The Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro National Park is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and is located in the central North Island.
It is home to three major volcanoes, Mounts Tongariro, Ngaurohoe and Ruapehu, and this dramatic volcanic landscape was used to create the kingdom of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Mount Ruapehu is the highest point on the North Island standing at 2797 metres and is one of the most active volcanoes in New Zealand, last erupting in spectacular fashion in 1997.
A full day guided walk with Adrift Guided Outdoor Adventures provides an opportunity to experience some of the most scenic volcanically active areas of the park.
The walk starts at a gentle gradient up from the Mangatepopo Valley to Soda Springs and then a steep climb takes you up to the Mangatepopo saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. You will then have arrived at the South Crater (1650 metres) where you will have a break and take some great photos.
The track then climbs to Red Crater (the highest point at 1882 metres) with the Otarere and Rangipo deserts in the distance before descending to the vivid Emerald Lakes where a well earned break for lunch is enjoyed.
You will then head to the summit of Mount Tongariro (1967 metres) which gives a great view of the peaks of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu. You will take the main track back to Mangatepopo over Mount Ngauruhoe's pyroclastic flows. You will enjoy sunset views of Mount Taranaki which is 150 kilometres away.
For the more daring types, a 3-day Northern Circuit guided tramp is undoubtedly one of the most unique treks in New Zealand, starting on Mount Ruapehu and encircling Mount Ngauruhoe.
Adrift also offer sea kayaking on the Coromandel Peninsula...
