POS-16 Hiking and

Cycling Tongariro

Traverse Mount Doom

Kia ora and welcome to the youngest country on earth.

New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape draws many visitors to our shores. From fiords to rainforests, ocean beaches to volcanic cones, the relatively untouched landscape is breathtaking, but what makes the visit so special for many is the people they meet.

Maori people believe in the concept of ‘Manaakitanga’ this loosely translates as ‘hospitality’ – a concept that Kiwi people have embraced as part of the New Zealand experience. Kiwis are a friendly bunch and the care, engagement and hospitality we show our guests is based on pride and a genuine belief that this country offers something of everything.

New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s preferred destinations not just because of its dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, extreme adventure, clean air, enticing food and wine, creativity and flair but also because of the ‘can do’ attitude.

Haere Mai. Welcome and enjoy your stay.

Customs and MAF requirements On arrival you will need to complete both customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requirements before you can officially enter New Zealand. MAF is responsible for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, safe food, a protected environment, the wise use of the land and the creation of clean, green product. MAF protect farms and wildlife from imported pests and diseases by minimising the number of foreign pests and diseases entering New Zealand.

You will be required by law to declare any food or organic material you are carrying. It is important not to ignore this as significant fines can be given to those who do.

IMPORTANT: Please use the final itinerary provided in your media pack on arrival in New Zealand. This will include any adjustments and additional contact details crucial to your itinerary

The arrangements shown in this itinerary have been made especially for you with the generous support and co-operation of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Air New Zealand, accommodation and product suppliers as detailed.

Tourism New Zealand will cover the costs of your accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities and meals as outlined in the itinerary. Please pay all minibar, telephone expenses and laundry yourselves, prior to check out from your accommodation.

NOTE: check in for a domestic flight is 40 minutes before departure and requires photo identification. Baggage allowance is 20 kilograms. Excess baggage for film equipment only, will be charged back to Tourism New Zealand with prior arrangements.

Please remember that the operators will be expecting you. Please be punctual and phone ahead should you be running late.

Regional Tourism Operators Contact Details

Visit Ruapehu Contact: Mike Smith Mobile: 0275 088 950 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.VisitRuapehu.com

POST - 3 nights/4 days: Saturday 12 Nov to Tuesday 15 Nov, 2011

Hiking and Cycling Tongariro: Traverse Mount Doom New Zealand is a world-renowned destination for hikers and cyclists. Whether on a long trek in remote wilderness or a leisurely ride through the park, there are plentiful opportunities to get out and enjoy New Zealand’s dramatic scenery and fresh air. Close to a third of the country is protected in parks and reserves and has a special place in that legacy. Established in 1887, Tongariro was a gift from local Maori who offered three volcanoes to the Crown and the people of New Zealand to celebrate the region’s beauty and spiritual heritage. The subsequent National Park, New Zealand’s first, is a land of volcanic vistas and isolated desert landscapes. At its center is the ’s highest peak, Mt. Ruapehu (last eruption: 2007), which served as a filming location for the Mt. Doom scenes in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Itinerary Often described as the best one-day walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes in much of the volcanic scenery of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 17-km (11.5-mile) one-way trek navigates steaming fumaroles, jagged lava flows, the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes—spectacular views abound. We’ll have time for other shorter trails in the shadow of the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu, elevation 2,797 meters (9,180 feet). We’ll also bike the Old Coach Road, the original link between the main trunk railway from north and south, a taste of the island’s railway engineering history. Along with a ride on the Fisher’s Track, the half-day cycling journeys provide a glimpse into New Zealand’s next great adventure, Nga Haerenga, the new national Cycleway that began to open in 2010.

Difficulty Rating: ACTIVE

Story angles: • Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - one of the great classic walks of New Zealand, and other hikes in Tongariro National Park. • Cycling in New Zealand - the Old Coach Road is one leg of the Ruapehu- Trail, a 257-km (160-mile) cycling route that is part of the country’s new Cycleway currently in development. Fisher’s Track is an alternate route linking into the same trail. • Chateau Tongariro - an elegant, grand National Park lodge with excellent volcano views that has served a variety of roles through its history. • Life in an Unstable Land – geology such as volcanic processes and plate tectonics have created a spectacular landscape waiting to be explored. • The fourth national park established anywhere in the world, Tongariro is a dual World Heritage Site and home to forests, lakes, desert plateaus, and three volcanoes. • More than 50 significant bird species are found in the park, including a number of rare endemic species. • New Zealand’s scenic train routes - we’ll access the volcanic plateau aboard the Train from .

Unique photography opportunities: • Volcanic scenery and vivid national park terrain. • The Old Coach Road includes abandoned, 148-foot high Hapuawhenua Viaduct spanning a gorge. • Chateau Tongariro lodge. • Unique Kiwi flora. • Did we mention abundant crater views?

