters

Waterproof pants

Swimmers for hot tub

Casual wear for travel days and dinners

Sleepwear & underwear

Toiletries

Minimalist packing is a wonderful way to travel! You are very welcome to wear the same outfit to many dinners and double up on your trekking days.

Note: Please come dressed and trek ready on day 2 when we transfer from Auckland to National Park. For Airplane travel, you will have your backpack as carry on and an extra suitcase in the plane. Poles must be stowed in check in luggage. New Zealand is very fussy about clean gear. Please make sure that your trekking shoes and trekking poles are clean of any dirt or plant matter before you depart.