2 Hour Pre Sunset Guided Group Walk

One of Tongariro National Park’s best short walks, the easy 2 hour loop to Taranaki Falls is jam-packed with fascinating natural sights and excellent mountain views. A superb way to experience the Tongariro National Park and enjoy this stunning time of day.

Enjoy a glass of New Zealand wine while you take in the sights of the Taranaki Falls tumbling 20 metres over the edge of a large lava flow, which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. Your guide will talk about the area with their local knowledge of geology, volcanology and New Zealand cultural history.

This walk is a terrific option for tour groups and individuals short on time or looking to maximize a travel day to or from Tongariro National Park. The 2-hour sunset walk can be moved forward to a 2-hour day walk. This option is only available for groups on application.

Emerald Lakes in Winter
Tongariro in Winter
Mt Ngauruhoe
Blue Lake

Tour Times

Summer 1 December – 28 February

Meet at Whakapapa Information Centre: 5:45pm
Return: 8:15pm

Autumn 1 March – 31 May

Meet at Whakapapa Information Centre: 2.5 hours prior to sunset, time to be advised in accordance with the sunset time.
Return: On or just before sunset.

Winter 1 June – 31 August

Meet at Whakapapa Information Centre: 2:30pm
Return: 5:00pm

Spring 1 September – 30 November

Meet at Whakapapa Information Centre: 2.5 hours prior to sunset, time to be advised in accordance with the sunset time.
Return: On or just before sunset.

Tour starts and finishes at the Whakapapa Information Centre.

Tour times in Autumn and Spring vary daily and will be advised in accordance with the changing sunset times.

Our preferred route is the Taranaki Falls loop track. This starts in the Whakapapa Village and we ask clients to meet us at the Whakapapa Information Center. If you are unable to get to the Whakapapa Information Center then we can make arrangements to meet at the Adrift Tongariro base

Included

  • Guide/s
  • Transport. Return transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the activity if needed.
  • A glass of New Zealand wine
  • $40 clothing and footwear hire allowance. See the Fitness and Gear Requirements tab below for recommended gear and gear available to hire from Adrift Tongariro.

Not Included

Meals are not included in this tour.

Accommodation Transfers

Accommodation transfers are not available with this tour.

Fitness Requirements

A low level of fitness is required. There are some steps on this walk, 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 2 hours including stops and a stop at Taranaki Falls. The walk is 6 kms and our walking pace is about 3 kms per hour which is easily achievable for just about everyone. This walk is suitable for children however for children 0 – 12 years please call Adrift Tongariro for approval. No alpine experience is required. See Terms and Conditions.

Gear Requirements

  • Water (1.5-2 litres)
  • Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc)
  • Outdoor shoes with grip
  • Walking trousers
  • 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers)
  • Waterproof raincoat

Gear Hire

Adrift Tongariro has available for hire personal equipment, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need.

Pricing

  • Boots: $20
  • Clothing items: $10 each (thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops)
  • Clothing accessories: $5 each (socks, gloves, warm hats, sun hats and sunglasses)
  • Day backpacks: $10 each
  • Walking poles: $5 each

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. See Terms and Conditions.

2 Hour Pre Sunset

PREMIUM

Guided Group Walk

$ 175 per person

REFUNDS AVAILABLE*

Reschedule for up to 12 months

*Subject to Terms and Conditions

Additional boot and clothing hire
Included to the value of $40

Transport
Between the start and end of the walk and the Adrift Tongariro base if needed

Accommodation transfers
Not available with this tour

A glass of New Zealand wine included

What to expect on the day

Call to reconfirm the day before your tour and to organise any clothing and gear you may require. It can be surprisingly cold at this time of evening. Meet the team at the entrance to the Whakapapa Information Centre. Clients can park their vehicle in the car park across from the Whakapapa Information Centre at no cost. When you arrive, our guides will check everyone in, go over the trip conditions and assess and provide the additional clothing and gear if needed. Once we meet you, you are under our guidance so you can then relax and enjoy the journey with Adrift.

We will then walk to the start of the walk, and at the end of the tour we will return to the Whakapapa Information Centre. Once you arrive back at our base you then return in your vehicle back to your accommodation.

Whakapapa Information Centre
Whakapapa Village
State Highway 48,
Mount Ruapehu 3951

Adrift Tongariro Base
53 Carroll Street
National Park 3948

Track information

Total distance: 6km (3.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 143m (469 feet)
Walking time: 2 hours
Track conditions: Track is well formed. Surfaces vary between boardwalks, stairs, dirt or gravel.

The track is in two parts – an upper and lower – which form a loop with the falls around the halfway mark. Walk for approximately 50 minutes on the lower track through tussock, alpine shrublands, beech forest and over the Wairere Stream to the Taranaki Falls. Take in the sights while enjoying a glass of New Zealand wine.

From the falls, the track climbs through forest, tussock, manuka and crosses old lava flows and eroded gullies. We take 45 mins to return, arriving back at the start to watch the sunset lighting up a majestic alpine setting. Summer tours finish in the hours just before sunset, outside summer the tour finishes on or just before sunset (see tour times below).

Sacred Mountains
The alpine lakes and peaks of the mountains are sacred to the local Māori tribe Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. Respectfully, they ask that peaks are not climbed and waterways are not to be touched. Additionally we like to show our respect by ensuring we leave no trace, and even helping the environment by retrieving wrappers from those who have gone before us.

More Guided Tours from Adrift

Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau
Guided Walk

Looking for a challenge? Join us for lunch on top of the North Islands highest volcano. As you climb above the clouds you’ll see sweeping views of Tongariro National Park.

Half Day Tongariro Alpine
Guided Walk

Ideal if time is limited or you are unable to spend the whole day walking the Tongariro Crossing. Start on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track and walk amongst the volcanoes up to the Soda Springs.

Whanganui River 3 Day Guided Canoe Tour

Paddle through the scenic middle reaches of the Whanganui Journey. Pass through deep gorges, native forest, Tamatea’s Cave and hopefully hear a Kiwi calling, while eating dinner under the stars.