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Tongariro Half-Day Guided Walk to Soda Springs

The first, easiest stretch of the Tongariro Crossing, out among the volcanoes to a mountain spring.

A half-day guided walk on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, out among the volcanoes to the Soda Springs waterfall. 10 to 12km on easy gradients, with track transport and winter gear included. Good for most ages and fitness levels.

📍 New Zealand ⏱ 4 Hours 🔥 Chill

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$279 AUD

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Booked with Wanderlust, an Australian travel business based in Byron Bay (ABN 34 636 612 523). We handle your booking ourselves, before and after you travel.

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Overview

Not everyone has a full day or the legs for the full Tongariro Crossing. This half day starts on the same track and walks you out among the volcanoes to Soda Springs, where cold springs off Mt Ngauruhoe feed a small waterfall and a patch of yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves.

The walk is 10 to 12km, about three and a half hours including stops, on easy gradients with no steep climbs or descents. You stop at Soda Springs for morning tea and can fill your bottle straight from the spring. If you're feeling strong when you get there, and have lunch and enough water, you can upgrade to the full crossing on the spot by paying the difference.

Tours start and finish at the base on Carroll Street in National Park Village, running 8am to 12:30pm in summer and 7am to 12:30pm in winter, when crampons, an ice axe and a helmet are supplied. Children under 12 need the operator's approval first.

Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    Guided walk on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track

  2. 2

    Soda Springs waterfall and alpine flowers

  3. 3

    10 to 12km on easy gradients

  4. 4

    Option to upgrade to the full crossing on the day

  5. 5

    Winter gear and clothing hire allowance included

What's included

✓ What's included

  • Guide
  • Transport between the track and the base in National Park Village
  • Winter equipment (crampons, ice axe and helmet when needed)
  • Clothing and footwear hire allowance

✕ Not included

  • ✕Lunch
  • ✕Transfers from your accommodation (an optional extra)

Common questions about this trip

  • How hard is it?
    Easy. It needs a low level of fitness, with no steep inclines or declines, at about 3km an hour.

  • Can I do the full crossing instead once I'm out there?
    Yes, if you have the fitness, lunch and enough water. You pay the difference between the half and full day.

  • Can kids come?
    Yes, but children aged 12 and under need the operator's approval before booking.

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    Cancellation terms for this trip are set by the operator and confirmed on your booking voucher. Refunds mirror the operator's policy, if they can refund, so can we. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf. Message us for the exact day-by-day terms before you book.

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