Popular hiking trip in Tongariro Alpine Crossing National Park

Take a scenic float down the Rangitikei River Gorge | River Valley Lodge

Rolling hills of the Rangitikei District | River Valley Lodge

River Valley Lodge nestled under the Ruahine Ranges alongside the stunning Rangitikei River | River Valley Lodge

Rangitikei River Views | River Valley Lodge

Passing under the Mokai River Bridge on the Rangitikei River Gorge | River Valley Lodge

Pristine and relaxing nature along the Whanganui Journey

Vividly-coloured volcanic lakes at Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Camilla Rutherford

Volcanoes and Rivers North Island Wilderness Adventure

Experience remote back-country roads, a world renowned hike (the Tongariro Alpine Crossing) and 2 significant North Island waterways

New Zealand

6 Days from

$2980 USD

Trip Code: NIMA

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike Rental

$130 USD

Drop Bar Gravel Bike Rental

$210 USD

Ebike Rental

$420 USD

Single Supplement

$740 USD

Duration

6 Days

Activities

6 day road/gravel cycle

Accommodation

5 nights hotel/motel

Meals

5 Dinners
4 Lunches
5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

3 / 5

Moderate to Challenging

Trip highlights

Experience biking on a mix of gravel and sealed back country roads through remote country, amongst limestone gorges and spectacular farmland.
Stay 2 nights at River Valley, a rustic lodge on the banks of the magical Rangitikei River
Enjoy a scenic 'float' through the Rangitikei River Canyon by raft
Stay in Ohakune at the foot of the North Island's highest mountain, Mt Ruapehu
See the stunning Whanganui River up close by jetboat and canoe
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage site.

Overview

Experience back-country, remote New Zealand, dominated by geography carved from long-ago volcanic activity with stunning limestone gorges, steep, dissected hill country and razorback ridges, formed from soft sandstone and mudstone.

Starting with a gravel cycle through remote sheep/cattle country, offering panoramic mountain views, we finish our first day on the banks of the Rangitikei River, known for its steep walled gorges. We spend 2 nights here staying at River Valley Lodge, owned by a family descended from local sheep and cattle farmers.

The following day is devoted to experiencing the magic and beauty of the Rangitikei River via an easy scenic rafting trip journeying over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids surrounded by immense cliffs cradling the river canyon.

We leave River Valley by bike, enjoying another remote ride on a mix of gravel and sealed sections, finishing in Taihape, known as the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand.

It's then a short transfer by van to Ohakune, a vibrant, small alpine town at the southern foot of Mount Ruapehu, the highest mountain in the North Island. From here we spend a full day adventuring in the Whanganui National Park, exploring the culturally significant Whanganui River by jet boat and canoe through gorges and amongst native bush.

And finally we have the opportunity to experience the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging 20km hike in New Zealand's Tongariro National Park, often lauded as the country's best one-day trek. Shorter hikes in the Park are also available, either by choice or if weather prevents the Crossing.

Itinerary

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Your adventure begins with a short tour briefing in central Taupo before a 2.5hr drive heading south to a rather remote start. We will have a short break en route. After a bike set-up and safety briefing, we start riding on a mix of gravel and sealed roads through rolling farmland, native bush, and sweeping high-country landscapes. Our destination is River Valley Lodge on the banks of the Rangitikei River, known for its steep papa rock cliffs, deep gorges, and dramatic, often turbulent, white water. Our hosts for the next 2 nights are the McGaw family, who run River Valley Lodge, a venue of rustic charm providing exceptional country comfort, where the focus is on delivering a quality, fun experience, maintaining good relationships with the local community, and operating with a minimum footprint in the natural environment. Ride : 32km +663m 54% gravel Accommodation : River Valley Lodge