Components requiring some exertion: • Tongariro Crossing is a 19.4 km (12 miles), six- to seven-hour hike. Although most of the trail is not steep, the overall route requires stamina, attaining an elevation of 1,886 meters (6,190 feet) at Red Crater. Tramping through snow and ice is a possibility in November, the start of New Zealand’s summer. • Optional sidetrips on the Tongariro Crossing, if the schedule allows, take fit hikers to the symmetrical summits of Mt. Tongariro, elevation 1,967 meters (6,456 feet) or Mt. Ngauruhoe, 2,291 meters (7,519 feet)—1½ and 2 hours roundtrip, respectively. • Cycling involves gravel paths and some muddy sections. Suited for modest fitness levels, but previous mountain bike experience not necessary (brief steep sections can be walked). The Old Coach Road is 11-km (6.8 miles); the Fishers Track Ride is 17-km (10.5 miles), mostly downhill. • Additional day hikes are under 1 hours in length.

List any special clothing or gear participants must bring:

• Weather conditions at Tongariro are extremely variable—in November participants must be prepared for cold rain as well as blistering sun; patches of snow or ice on the trail possible. • Broken-in hiking shoes, rain gear, layers for cold weather, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, daypack.

Saturday 12 November to Tongariro

0500 Have breakfast and the check out of hotel to meet your transfer to Wellington Train Station in lobby. N.B: It is advisable to pack your riding clothes in a day bag so you can be prepared to begin your cycle on arrival at the national park.

0540 Pick up from InterContinental Hotel

0605 Pick up from Amora Hotel

0625 Pick up from Museum Hotel and transfer to Wellington Train Station

0650 Arrive Wellington Train Station for check in

0725 Train departs from Wellington to National Park (6 hour 20 minute travel time)

Overlander Train Freephone: 0800 872 467 Tel: +64 4 495 0775 Web: www.tranzscenic.co.nz

1230 Lunch at the Station Café, Railway Station (30 minute stop), note this stop is on route to your final destination; you will disembark for lunch, then re board the train for the rest of your journey.

1345 Arrive at National Park and transfer with Kiwi Mountain Bikes to start of Fishers Track.

1400

Fishers Track Ride From National Park Railway Station a gentle 3km climb takes cyclists over the saddle where they then descent 520 m into the Retaruke Valley before ending, at the Oio Road junction.

The track features spectacular view of the volcanic mountains and travels through native bush. In total Fishers Track is 21 km.

As a group we will ride the best section of Fishers Track that is only accessible by foot or bike. This is approximately 10 km long. The shuttle will pick up the group at the end of the trail and deliver everyone to the evening’s accommodation.

Mountain Bike Station offers mountain bikes with front or full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes as well as shuttle services to the start / finish of Ruapehu trails, and friendly, experienced knowledgeable guides.

Contact: Mountain Bike Station Address: 60 Thames Street The Junction, Ohakune Tel: +64 6 385 8797 Web: www.mountainbikestation.co.nz

1600 Transfer to the Chateau Tongariro to check in (45 minute travel time)

1900 Dinner at the Chateau Tongariro

Stay Chateau Tongariro – Whakapapa Village

Contact: Tony Abbott – Hotel Manager Address: State Highway 48, Whakapapa Village Tel: 0800 242 832 +64 7 892 3809 Email: [email protected] Web: www.chateau.co.nz

Sunday 13 November Tongariro

0700 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out.

0800 Transport to the start of the Tongariro Crossing.

Guided Trek - Tongariro Crossing (all day) The Tongariro Alpine Crossing starts at the Mangatepopo Valley (1100 metres; 3610 feet), and the first 2 hours of the trek is an upward gentle gradient to Soda Springs. To avoid the crowds, we take you off track and up to the saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. This section has a steep gradient and is taken slowly to ensure we all enjoy the spectacle and scenery. We have now arrived at the South Crater (1650 metres; 5415 feet). Here we take a break and photos. We then traverse up the side of Tongariro to the famous Red Crater summit (1882 metres; 6177 feet). This takes approximately 1 hour. After taking in the view of the active Red Crater with the Otarere and Rangipo deserts in the background, we descend to the Emerald Lakes for lunch, refreshments and a well-earned break. From here we divert up and over Mt Tongariro to its summit (1967 metres; 6456 feet). The summit has a great photo opportunity of the Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu peaks. Once you are at the top of a mountain, the only way off it is downhill and because the main throng of walkers have already passed through, we diverge off the main track and cross Tongariro between the summit and the North Crater with sunset views as we finish both the day and the trek of Mt Ngauruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Hauhungatahi in the foreground, and Mt Taranaki 150 kms (93 miles) away.

• Total walking time is 7-8 hours • Commence walking at 8.30am. Finish walking at 4.30pm approx. • Approximately 1 hour of scheduled stops and photo opportunities • A medium to high level of fitness is required • Shuttle included • Exact routing for the Tongariro Crossing will be based on weather forecast.

