Private Tour
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a private guide from Adrift Tongariro. This 19km trek is New Zealand’s best day one-day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with the different coloured and shaped craters that have been active at different periods, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs, and brightly coloured emerald lakes.
Our privately guided trips provide you with a really personal, informative and friendly experience you will never forget.
Experience a majestic landscape of recent resultant volcanic activity. There is a vast array of colours and textures created from Sulphur, Aluminium, Silica, and many other mineral deposits released from within the Earth’s Crust. In summer this track can get crowded and where possible, we take our clients away from the masses while making sure that the popular sights are still experienced.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 is required 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.
A minimum of 2 people is required for this tour to operate.
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 Taupo, Turangi, Ohakune and Whakapapa Village are available on request for an additional charge. All transfers require a minimum of 2 people. We do not offer Whakapapa Village and Ohakune transfers in winter.
Summer Gear List: Water (1-2 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat.
Winter Gear List: Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat, Warm hat and gloves.
A reasonably good level of fitness is required. If you are concerned about your fitness please let your guide know before commencing the walk
Minimum age is 12 years
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Adrift Tongariro
This 19km trek is New Zealand’s best day one-day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with different coloured and shaped craters that have been active at different periods, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs and brightly coloured emerald lakes. Summer offers a majestic landscape of recent resultant volcanic activity. There is a vast array of colours and textures created from Sulphur, Aluminium, Silica, and many other mineral deposits released from within the Earth’s Crust. In summer this track can get crowded and where possible, we take our clients away from the masses while making sure that the popular sights are still experienced. Winter offers the opportunity to walk through the magnificent snow-covered landscape without the summer crowds. No outdoor experience is necessary, all training and tuition is given on the day. Crampons and ice-axes are supplied by Adrift Tongariro for a fantastic alpine experience. This is a Tongariro Alpine guided tour. We do not guarantee reaching the Ketatahi end. Safety regarding, weather, avalanche, ice and hypothermia are taken into consideration when securing our exact route for the day. We take all individual and group bookings. If you are travelling alone please book as we generally always meet minimum numbers, especially on good weather days. Included Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the activity, lunch (vegetarian available on request at time of booking), crampons and ice axes if required for winter conditions, $40 of clothing and footwear hire (boots $20, clothing $10 per item). Timings Tour starts and finishes at the Adrift Tongariro Base 53 Carroll St, National Park Village. Summer (1 October - 30 April), Winter (1 May - 30 September) Summer Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 8:00am Return: 5:30pm Winter Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 7:00am Return: 5:30pm We endeavor to remove the risk of clients not having adequate clothing and equipment for the conditions. To achieve this, we request clients to meet at the Adrift Tongariro base to improve both safety and service as this is outfitted with all equipment and clothing needs for the conditions of the day. Return Transfers Return transfers are an additional service and cost over and above the tour booking and require a minimum of 2 to operate. For full terms and conditions click here. Summer (1 October - 30 April), Winter (1 May - 30 September). Whakapapa Village $35pp. Summer Pick up 7:50am / Return 5:30pm Winter Pick up 6:50am / Return 5:30pm Turangi $125pp Summer Pick up 7:15am / Return 5:45pm Winter Pick up 6:15am / Return 5:45pm Ohakune $125pp Summer Pick up 7:30am / Return 6:00pm Winter N/A Taupo CBD $225pp Summer Pick up 6:20am / Return 6:30pm Winter Pick up 5:20am / Return 6:30pm Gear List Summer Water (1-2 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat. Winter Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat, Warm hat and gloves. Gear Hire Adrift Tongariro has available for hire personal equipment footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks, walking poles and sleeping bags and liners. Fitness and Experience A reasonably good level of fitness is required. If you are concerned about your fitness please let your guide know before commencing the walk, as there are options we can discuss with you. Walking time is about 7 hours including stops. No alpine experience is required. Re-confirmation 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. Terms and Conditions This is a Tongariro Alpine guided tour. We do not guarantee reaching the Ketatahi end. Safety regarding, weather, avalanche, ice and hypothermia are taken into consideration when securing our exact route for the day.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This great one day walk is enhanced by your experienced guide.
