New Zealand 3 Peaks

Discover New Zealand's volcanic peaks and crystal blue glacial lakes.

Level 4: Alpine environment with some scree, steep ascents and descents, walking up to 8 hours a day.

Wilderness hiking in the landscape made famous in Lord of the Rings, in the heart of New Zealand’s scenic North Island. Explore the trails over three days, around the volcanic peaks Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe (or Mt. Doom.) Comfortable accommodation in the National Park Village, with an outdoor spa bath for soaking in after a day of walking, will be our base for three nights. Our local guides will transport us each day to the trails for some big days of hiking. Famously known as the world’s best walk, the Tongariro Crossing is a fascinating and challenging 7-8 hour hike through a dramatic volcanic and alpine environment. Highlights of this trip include walking to stunning crystal blue glacial lakes, Taranaki Falls, the Skyline Track and a ride on the Sky Waka Gondola 9weather dependent). Just an easy three-hour flight to Auckland to begin your adventure in the heart of the North Island.

OVERVIEW:

Day 1: Travel to Auckland

Fly in to Auckland and join your host guide for a welcome dinner to begin the trip, before you settle in for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: To Lake Taupo and Mt Ruapehu

Scenic 4hr drive with a stop at Lake Taupo for a picnic lunch before an afternoon hike of 2hrs along the Skyline Track at Mt Ruapehu. Then settle in to our accommodation and enjoy dinner before having a briefing from your guide regarding the following day’s itinerary.

Day 3: Tongariro National Park

19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing, 7-8hrs; picnic lunch on trail and a cosy dinner back at our accommodation

Day 4: Upper Tama Lakes, Tongariro National Park, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe

18km trek, a network of staircases that take you to stunning views of glacial lakes; rock hopping and views of Taranaki Falls; leisure time in the afternoon for a spa bath; celebratory dinner

Day 5: Travel to Auckland

Level 4: Walks are 8 hours per day at a faster pace, rough tracks with some scrambling.

GirlsTrek trips are graded according to the length of hours out on the trails, the type of trails underfoot and
 the fitness required to comfortably walk longer distances, on tougher terrain, for several days in a row. 

For our Level 4 trips, we request that you have the following experience/fitness to join:

Experience hiking a multi-day trek in the last 4 years that required you to walk for up to 8hrs per day on undulating terrain.

OR Experience hiking 2 x  GirlsTrek Level 3 trips in the past 4 years. 

AND 4-5 hours a week of regular consistent exercise that involves hiking / running or fast walking.

• 5 days trekking and experiences with GirlsTrek
• Private vehicle transfers to/ from airport
• Hotel accommodation in Auckland and in National Park Village, Ruapehu
• Local NZ Wilderness Guide
• All meals as per itinerary
• All accommodation based on twin share
• Premium New Zealand sparkling wine celebration
• Small group size travel
• Currency fluctuation absorbed
• Seasonal Adjustment included
• GirlsTrek Gift
• Department of Conservation park entry fees
• Trip specific packing list with expert advice and great discounts
• Trip info briefing to detail the trip plan and answer any of your questions
• At home training programme to prepare for trek