Half Day Tongariro Alpine Guided Group Walk
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
If time is limited or you are unable to spend the whole day walking, join us on a half day tour, perfect for families and travellers of all ages and fitness levels. Start on the Tongariro Crossing track and experience some of its splendour as you walk amongst the volcanoes up to the Soda Springs waterfall.
Mt. Ngauruhoe’s cold water springs create a small oasis of lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves, and the pure Soda Springs allows us to refill our water bottles with Tongariro pure spring water, whilst having morning tea. Here we will talk and show you all things relevant to Tongariro and New Zealand including recent and past eruptions, geology, flora and fauna discovery and settlement of NZ.
At Soda Springs we give you the option to return to the start or if conditions and logistics allow, upgrading to the full day walk to complete the Tongariro Crossing and see other key highlights such as the Blue and Emerald Lakes.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is essential all clients phone the Adrift Tongariro base between 10:00am - 5:00pm the day prior to trip date to confirm tour departure time and discuss exact timings. +64 7892 2751. Each participant to fill out a waiver prior to arriving on site. Look out for your link or QR code in your inbox 3 days before your tour date.
Minimum 2 people. Individual bookings are welcome, as the tour does generally meet minimum numbers, especially on good weather days. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements.
Tour starts and finishes at the Adrift Tongariro Base. Transport between the Adrift Tongariro base (53 Carroll St, National Park Village) and the activity are included in the price.
All transfers meet at the Adrift base the morning of the tour where our guides will check everyone in, go over the days trip conditions and assess and provide the required equipment, and additional clothing and boots if needed.
Transfers from Whakapapa Village are available on request for an additional charge. All transfers require a minimum of 2 people.
A medium level of fitness is required.
Gear List: Water, outdoor shoes with grip, long walking pants, 2 x warm tops and a raincoat.
Minimum age is 12 years
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Professional and qualified guide/s.
Footwear and clothing to supplement up to a NZD60 free allowance.
Live tour commentary provided in English.
Transport between the start & end of the tour and the Adrift Tongariro base (National Park Village)
All mountain equipment required (including crampons and ice axes during winter).
Beverages, bottled water, or snacks
Lunch
Gratuities
Return accommodation transfers from Whakapapa Villages available at a surcharge
What To Expect
Adrift Tongariro
Our base
Mount Ngauruhoe
Mt. Ngauruhoe’s cold water springs create a small oasis of lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves, and the pure Soda Springs allows us to refill our water bottles with Tongariro pure spring water, whilst having morning tea.
Options
Winter Half Day Guided Walk
Half Day Tongariro Alpine Guided Group Walk: Winter 1 April – 25 September 7:00am - 12:30pm
Summer Half Day Guided Walk
Half Day Tongariro Alpine Guided Group Walk: Summer 26 September – 31 March 8:00am - 12.30pm
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Interesting tour in great scenery
MKKmrd,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had booked the half-day tour, so there were three of us on the road with our guide Andy, while the larger ambitious group made their way to the complete crossing. However, the weather was not very good, so we had made a good choice for the day. Andy was able to adjust perfectly to our pace and condition, and we experienced the fascinating nature and atmosphere of the landscape very intensely. We would have liked a few more explanations about botany and geology, especially as this is mentioned in the description of the tour... Also the tour could have started a little later, as we went back around 12 o'clock, but this is probably due to the fact that the organizer only organizes a morning transport for all hikers together. Otherwise a rewarding experience!
Very professional. Thoroughly recommended.
MikeK929,
Feb 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Adrift team were highly professional and competent. Great care was taken to address everyone’s needs. Thoroughly recommended.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
VeronicaH1487,
Jan 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We booked with Adrift who were excellent. They did a check of your gear and outlined all the health and safety issues. Due to weather we couldn't complete the Crossing.
Epic day - thank you so much <3
Roam766887,
Nov 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can't thank this team enough! Pre-trip Robyn quelled any concerns i had about the safety set up. On the day our guides Ant and Gregor were spot on. Really friendly but in command of the group. I struggled as anticipated. Ant and Gregor had a descreet chat and the group was offerred an alternative route for anyone interested in a slightly less challenging experience. Honestly i loved it! Achieved way more than i had anticipsted and had the most enjoyable day on the mountain chatting with Ant and my partner. The fog even partially cleared and we had some fantastic views of the valley
A Must do hike!!
NorthStar53640356807,
Oct 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guided trip with Adrift Tongairiro was one of a lifetime experience! We could only make it up to the Soda springs as it started snowing. Stu and Kayla were great. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk with amazing views and took lots of pictures!!
Great half day in Tongariro
janedG4232OF,
Feb 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip with Adrift Tongariro was well organised and from the talk and weather report beforehand, always had safety in mind. We had glorious blue skies for the half day but the full day people had to consider high winds coming in later during the afternoon. Although starting together the full day people had to move on ahead at a particular point and we, doing half day, could take the pace at a slower rate which suited our group. Corbyn was great at knowing when we needed to take the uphill more slowly and tactful at moving us along on the flatter boardwalks or after a break! The scenery was amazing and thoroughly enjoyed the walk even though we could not make it to the better known landmarks of the full walk.
Scam
GrandTour20897323420,
Sep 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Listen to the other reviewers calling this a scam. They don’t even bother to tell you they are cancelling, we had to call. And when we did, they refused a refund. You cannot charge for services not rendered. They clearly word their booking policy to make it seem like if the customer cancels, no refund — but it is VERY much not clear that they can just cancel on you and keep your money. It was very telling that when I asked whether they have this situation frequently, she said yes. We will be considering dispute tribunal to resolve if not resolved individually. Their employee accused me of trying to steal from them and when I posited that they in fact were intentionally deceitful, she began yelling and abruptly hung up on me. I found her comments very hurtful but did not discontinue the conversation because I was sure we could resolve it with reason. They were unwilling. To be clear, they are withholding approx $700 NZD from us without providing ANY services whatsoever.
Great customer experience and introduction to crossing/landscape if time is short.
39carolynt,
Feb 18, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent and prompt customer service from Robyn. Online the walk appeared full but with the recent cyclone impacting the North Island I emailed to enquire if a spot was available the following morning and immediately had a response. You set off with the full day crossing before they break off to tackle the 19.4k at pace. This walk is tailored to your pace but is still 5k over slight inclines typical of a hike. Its definitely doable provided you do these at home. The scenery is amazing to enjoy and you can see how quickly the weather changes. They will ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear and lend you items as needed. You take a transfer to the start where you also get picked up from again. I did this with a lovely bunch of people and the guides were friendly and always attentive to the group whilst giving background and insight.
Amazing would love to do in the summer
Naomihia,
Aug 13, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The snowy views were amazing! And I would highly recommend the guided tour for any beginner with adrift you will have great yarns with hero and stew
A great walk
rebron,
Dec 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Two of us had a lovely walk over the Tongariro Crossing, guided by Hiro. He knew lots about the area and shared his enjoyment of hiking with us.
From NZ$359.00
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