Meals: L,D

Today we explore this mostly unknown part of New Zealand with a scenic 13km 'float' on the Rangitikei River. Travelling by raft we take in over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, passing through an incredible steep sided gorge with a side hike to a spectacular waterfall (weather dependent). We'll return to the lodge mid afternoon in time to explore the lodge gardens, swimming spots or just relax on the riverbank. A second night is spent enjoying dinner at River Valley Lodge where meals are a celebration of seasonal produce, sourced primarily from the garden. The chefs create the daily menu from whatever produce is freshly harvested that day. Scenic Raft : 13km easy - no prior experience required Short hike Accommodation : River Valley Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Back on our bikes, we head out from River Valley Lodge on another scenic gravel/sealed road to the official Gumboot Capital of New Zealand, Taihape. After testing your skills in the gumboot throwing lane. it's an hour's drive to the alpine village of Ohakune. Ohakune's claim to being the Carrot Capital reflects the importance of market gardening in the area, but perhaps of more interest is its proximity to Tongariro National Park and the skifields on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. As well as a stunning ride on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the rest of the day will be spent enjoying some short walks in the Mangawhero Forest bursting with kamahi, broadleaf and five finger, with giant rimu, matai and kahikatea trees reaching 30 metres or more above the forest floor. Ride : Morning 30km +484 32% gravel; Afternoon 12.5km +206m 83% trail Short walks Accommodation : Powderhorn Chateau or Peaks Motor Lodge

Meals: B,D

The Whanganui National Park is a special place which was created to protect the upper reaches of the Whanganui River. Once an important transport route for both Maori and early European settlers, the river flows from Tongariro National Park to the Tasman Sea through wild lowland forests. Today's excursion on the Whanganui River will be truly memorable. A short transfer to Pipiriki and we start our adventure with a 55 minute jet boat journey upriver 32 kms to the Mangapurua Landing, through an area of spectacular natural features with deep river gorges covered with lush native vegetation. From the drop off, it's an easy grade 40 minute walk following in the footsteps of the early pioneers along the old roadway to the “BRIDGE TO NOWHERE” . Here you will stop for lunch on this historical monument of a bygone era and learn the history from your local guide. The next part of your adventure is an easy grade canoe back down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki, through a landscape of remote hills and bush clad valleys. We'll pass through the scenic gorge of the Manganui o te Ao River and the Ngaporo and Autapu rapids should provide some 'gentle' excitement. More exotic trees and farmland, an eel weir and the Paparoa rapid follow before reaching the boat ramp below Pipiriki village. We finish the day with a 1hr van transfer to Waimarino, in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. Accommodation : Park Hotel, Waimarino or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today's our Queen stage hike, tackling the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views. This challenging hike starts on a well-formed boardwalk with a gradual climb through the Mangatepopo Valley. The initial 5kms is shared with the Soda Springs Walk, an easy 2hr return hike which is a good option for those who may prefer an easier trek. At the end of the valley the track increases in difficulty, with a steady climb of around 350m up a staircase to a short plateau in South Crater. The climb resumes with the ascent to Red Crater, the highest point in the Crossing. A steep descent on volcanic rock scree brings walkers to the vivid Nga Rotopounamu-Emerald Lakes. The track continues past Blue Lake - Te Wai Whakaata o Te Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s mirror) and begins the long zig-zag descent of the Northern slopes including many steps. Enjoy the magnificent views over Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupo before descending further into lush forest to the track end. Be prepared for a long and challenging day out and be rewarded with stunning vistas and experiences. Hike : 20.2km 7-8hrs Steep & undulating Fitness required: High Accommodation : Park Hotel, Waimarino or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, it's a 2 hr transfer to Taupo where our trip finishes with a drop off around lunchtime at a central location. It's a 20 min transfer by taxi or shuttle to the airport for those booked to fly out today or the city has many attractions to warrant staying an extra couple of days.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x5), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
2 nights at River Valley Lodge
3 nights motel accommodation with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
Half day Rangitikei River scenic rafting trip
Whanganui Jetboat & canoe River Adventure
Shuttle to and from Tongariro Alpine Crossing (weather permitting)
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Transport from Taupo (return)
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

Bike hire (including helmet) - standard or ebikes available
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Arrival and departure transfers
Any optional activities
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

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