Other guided tours

Te Kohu Outback Adventures provides other guided tours on DOC conformed tracks throughout the Tongariro National Park and surrounding area for those who may not have the time to embark on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or guided hunting tours but would still like to gain insight into Maori culture through the eyes of locals on the following tracks:

• Rotopounamu Track, Tongariro National park.

  Discover Pihanga Crater Lake – 5 km Loop Walk

  • Duration & Distance: 2-hour, 5 km return loop through stunning native forest.

  • Scenic Highlights: Wander around a serene crater lake, with peaceful views from Five Minute Beach and Long Beach—perfect for photos or a picnic.

  • Track Experience: Gentle uphill sections, short gravel paths, and easy-to-follow trails winding through lush forest.

  • Nature & Wildlife: Spot tributary streams, native flora, and enjoy the tranquility of a mostly hidden outflow.

  • Amenities: Picnic-friendly Long Beach with toilets and plenty of rest spots along the way.

  • Ideal For: Casual walkers, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful nature escape.

  Walk. Explore. Unwind.

• Tama lakes track, Tongariro National Park.

  • Distance & Duration: 17.6 km return, 5–6 hours — a full-day adventure for active explorers.

  • Alpine Forests: Begin beneath native alpine beech, breathing in fresh mountain air and the earthy scent of moss and leaf litter.

  • Diverse Landscapes: Transition from lush forest to tussock and manuka fields, showcasing hardy alpine vegetation.

  • Volcanic Legacy: Trace ancient lava flows and dark volcanic rock formations, remnants of a fiery past.

  • Crystal-clear Waterways: Meander alongside pristine alpine streams, nourished by snowmelt and filtered mountain rain.

  • Crater Lakes: Reach serene blue crater lakes formed by powerful volcanic eruptions — perfect for reflection and photography.

  • Panoramic Finale: Conclude at Tama Saddle with sweeping views of Lower Tama Lake, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Ruapehu.

  • Guided Insight: Learn about the dynamic geological and ecological forces shaping this unique alpine environment.

• Te Porere Redoubt track, Rotoaira Forest. 5km return, 1.5-2 hour trail.

  • Embark on a fascinating journey through New Zealand’s rich cultural and historical past.

  • Enjoy a short, easy walk through beautiful native bush.

  • Explore the earthworks of a Māori pā built by the legendary leader Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki in the late 19th century.

  • Discover the Lower Redoubt and Upper Redoubt, strategic defensive positions from the New Zealand Wars.

  • Learn from informative panels detailing the events and ingenious Māori fortification design.

  • Take in stunning views of Mount Ngāuruhoe and Mount Ruapehu in the heart of Tongariro National Park.

  • Experience a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, perfect for visitors of all ages.

• Waitonga Falls track, Tongariro National Park. -

  • Short but Spectacular: 7 km return, 3-hour trail perfect for a half-day adventure.

  • Waterfall Finale: Marvel at Waitonga Falls, the park’s highest waterfall, plunging 39 m over ancient volcanic rock.

  • Lush Forest Walk: Wander through cool mountain beech forest alive with native bird calls.

  • Safe & Scenic: Well-constructed boardwalks, bridges, and steps guide you through wetlands and streams.

  • Alpine Beauty: Open alpine landscapes feature sparkling tarns reflecting Mount Ruapehu — a photographer’s dream.

  • World Heritage & Culture: Explore Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage Site with deep cultural significance to Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

  • Sacred Peaks: Experience awe-inspiring views of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngāuruhoe — mountains rich with Māori history and meaning.

  • Engaging Adventure: Short, manageable scrambling near the falls adds thrill without overexertion.

  • Reconnect with Nature: Listen to cascading water, feel the forest, and immerse yourself in this living volcanic landscape.

• Mount Urchin track, Kaimanawa forest. - 6.6km return, 3-4 hour trail.

  • Immerse Yourself in Native Forests: Wander through lush beech forests dotted with towering tōtara, rimu, and southern rātā.

  • Birdlife Abounds: Spot tūī, korimako (bellbird), and pīwakawaka (fantail) in their natural habitats.

  • Transition to Alpine Beauty: Experience the gradual shift from verdant forests to resilient subalpine shrublands.

  • Scenic Summit Views: Reach Urchin Trig (1,391 m) and enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Taupō and Tongariro’s volcanic peaks.

  • Nature’s Resilience on Display: Witness diverse ecosystems thriving across rocky slopes and wind-swept alpine terrain.

  • A Journey Through Aotearoa’s Landscapes: Combine adventure with an appreciation of New Zealand’s ecological richness.

• Mount Tauhara Track, Lake Taupo. - 5km return, 2.5 - 3 hour trail.

  Explore a 65,000-Year-Old Dormant Volcano

  • Trek from open pastures into lush native forest alive with birdsong.

  • Discover Māori legends and the mountain’s cultural significance.

  Duration

  • Approx. 20 minutes for the steady climb to the summit trig at 1,088m.

  • Extend your adventure to the rocky outcrop for breathtaking sunset views.

  Length

  • Short but rewarding trail, perfect for most fitness levels.

  Highlights

  • Panoramic vistas over Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park.

  • Expert local guides share stories, ecology, and Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

  • Spot native flora and fauna along the trail.

  What to Bring

  • Sturdy footwear, water, snacks, and warm layers—summit conditions can be cool and windy.

*prices may vary depending on the track you would like. please use the “contact us” link with any queries you have.