Things to do in

Manawatū-Whanganui

Go on an adventure and embark on a full-day guided walk to Ruapehu. Admire Mt. Ruapehu that is the highest (2797m) of the three active andesitic volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park. The last eruption on Mt. Ruapehu was in 2007.  Join the group for lunch on top of the North Island highest volcano from where you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the crater lake. Please note that this is not a track and is less stable walking than on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Start your walk at the Whakapapa Ski area at the top of the Bruce Road on Mt. Ruapehu, there may be an option of taking a chairlift up to Knoll Ridge cafe. This option will depend on the group on the day and if the chairlifts are operating. The lifts close at 4:00 PM daily, should conditions worsen during the day the lifts may have to be closed earlier. Enjoy personable, friendly, and qualified guides that provide instruction, transport, equipment, and gear hire.

Experience the landscape of Tongariro, peppered with different coloured and shaped craters that have been active at different periods, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs and brightly coloured emerald lakes on a 1-day trek.  In Summer, discover a majestic landscape of recent resultant volcanic activity. See how the vast array of colours and textures created from Sulphur, Aluminium, Silica, and many other mineral deposits released from within the Earth’s Crust. Follow your guide along alternative paths so you can escape the crowds whilst still experience the popular sights.  In Winter, enjoy the opportunity to walk through the magnificent snow-covered landscape without the summer crowds. No outdoor experience is necessary, all training and tuition are given on the day. Crampons and ice-axes are supplied by Adrift Tongariro for a fantastic alpine experience. Please note that reaching the Ketatahi end is not guaranteed. Safety regarding, weather, avalanche, ice and hypothermia are taken into consideration when securing the exact route for the day. Individual and group bookings are accepted. If you are travelling alone please book as the operator generally always meet minimum numbers, especially on good weather days.

Experience the breathtaking volcanic terrain even if you are limited in time. The exact route of this walk is chosen to suit the level of ability for the group, an easier route can be selected if walking on a pathless track is too difficult. Walk for approximately 60 – 80 minutes before enjoying a glass of New Zealands sparkling wine as you watch the sunset. The preferred route is the Taranaki Falls loop track. Other route options are a return trip starting at the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing track or a return route to sunset ridge or Meads Wall.  Learn about geology, volcanology and New Zealand cultural history from your knowledgable guide. This is a memorable way to see the National Park with sunset lighting up a majestic Alpine setting.

Download a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. Explore the stunningly beautiful and popular area of Tongariro which is made up of 3 volcanic peaks. In this audio tour, learn about the volcanic activity and the craters that are found in the area like the Red, Central and North Crater. This 7-hour hike will tell you about Māori myths and legends as you walk along this legendary area that was also made famous by the filming of The Lord of the Rings. You will also see the Lower Mangatepopo Valley, Mount Ruapehu, Soda Springs, Upper Mangatepopo Valley, Ngauruhoe Summit, the Oturere Valley Lookout, the Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake, Lake Rotoaira with North Views, Ketetahi Springs, and the Totara Forest. Your tour. Your way.

Experience the Tongariro Crossing with this four-hour, half-day volcanic explorer guided walk. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Tongariro National Park, learn about its geology and surrounding flora and fauna. When possible, the tour will start on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track and head up to Soda Springs before returning to the start. If the Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk is not suitable on the day, there is a menu of smaller walks to enjoy. During this 4-hour tour you'll see a selection of the most popular Tongariro sites. These include Lake Rotopounamu, Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids, Soda Springs, Pukeonake, Whakapapanui River, Tawhai falls and Meads Wall.

