Adrift is a personal and professional guiding company. We are based in National Park Village on the fringe of the Tongariro National Park and within easy reach of the remote Whanganui National Park. We also have the perfect beach-side base at Whangapoua on the Coromandel Peninsular. Our most popular adventures are: walking trips in the Tongariro National Park, canoeing trips within the Whanganui National Park on the Whanganui River and sea kayaking around Coromandel.

However we not limited to these locations or activities and our services are available for what ever adventures you desire. We cater for local and international individuals, family groups and school groups and have vast experience at working with people of all ages and abilities to ensure your adventure is comfortable, safe and fun.

The Tongariro National Park has dual world heritage status and the Northern Circuit is part of the Department of Conservation ‘Great Walks’ network. The three active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro (1967m), Mt Ngauruhoe (2291m) and Mt Ruapehu (2797m), are majestic and dominate the skyline. Violent eruptions and glaciers long gone, have all left amazing textures, colours and landscapes that can tell many stories if you know how to read them.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Our most popular trip is the 1-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing. In summer this track can be very crowded so we have tailored a special route for our guided clients. We visit the popular sights on the Crossing but then we leave the crowds and head off in another direction to experience a few awesome sites. Another option we offer is Pre-dawn departures. This walk has you on the top of Red Crater watching the sun rise in unique lighting and with the peaceful, still, quiet moments of the dawn. During winter, crampons and ice axes are required. Winter has the luxury of few other walkers and a peaceful snow setting.

The Northern Circuit is a 3-day tramp starting on Mt Ruapehu and encircles Mt Ngauruhoe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, explosion craters, lava flows, Tama Lakes, Taranaki Falls and the Rangipo and Otarere deserts, are explored on this trek. Mt Ngauruhoe last eruption was sporadic between 1973-1975. During this period, a 3,000 tonne block of lava was thrown out of its crater. Since 1839, Ngauruhoe has erupted 61 times with breaks lasting no more than nine years (until 1975), and it is this regular activity that formed the perfect symmetry of its cone shape.

Ruapehu Crater Lake Walk

Mt Ruapehu is the largest of the three volcanoes and it last eruption in 2007. Ruapehu’s crater holds about 10 million cubic metres of water with a layer of liquid sulphur lining the bottom. The lake changes colour from an amazing deep green to pale blue to solid dark grey depending on the craters temperature. Mt Ruapehu has eight small glaciers on its high flanks and they are the only glaciers in the North Island. Ruapehu has three ski-fields, and usually a scenic chair-lift ride starts the walk off into the cool crisp air. The Ruapehu Crater Lake is not a poled or marked track and guides are strongly recommended.

The Whanganui National Park has vast terrain covered in lush forest with the Whanganui River flowing through it. The river from Taumarunui to Pipiriki is part of the Department of Conservation ‘Great Walk’ network. The 3 or 4 day Whakahoro to Pipiriki section is the most popular canoeing section. From Whakahoro, the only access out is by canoe and this remoteness with forest filtered fresh air makes for a rejuvenating holiday. The Whanganui River is rich with Maori and European history and the largest reminder is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Canadian Canoes are used because they are well suited for the rapids, the long still water of the gorges and they hold plenty of gear. Luxuries are a must!
 

The Coromandel Peninsular has long been a quintessential holiday destination. With beautiful blue waters, white sand, rugged volcanic rocks, tropical green forests and easy going locals, it is impossible not to relax. If it wasn’t for our other amazing destinations, we would never leave this place. Sea kayaking trips start at Whangapoua (2 hours from Auckland), and wind their way up to Sandy Bay to the tip of the Peninsular. Of all our trips, this is the most luxurious. With good food, great places to stay, and your choice of so many activities like kayaking and fishing, this is a special trip to experience. This trip was featured on ‘United Travel Getaway’ programme.

Adrift provides exciting and educational adventure activities to small and large school groups. We operate nationwide and enjoy showing off New Zealand to kids and young adults from New Zealand and Australia. Popular trips we provide regularly are;

• 5- day Student Camps
• 2-5 day Canoeing Whanganui River Camps
• 2-3 day Mountain Biking Otago Rail-trail Camps
• 1-5 day Tongariro National Park Camps
• 1-day Outdoor Electives EOTC
• 5-8 day North & South Island Tours
• Ski & Snowboard School Holiday Camps
• Sand & Surf School Holiday Camps

In 1999, at 20,000 feet in the Andes, I decided to radically change my career into something which I have a true passion for – taking people to my favourite wilderness destinations throughout New Zealand. Adrift Outdoor Guided Adventures Ltd was formed and rather than having to fit adventures into weekends on my days off, I am now lucky enough to take groups up mountains, down rivers and everywhere else in-between, everyday.
I have been involved in running my own companies for over 20 years. Sports and outdoor activities have always been a big part of my life and it all started when my parents would take us kids to Whangapoua for the typical kiwi holiday of fishing, surfing and exploring. My three daughters, aged 14-23yrs, have carried on the family tradition of holidays at Coromandel and they have inherited my liking for the outdoors. Their main enjoyment comes from skiing, cycling and of course… fun at the beach!
My current goals are to walk the length of the South Island by backcountry routes only and to celebrate a mile stone of a birthday; I plan to summit Mt Cook. Hopefully some of my friends will come along for the journey … if you’re keen, let me know and let’s get planning.

Thank you for your time,
Stewart Barclay