Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk

The Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk was an unforgettable adventure, blending breathtaking scenery with expert guidance and a touch of the unexpected. The night before, everyone in town was convinced the hike would be canceled. The weather forecasts painted a grim picture of relentless rain and heavy clouds. Yet, the mountain had other ideas. When we arrived at the car park, it wasn’t rain that greeted us but bright sunshine and a stunning rainbow arching across the horizon—a promise of the extraordinary day ahead. As we embarked on the trail, the weather continued to defy expectations. Misty clouds swirled one moment, only to part and reveal crystal-clear views of the volcanic landscape the next. The emerald lakes gleamed more vividly than we could have imagined, and at every turn, the elements seemed to play a dramatic, ever-changing role in our journey. Our guide was indispensable, weaving tales of the region’s volcanic history and Maori legends while expertly navigating the shifting conditions. Their calm demeanor and preparedness reassured us that we were in capable hands, even as nature displayed its unpredictable charm. For anyone seeking an adventure where nature writes its own script, this guided hike is a must. It’s not just a trek across one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes—it’s a journey of surprises, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

As a (slightly) older, solo, female traveller, safety is paramount in every activity I undertake. As this was my first attempt at the Tongariro Crossing, I decided to join a group rather than going it alone. I am so glad I did. The team at Adrift (Stu- kit boy and chauffeur, and Ant- tour guide extraordinaire and Lord of the Rings expert) were brilliant from start to finish. Before the trip we were advised of what to wear and what to bring, told to confirm the day before ( for numbers and weather conditions) and asked about any health or fitness issues. On arrival at Adrift we were warmly welcomed, individually checked for appropriate gear and lent those items they felt we needed for the conditions. As it was, none of us needed to use what we borrowed, as the weather was better than expected. Better to be safe than sorry, though. Our group was small, four overseas visitors and myself, all a similar age and fitness level. This made for a lovely chill group, 'old and stubborn' which meant we were unlikely to turn back at any point! Ant set a steady pace, not too fast but certainly not too slow, which made the uphill sections manageable. We stopped regularly for photographs, interesting bits of information, breath catching or toilet breaks ( don't forget to bring toilet paper in your pack, although Ant brought some along if you forget). We tended to keep together as a group, in spite of many others taking the same path, and I noticed Ant checking on the 'tail end charlies '( usually me) regularly. The most challenging part for me, as I had anticipated, was the scree on the downhill just after the summit. We stopped for lunch just after the crest, in a wonderfully sheltered and warm spot, which allowed us to watch how others handled the terrain. This was reassuring, as was the encouragement and instruction Ant gave, steering us to the sandier path and suggesting a sliding approach. Once down the scree, we could enjoy the Emerald lakes and the descent. With work being done on the track, there were places where it was treacherous underfoot but again there was no rush and regular check ins. We completed the walk in almost exactly eight hours, a testament to the guide and the group and the van was waiting to take us back to base. All in all, this was an excellent way to experience the Crossing with good company, good banter, good attention to safety and ultimately a huge sense of achievement. I highly recommend this crew; I'd happily do this hike again

The “best day walk in New Zealand” lived up to its reputation. We walked the pass in perfect weather and were well looked after by Adrift. This is a big walk; the ascent requires stamina and the descent good knees! The path is at times demanding but the rewards worth the effort. The Adrift team are competent and caring. They are attentive to the challenges and look after the walkers. Take their advice about kit seriously they know what they are doing.