Tongariro Alpine Experience Half Day
Many of the best features of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are available in the trip we call the Tongariro Alpine Experience. Join us for a walk through the Mangatepopo Valley, at the foot of the majestic Mt Tongariro, and enjoy the chance to take in the majesty of this active volcanic massif.
This quality guided walking experience up to the awesome Mt Tongariro, includes return transport from Turangi, National Park Village and Whakapapa Village, and 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 this iconic track, but are still looking to experience this now iconic area.
Learn of past eruptions, its significance to the local Maori, and the history of the first National Park in New Zealand from our friendly and knowledgeable guides, and enjoy a hot drink and snack along the way.
This half day experience covers the first 5km to 6km of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and encounters a varied range of landforms and views, with areas of geological importance, and of great cultural significance, as it heads up to the base of Mt Tongariro.
The trek begins at 1100m by heading into the Mangatepopo Valley, with its eroded volcanic terrain, evidence of the glacier that once carved it out, and more recently, lava flows from Mount Ngauruhoe. This gradual climb takes about one to one and a half hours, before reaching the foot of new (2008) deviation.
We may choose to head up as far as South Crater, or maybe just high enough to get a good view back down the Mangatepopo Valley, the choice is yours. The full climb takes around an hour, and is the greatest single gain of altitude for the day, but the views over the valley make it all worthwhile. The new track makes this climb truly manageable.
Returning via the same well formed track, we enjoy the valley from a whole new angle, and you are sure to notice features that you missed on the way up.
Prices
| Trip size: 2 or more people | Trip Size: 1 Person |
|---|---|
| $108.00 per person | $180.00 per person |