Tramping boots, wet weather gear and trekking gear is available for hire

Provider/Host: Stewart Barclay Address: Adrift Outdoors 3 Waimarino-Tokaanu Rd Intersection Highways 4 and 47 National Park Village Tel: 07 8922751 Web: www.adriftnz.co.nz

1900 Dinner at The Park Travellers Lodger

Stay The Park Travellers Lodge – National Park Village

Contact: Jason Cameron Address: Cnr State Highway 4 & Millar St National Park Village Tel: 0800 800 491 +64 7 8922 748 Email: [email protected] Web: www.the-park.co.nz

Monday 14 November Tongariro National Park/Ohakune

0730 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation

0830 Depart your accommodation with TCB Ski, Board and Bike to transfer to Horopito (20 minute travel time)

0900

Morning Start ride at Horopoti,. Cycle 11kms (mostly downhill) to Ohakune stopping to learn about the history of Old Coach Road along the way (commentary by Mike Smith, Visit Ruapehu Managet).

On this day enjoy cycle trails forming part of the Mountains to the Sea cycle-way. This is part of the New Zealand Government’s cycle-way projects of which there are 18 nationwide. Two are in the Ruapehu area.

The Old Coach Road (access from Horopito or Ohakune)

The road formed an integral link between the two rail heads between 1906 and 1908, allowing through journeys by horse and coach before the rail was completed. The Hapuawhenua Viaduct was one of the final components in completing the rail, and is now linked into this walk through a new section of track.

The track is 11 km long and comprises of gritted track, some grassed tracks and timber over the Hapuawhenua Viaduct. It is a modulating track with some initial climbs in the early part of the track, very achievable for modest fitness levels, and thereafter is very comfortable flat riding.

TCB Ski Board and Bike have a variety of bikes available but mainly GT 21 speed mountain bikes with wide seats for comfort, shock front forks for the rougher terrain and disc brakes for downhill descents, the bikes are serviced and cleaned after every hire and helmets spare tyre, repair kit and pump are provided with each hire, sizes from small to large.

NB: total of 2 hours riding time

Contact: Ben Wiggins Address: 29 Ayr Street, Ohakune Tel: +64 6 385 8433 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tcbskiandboard.co.nz

1100 Arrive Ohakune. Lunch at the Powderkeg.

Address: Mountain Road Ohakune

Tel: +64 6 385 8888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.powderhorn.co.nz/pla_con_foodbeverage.aspx

1230 Transfer to Whakapapa Village (45 minute travel time)

1345 Arrive Whakapapa Village. Visit the Department of Conservation’s state-of-the-art Visitors Centre in Whakapapa Village and a guided interpretive walk through a restored forest alongside the Chateau Tongariro Hotel featuring the extremely rare yellow mistletoe.

Trips will include Silica Falls and/or Taranaki Falls (approximately 40 minutes)

1600 Transfer to The Park Travellers Lodge. Free time until dinner. (10 minute travel time)

1900 Dinner at the Station Café and Restaurant

Contact: Carleen Furner Address: Cnr Findlay and Station Roads National Park Tel: +64 7 892 2881 Web: www.thestationcafe.co.nz

Stay

The Park Travellers Lodge – National Park Village

Contact: Jason Cameron Address: Cnr State Highway 4 & Millar St National Park Village Tel: 0800 800 491 +64 7 8922 748 Email: [email protected] Web: www.the-park.co.nz

Tuesday 15 November Tongariro to Auckland

0730 Breakfast at accommodation.

0800 Pick up and transfer for your Scenic Flight with Mountain Air (5 minute travel time)

Mountain Air

Experience the breathtaking views of New Zealand’s oldest National Park and World Heritage Site with a scenic flight over the dramatic landscape of the area. See into the live craters of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, and view the spectacular lakes on the mountains, the Emerald Lakes, the Blue Lake and the Tama Lakes.

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK SCENIC FLIGHTS Address: Box 710 28, Whakapapa Village Mt Ruapehu 3951. Tel: 07 892 2812 Fax: 07 892 2703 Email: [email protected].

1130 Return to accommodation to check out

1200 Depart by road for Auckland (Five hour drive)

1230 Stop for lunch Lauren’s Lavender Farm

Lauren's Lavender Farm is located 15kms outside of on the historical 'Forgotten World Highway' and adjacent to the majestic . The Cafe is a converted old farm house surrounded be lavender fields, farmland and bush and features an array of local art pieces.

Address: River Raod RD1 Taumarunui Tel: +64 7 896 8705 Web: www.laurenslavender.co.nz

1730 Arrive in Auckland in time to catch flight

We hope you enjoyed your stay in Aotearoa New Zealand

Ka kite ano! See you again!

Thursday, September 22