Professional, qualified and exclusive guide/s
Private tour
All mountain equipment required (including crampons and ice axes during winter)
Live tour commentary provided in English.
All clothing and footwear hire
Transport between the start & end of the tour and the Adrift Tongariro base (National Park Village)
Beverages, bottled water, or snacks
Private accommodation transfers from Taupo CBD, Turangi & Whakapapa Village available at a surcharge
Lunch
Private Tongariro Crossing Guided Walk: Summer 26 September – 31 March 8:00am - 5.30pm
Private Tongariro Crossing Guided Walk: Winter 1 April – 25 September 7:00am - 5:30pm
30 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
eddiee2016,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fabulous guided tour with Anthony up to Red Crater and Blue lakes and emerald lakes. We were so lucky to have clear views of the crater and the lakes as the weather wasn’t meant to be good. Was a 17k hike there and back and we had a bulbous tour and our guide was so lovely. Highly recommend to use this company. Very efficient and friendly. They made us great packed lunches and provided some snacks after the hike






howard0928,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a fantastic hike. Had a private tour with Cammy. Highly recommend her if you can have her as a guide. A wealth of information and always entertaining!
traceyb316,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an incredible experience for both my husband and myself. We are very fit people but the hike was pretty strenuous especially with all the steps up and down. Our guide for a private tour was Cami and she was amazing and wicked smart! She was the Rose of my experience! Make sure you check the weather conditions before you go. I like this time of year to be in NZ, not too hot or cold. Adrift is the way to go. They have supplies if you need them and lunch is included.
paoraj,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Kerry and Luke were exceptional guides. Kerry invoked the Māori world and Luke had a great knowledge in geology. Although the weather wasn’t optimal the guides did here best to keep us warm and inspired. As a a flashpack tour guide my group were very happy with their experience . Recommended to take the guided walk as opposed to doing it alone! Paora
justine8888,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The scenery was beautiful! The walk was hard work, especially the climb up all the stairs but thoroughly worthwhile . We were advised well on clothing and pace when climbing. However Kenny didn’t even acknowledge my existence for the first 2 hours. I was the slowest and he neither helped nor advised me initially. By the time I caught up (only say 5 minutes each time) he’d already talked about stuff and so I missed all the explanations. Kenny did help me and support me towards the end. In retrospect I would have been better doing it without a guide at my own pace and also then I could have stopped to enjoy the views properly.
Y6318RCcharlotteb,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great local guide, walks the crossing 6 days a week most weeks. Very informative, went at good pace. It is a fascinating walk- to be able to see into some of the craters and the views. Great lunch too including a huge moist filled wrap.
seagulls55,,Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Adrift Tongariro was great, very organized and thorough. Our private guide, Kenny, was terrific! He listened to our expectations, and based on challenging weather and our capabilities suggested we go as far as the far end of the first crater and turn back. A total of 9.2 miles and 1800 ft rise. A bonus was his sharing his Māori culture with us.
SwissRoger,,Nov 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an amazing and rewarding walk. The day started cold with strong winds, and a high windchill factor (i.e. low temperatures) expected at high elevations. Our guides took good care on checking the conditions before giving the go ahead to continue all the way. Kayla was an excellent guide for our small group, imparting her knowledge of the area as well as checking on our well-being throughout.
937maxim,,Aug 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
MUST DO for every hiking enthusiast! Highly recommend the professionalism of Adrift, thanks for everything!! We felt safe every moment of the walk and we very happy to have been able to finish the crossing in Winter!




valenr803,,Jul 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a beautiful day with good weather and great company. I have to thank you both for your work guiding us through such hard walking areas and taking care of us. I strongly recommend Adrift as a good job is reflected in people who love what they do.