Multi Day Hike

Today you will be collected by Multi-day adventures for your Tongariro Crossing Hike. Said to be the greatest 1-day hike in the world, the Tongariro Crossing is known for its unique, extraordinary landscapes, its showcasing in Lord of the Rings movie sets and fascinating cultural significance. This 18.5km trail offers unrivalled adventure while accompanying guides provide interesting commentary regarding sacred areas along the way. Although this hike is very popular and a must do for the intrepid traveller, it is important to understand this experience is best suited for those with a level of fitness capable of completing the 8 hour trek over hilly and arduous sections containing uneven ground. Appropriate footwear and clothing necessary for safe tramping is a must.  Inclusions: Professional Guides, Ketatahi Springs Koha, Department of Conservation Concessions, Return Transportation, Tongariro Shuttle Fees, Satellite Phone Support, Trail Snacks and Delicious Packed Lunch.

Fitness required: Medium to Challenging

Private transfer Taupo Airport to Accommodation.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

A private vehicle will provide a transfer between the airport and your hotel.

Depart from Queenstown in the direction of Te Anau through some of New Zealand's most divine scenery of beautiful lakes and glacial valleys dwarfed by majestic mountains to the start of the track in the Hollyford Valley.

Shadowing the swift clear waters of the Hollyford River and beneath the gaze of the mighty Southern Alps, including Fiordland National Parks two highest peaks of Mt Tutoko (2746m) and Mt Madeline (2537m), you will re-trace the footsteps of original Maori and early pioneer explorers, as the track undulates gently through native beech forest and beside impressive tumbling waterfalls.

At the end of your first day’s adventure you’ll be welcomed at Pyke Lodge by your friendly lodge hosts. Here you’ll enjoy hot showers, impressive 3 course cuisine and the opportunity to relax with a post dinner drink and savour the majesty of Mount Madeline while reflecting on a great first day on your guided nature walk experience.

As the morning light drapes the background mountains, a tasty cooked or continental breakfast puts everyone on track before being rewarded with a mystical forest, reflections like a mirror on Lake Alabaster and the satisfaction of an optional crossing of Fiordland’s longest swing bridge.

After a short walk you'll board a jet boat for the next portion of this adventure. Jet boats were invented in New Zealand for the shallow rivers of the South Island. These powerful and safe boats provide a captivating scenic ride along the Hollyford River and down Lake McKerrow, skimming along the glassy water whisking past and mountains which rise dramatically above. You may even encounter a family of Bottlenose Dolphins who are regular visitors to the lower river and lake.

Human history in the Hollyford Valley is as incredible as the scenery.  Today you'll stop to discover the tragedies and triumphs of the ill-fated Jamestown.  Prepare for an outstanding walk through the ancient forest giants including the native Rimu, Totara and Kahikatea, some believed to here for some 1000 years. Soon the towering lowland podocarp forest transforms into a tenacious coastal garden. Thunderous surf on the rugged West Coast is a prelude to a bay of boulders where the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin is a seasonal visitor. A little farther on, Long Reef plays host to a colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals where you’ll marvel at their nimble skills in the crashing surf and relax as they laze on the rocks.

Martin’s Bay Lodge completes a special second day and glasses are raised to the traditional ‘Hollyford Toast’ as a memorable way to finish your day.

After another hearty breakfast you’ll explore Martin’s Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the powerful Tasman Sea from the Hollyford Valley, and a coastal landscape that is a world away from the previous days.

Enjoy visiting the historical sites of the Maori people which occupated the area. It was here where chief Tutoko and his people guarded entry into the Hollyford Valley, controlling access into and out of highly valued pounamu (greenstone / jade) gathering areas. Your guide will also highlight the plant and wildlife of this unique environment helping you to discover the diversity of this truly remote area. You will also have the opportunity to explore on your own time the isolated beach and sand dunes or to just wander at your own pace along the coast of the Tasman Sea as you and your companions and reflect upon this intrepid journey.

Returning to Martins Bay Lodge for lunch, your lodge hosts bid you farewell as you board your aircraft for a scenic flight along the rugged coast and into the truly spectacular and dramatic Milford Sound where you'll marvel at the grandeur of vertical granite walls rising from the sea.  Once in Milford you’ll be met by your return shuttle host and travel the impressive Milford Road up through the famous Homer Tunnel cutting through a divide of sheer granite rock, and stopping at the source of the Hollyford Valley and River before embarking on your journey back to Te Anau and Queenstown.

The Onsen Hot Pools experience is all about unwinding and soaking-up Queenstown's spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the views, the pure waters, and the fresh mountain air, as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of our private pools. Complete privacy, total cleanliness, spectacular scenery, beautiful surroundings.

Sit back and relax during this short transfer travelling between the airport and hotel, or vice versa.