Start at Whakapapa Village and follow the Taranaki Falls track 100m below Ngauruhoe Place. The track continues beyond the falls and crosses undulating tussock land and alpine herb field on a well-formed, marked track. Further on, the track branches left to Tama Lakes, easier while the main track continues to Waihohonu Hut. From this junction, you have a view of the lower lake with a surrounding backdrop of Mt Ngauruhoe to the north and behind you Mt Ruapehu.
It’s a strenuous 17km; 8hr hike past Mt Ngauruhoe and over Mt Tongariro and past the ‘red crater’ through some of the most stunning and barren landscape you will ever experience. To complete the ‘loop’, follow the unmarked track as it undulates its way towards Pt1450. This section can be quite exposed, so make sure you are careful with your footing. People with energy might like to take a break from their packs and walk down a ridge to reach a stunning view on the southern side. To preserve the lake’s pristine quality, DOC recommends visitors do not swim or touch the lake water.
If you take the lower path you will also encounter the smaller Cascade Falls, around 3.5km before you get back to the start of the track. From here on, the wind can chill you to your bones, even on a clear day. There were no track poles, so just follow the ridge up to the top knoll.
Who is the owner of Mt Ruapehu
The Tama Lakes fill the craters below the Tama Saddle between Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. From the Taranaki Falls walk, the track crosses undulating tussock terrain and alpine herb fields. The track branches to the left and continues to Waihohonu Hut. There is a view of the lower lake , then the track climbs steeply to a viewpoint of the upper lake . This track is a great year-round alternative for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is also perfect for those who have completed the Crossing. The Tama Lakes track traverses a unique undulating landscape of tussocks and alpine herbsfields.
Weekend Walk: Whakapapa Village To Tama Lakes
It’s a small mini bus which is much nicer than the big buses. Grant, thank you so much for the update. I have made some adjustments to the Tama Lakes Walk details so it should now be more accurate.
Where is the Tongariro National Park located?
There are also spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. After a short climb through the beech forest, the track passes through alpine shrub-lands with wide and spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and the surrounding landscape. You can continue on a loop back towards Whakapapa Village from here. It crosses the Whakapapaiti River, passing through forests and open tussock-covered areas.
We’ll pass through several picturesque bays before eventually emerging out into the estuary. Read more about Private tours and travel across NZ here. Finish walking the track by crossing the Marahau causeway where your guide will meet you with the van. Then it’s time to rest the legs on the drive to tonight’s accommodation in Murchison. You will be able to step into some of New Zealand’s most beautiful country scenery, including golden alpine tunsocks, beech forests, and rugged river valleys, without seeing a person. Our backcountry hikes to Ben Lomond offers an exclusive trekking experience on a private station that extends along razorback ridgelines high above the Shotover River.
What’s Your Dream Bucket List Trip? See This $98384 Best Adventure – Forbes
What’s Your Dream Bucket List Trip? See This $98384 Best Adventure.
Nicky grew to be a wanderer in the mountains and valleys of rural Canterbury, New Zealand’s South Island. After earning her diploma as a Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Manager and working for the Department of Conservation in New Zealand, Nicky began to guide nature-based walking tours. Nicky returned to school after two decades of adventure travel and work in the nature tourism industry. Nicky is a leader in conservation of water and nature for New Zealand’s leading environmental nongovernmental organization. Nicky enjoys walking, riding her mountain bike and backcountry skiing in her spare time. This morning we leave Kaikoura and transfer to Arthur’s Pass (total drive time is about 3.5 hours), heading inland we stop for lunch in Oxford, a former logging town and now a quaint village at the edge of the foothills.
Our Walking Tour Packages include everything you need for a memorable hiking vacation. All that’s left for you to do is lace up your boots, pack some bottled water and head out on a hiking adventure like no other. We travel in comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minibuses. Each seat is equipped with a seatbelt. We travel with a trailer that we have built, where our luggage is safely stored. Discover the stunning landscape of the surrounding Alps and catch a spectacular view of Lake Wanaka. Explore Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area – choose to hike, swim or canoe with a naturalist on Lake Moeraki.
Select the Arrangements” option, then choose the airport you prefer. Or talk to one of our air Travel Advisors about your flight preferences. The South Island of New Zealand is a haven for walkers and hikers. This self-drive New Zealand itinerary focuses on easy going guided walks for hikers of modest fitness who love being in the bush and the natural environment. Following an early breakfast, we begin our transfer to Lake Moeraki. We stop at Okarito for a moderate hike. Okarito is home to more than 70 species native birds, including the Okarito white heron and royal spoonbill.
You will be captivated by the excitement of sailing on an America’s Cup yacht and the sight of icebergs surrounding your boat. As we divide our time between New Zealand’s two main islands, Classic Journeys’ knowledgeable local guides will introduce you to places you wouldn’t find on your own. We arrive later at the Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, situated A merino sheep station offering spectacular mountain views. We have the option to join the staff of the lodge for a guided nature hike in the evening.
We offer an itinerary building service, where after collaboration with you we create a day by day suggested itinerary of activities with recommendations for providers but leave the bookings to you.
We can personalize your New Zealand experience by providing access to some of New Zealand’s most exclusive accommodation, top activities, and flight deals.
Between high peaks look out for glimpses of the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring.
Most of all, though, our guide, Nicky, made the journey very special.
Afterward, we hike the Punakaiki-Porarari Rivers Loop, a moderate hike through spectacular limestone canyons clothed in sub-tropical forests containing New Zealand’s single endemic species of palm, the Nikau.
The South Island of New Zealand is a haven for walkers and hikers.
There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money. This relaxed adventure itinerary for New Zealand will take you to unspoiled landscapes at both the properties and the places. We keep you out of tourist traps so that you can enjoy the peace and tranquility New Zealand is known for. This is a world-class scenic landscape and a treasure trove of awesome geology, rare flora and fauna. Then explore the Wild West Coast experiencing its glaciers, forests and wildlife.
How many people walk the Te Araroa trail?
During the 2019-2020 walking season, the number of people walking the entire length of the trail exceeded 1,200 for the first time. Hundreds of thousands more walked individual sections. Te Araroa Trust is the kaitiaki for the trail.
I will pick out activities, locations and/or providers that will be just right for what you want. Exhilarating trails through the backcountry, suitable for intermediates, advanced, and beginners. If you are visiting islands make sure to stop by museums, stone temples, and other historical sites. In Tahiti, check out James Norman Hall’s home, as well as the municipal market. New Zealand’s areas include the Basin Reserve, Pencarrow Lighthouse and Stone Store.
Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. [newline]When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit. The scenery was stunning and exactly as promised. It was like visiting Nepal without actually being there. I felt very secure and had a blast. It was a great experience that left me feeling refreshed and ready for daily life.
Dorchester Collection Names Lee Kelly New GM of 45 Park Lane – Luxury Travel Advisor
Dorchester Collection Names Lee Kelly New GM of 45 Park Lane.
From here, catch the water taxi back to Te Anau; it’s just a short walk to your hotel. Later in the afternoon you can visit Te Anau Bird Sanctuary for an opportunity to see some New Zealand’s more elusive and endangered native birds. Strategic shuttles are included in several days of our itinerary to allow us to access the most scenic routes as well as important points of interest. While most people will only be able to use the shuttle for an hour, some days may allow you to stay longer.