Day 1 - Auckland to Hot Water Beach •Explore Cathedral Cove •Relax at Hot Water Beach; by digging your own spa pool. Day 2 - Hot Water Beach to Waitomo •Hike through the Karangahake Gorge •Magical Glowworm Caves in Waitomo Day 3 - Waitomo to Rotorua •Hike through the Ruakuri Reserve •Spend the evening and night at a Māori village where you'll learn about the history and culture of the locals. •Opportunity to visit Hobbiton (not included) •Immerse yourself into Maori culture and history by exploring Rotorua. Day 4 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park via Taupo •Walk the Huka Falls walkway •Soak under a waterfall or in the naturally heated rock pools at Spa Park. Day 5 - Tongariro National Park •Hike the Tongariro Crossing; one of New Zealands best one day hikes (shuttle not included) •Go skiing or snowboarding on Mount Ruapheu (equipment not included) Day 6 - Tongariro National Park to River Valley •Hike the Taranaki Falls walk •Spend the day at River Valley Lodge; nestled on the Rangitikei River •Go white water rafting on the Rangitikei River or Horse trekking (not included) •Enjoy an organic group roast dinner. Day 7 - River Valley to Wellington •Buzzing city vibes in the capital Wellington Day 8 - Wellington to Kaikoura •Inter-Island transport across the Cook Strait; one of the most enjoyable and beautiful ferry journeys in the world •Wine tasting in the Marlborough region •Visit Kaikoura Seal colony. Day 9 - Kaikoura to Christchurch •Hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway •Enjoy the amazing panaramic views of Kaikoura •Discover hidden gems of Christchurch in a city street art trail Day 10 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo •Marvel at the stars at the Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo. •Visit the The Church of the Good Shepherd. •Hike up Mount John for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Day 11 - Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook (return) •Spend the day at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. •Hike the Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake. Day 12 - Lake Tekapo to Queenstown •A buffet dinner with panaramic views of Queenstown at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant. Day 13 - Queenstown free day - Have the whole day to yourself and explore the wonders of Queenstown. Day 14 - Queenstown to Glenorchy day trip - Today we'll cruise past the lake, soaking up the views and onto Glenorchy where we will do some short walks. Day 15 - Queenstown to Wanaka •Roys Peak hike (6 hour return); take in breathtaking views over Lake Wānaka (only accessible November to May) •Mt Iron hike (alternative to Roys Peak); providing 360-degree views of the The Pisa range. •Visit the famous Wanaka tree Day 16 - Wanaka to Franz Josef •Thunder Creek falls in Mt Aspiring National Park. •Lake Matheson; famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Day 17 - Franz Josef •Design and carve your own Greenstone jewelry in a West Coast workshop (included) •Walk the Glacier valley walk in Franz Josef Day 18 - Franz Josef to Christchurch •Scenic hikes across Arthurs Pass •Walk the Castle Hill track. •Devils Punchbowl waterfalls.

Day 1 - Auckland to Hot Water Beach Depart Auckland and head south-east to the pristine beaches of the Coromandel and the world-famous Cathedral Cove. Kayak around this stunning coastline (optional activity) and have the opportunity to visit Hot Water Beach; a unique surf beach where if you catch the tide right, you can dig a hole in the sand to create your own personal spa pool. Day 2 - Hot Water Beach to Waitomo Venture into the enchanting Karangahake Gorge nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, for a hike amongst the walkways and old mining tunnels. Next, head over to Waitomo for a magical tour of the world-famous glow-worm caves. You will also have the opportunity to experience a Black Water Rafting trip. Day 3 - Waitomo to Rotorua Start the day with a walk through the Ruakuri Reserve. Pass through The Shire of Hobbiton where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the Hobbiton Movie Set (optional activity) before rolling on through to Rotorua; a mystical land of bubbling mud pools, rocketing geysers, and natural hot springs. Optional activities are luging down the SkyLine, White Water Rafting, Hells Gate, Mountain biking through the Redwoods, Zorb, Wai-o-tapu, Polynesian Spa, or National Kiwi Hatchery. Day 4 - Rotorua free day and Tamaki Maori Village Explore the geothermal reserve of Te Puia, with New Zealand’s largest geyser, and a chance to see a real live Kiwi bird. Visit the Tamaki Māori Village and be immersed in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Māori guide before feasting on some top kai food from the hāngi pit. Gather around a blazing bonfire and enjoy listening to Māori myths and legends before relaxing in a private forest spa pool and retiring for the night in a traditional carved whare moe (sleeping house). Day 5 - Tamaki Maori Village to Taupo Day 6 - Taupo free day Day 7 - Taupo to Wellington Day 8 - Wellington to Kaikoura Day 9 - Kaikoura to Christchurch Day 10 - Christchurch to Lake Tekapo Day 11 - Lake Tekapo to Wanaka via Mount Cook Day 12 - Wanaka to Queenstown Day 13 - Queenstown free day Day 14 - Queenstown to Glenorchy day trip