Tongariro

Mt. Tongariro is a near 2,000-metre-high volcano where steaming fumaroles, hot springs and alien craters are the setting for what is often billed as the country’s finest one-day walk. Your point of access will be the delightful Powderhorn Chateau for warm timbered cosiness, suite living and alpine chalet intimacy on the picturesque slopes of Mt. Ruapehu.

It’s your base for a range of adventure activities played out over three days. After your included transfer and a chance to settle in, you’ll make your first introductions to Tongariri National Park – one of the world’s first – with a gentle sunset walk. Following the drive up to 1,500 metres on Mt. Ruapehu, a 45-minute loop will bring you to a secluded ridge and sunset views over Mt. Taranaki. It’s the perfect spot for a glass of one of the country’s finest wines and a talk on the region’s volcanology.

The next day, you’ll explore the area proper with the famed Tongariro Alpine Crossing. As part of an expert-led small group, routes are tailored to your fitness levels meaning you’ll enjoy giant mountainous views, twisted rock formations and geological quirks at your pace. You’ll then be transferred back to your accommodation for a well-earned rest and perhaps a hearty something from the restaurant’s indulgent menus washed down with a fine vintage from the bar.

Your final day will be given over to white-water rafting on the mountain’s river namesake. With an expert at the helm and full training, you’ll navigate over 60 roller-coaster rapids that bring you 2.5 hours into Taupo’s unspoilt wilderness, much of which can only be accessed by raft. It’s a fitting end to three days of exploration, especially when taken with a winter soak in the thermal hot pools.