At a Glance
Set out on an extraordinary 3-day self-drive adventure to conquer New Zealand’s legendary Tongariro Crossing, a trek celebrated as one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll confidently walk this breathtaking alpine landscape, fully equipped for the journey ahead. This thoughtfully curated itinerary seamlessly blends the excitement of hiking the trail's iconic highlights with the luxury of a boutique lodge stay, promising an intimate and enriching experience at every turn. Prepare for an unforgettable journey that captivates both your spirit and your senses!
Begin your adventure in Turangi, New Zealand’s North Island, as you embark on a self-drive journey to your 5-star boutique retreat at River Birches Lodge. This luxurious lodge serves as your base of exploration in Tongariro National Park, the country’s oldest national park ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 2 nights of 5 star lodge accommodation, on a twin share basis
- Meals: 2x Breakfast, 1x Lunch, 1x Dinner
- Private guided Tongariro Crossing
- Equipment such as boots, poles and fleeces for duration of walk
- Seamless door-to-door & private transport for duration of walk
Itinerary
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Begin your North Island adventure with a scenic self-drive to the tranquil oasis of River Birches Lodge, the closest luxury boutique retreat to the Tongariro Crossing. Nestled in a serene garden by the famed Tongariro River, the lodge offers a peaceful escape after your journey. Whether you take the picturesque 40-minute drive from Taupo, meander through lush landscapes from Rotorua in 1 hour and 45 minutes, or wind through the rolling hills from Napier in 2 hours and 30 minutes, your arrival sets the tone for relaxation. (Note: If you'd prefer, private transfers can be arranged on request at an additional cost). Upon arrival, indulge in the lodge’s elegant guest rooms, soak in the cedar hot tubs, savour meals crafted by the resident chef, cosy up by the fireplace with a glass of red or take a leisurely walk along the adjacent Tongariro Riverwalk. In the evening, explore Turangi’s local restaurants, just a 15-minute walk from the lodge, and enjoy your own culinary adventure. Alternatively, a 4 course dinner with set menu can be arranged at the lodge at an additional cost (minimum 4 people). |
River Birches Lodge (5*)
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Approx. 20.2km (12 miles), Moderate 8 hours walking Start your day with a delectable gourmet breakfast at the lodge, fueling up for an adventure like no other—the renowned Tongariro Crossing. Often hailed as New Zealand’s best one-day trek and ranked among the top ten in the world, this extraordinary journey takes you through a landscape shaped by nature’s raw power. Traverse lava flows, witness the majesty of an active crater, feel the heat of steam vents, and marvel at the striking emerald lakes. With panoramic views at every turn, this unforgettable hike promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Tongariro Crossing is an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s most dramatic volcanic landscape. Beginning in the Mangatepopo Valley, the track winds alongside ancient lava flows from Mount Ngauruhoe. A brief detour reveals the icy Soda Springs, before ascending into the awe-inspiring South Crater, a rugged realm shaped by glaciers. The climb continues to the rim of the striking Red Crater, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Tongariro National Park and the towering Mount Ruapehu. Near the summit, the brilliant Emerald and Blue lakes add a final touch to this magnificent natural masterpiece, making it a must-do trek for adventurers. The night before your trek, receive a thorough briefing and update to prepare you for the challenge ahead. Everything you need is provided—boots, poles and fleeces required for the alpine terrain. Your adventure is made seamless with private, door-to-door transport, a packed lunch for the trek, and the expertise of your mountain guide. In the capable hands of one of the few select professionals licensed to guide on these sacred mountains, you’ll embark on this remarkable trek with confidence, knowing you’re fully prepared to conquer this iconic crossing. |
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After your thrilling Tongariro Crossing adventure, return to River Birches Lodge for the ultimate unwind. Enjoy a sumptuous antipasto platter as you relax and reflect on the day's breathtaking trek |
River Birches Lodge (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Savor a gourmet breakfast, the ideal moment to reminisce about your unforgettable adventure. As the flavors linger, take one last look at the tranquil surroundings before setting off on your self-drive, ready for your onward journey. Alternatively, private transfers to Taupo, Napier and Rotorua can be arranged at an additional cost. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Turangi
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Turangi. The closest airport to Turangi is Taupo Airport (TUO), located approximately 40 kilometers (about a 30-40 minute drive) away. It offers regular domestic flights connecting Taupo to major cities like Auckland and Wellington, making it a convenient entry point for travelers heading to Turangi and the surrounding areas.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing experiences varied weather and climate conditions due to its elevation and diverse landscapes. Summer (December to February) offers mild temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it the most popular season for trekking. However, weather can change rapidly, with possible rain and strong winds.
Autumn (March to May) features cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors, while winter (June to August) brings snow and freezing conditions, making the trek more challenging and typically requiring special gear. Spring (September to November) sees fluctuating temperatures, with snow still possible at higher elevations and the landscape blooming into life. Always check forecasts and be prepared for sudden weather changes, regardless of the season.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
