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Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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The Tongariro Alpine Crossing (17km, 6–8 hours) is the most popular hiking trail in the park and many people describe it as the world’s best one day hike. It starts with a climb up to the saddle between the summits of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro and passes breathtaking scenery and then travels downhill to the finish line at Ketetahi car park.

There are several side trips that you can take; these include climbing to the summits of both Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro and a short hike to Soda Springs.

You can walk this trail in either direction but most people start in the Mangatepopo Valley as this route involves less climbing. Much of the hike is over steep volcanic rock and it is recommended that you only undertake this trek if you’re reasonably fit.

Most people complete the Crossing in one day, but there are two huts and campsites on the track so you may want to make it a two-day hike if you plan on tackling some of the side trips. Some people spend the first night at Mangatepopo hut so they can get an early start the following morning and beat the crowds that arrive by bus between 7.30am and 8.30am. It is possible to combine part of the Northern Circuit with the Tongariro Crossing, which enables you to start the walk from Whakapapa Village – this option involves hiking between Whakapapa and Mangatepopo Hut and adds an extra 8.5km (3–5 hours) to the hike.

Transport to the Crossing

Several companies operate shuttle buses for hikers tackling the Crossing.

Tongariro Crossing Shuttles operate a shuttle bus service between National Park Village and the Tongariro Crossing trailhead. Shuttle buses depart National Park Village at 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am and 10.30am with return shuttles departing at 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm and 6pm. The return trip costs $40.

Alpine Hotbus operate a daily shuttle bus from Taupo and Turangi for hikers tackling the Tongariro Crossing. It departs Taupo at 5.40am with an additional 5.15am service during summer (Nov–Apr) and Turangi at 6.35am with an additional 6.10am service during summer (Nov–Apr). The return fare is $57 from Taupo and $45 from Turangi.

Four-hour parking restrictions are in place from late October to April and the car park at the trailheads is notorious for theft so even if you have your own car it is advisable to take one of the shuttle buses.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

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The Department of Conservation (DOC) classifies the Tongariro Northern Circuit (50km, 3–4 days) as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It takes in the more spectacular parts of the Tongariro Crossing, including the saddle between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. Most people start and finish the Northern Circuit at Whakapapa Village, but some people start at Mangatepopo as this ties in nicely with many of the shuttle bus operators who drop off here for hikers doing the Tongariro Crossing.

The Northern Circuit is broken into four main sections, each ending at a hut making it possible to spend four days on the Circuit.

If you’re starting at Whakapapa, the first section goes from Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut (8.5km, 3–5 hours) where it meets up with the Tongariro Crossing. You get a nice view of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro but this stretch can get muddy after wet weather.

The next section goes between Mangatepopo Hut and Oturere Hut (11km, 5½ hours). The stretch between Mangatepopo Hut and Emerald Lake follows the same route as the Tongariro Crossing along the saddle between the two mountains. It is possible to make side trips from here to the summit of both Mount Ngauruhoe (3 hours return) and Mount Tongariro (2 hours return). At Emerald Lake the track splits between the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Northern Circuit, which descends into the Oturere Valley with views of the valley and the Rangipo Desert.

The section between Oturere Hut and Waihohonu Hut (8.5km, 3 hours) is a fairly easy day that passes several streams and open fields of volcanic gravel.

The home stretch from Waihohonu Hut back to Whakapapa Village (15½km, 5½ hours) follows the Waihohonu Stream before climbing the often windswept Tama Saddle. The track passes the lovely Taranaki Falls about an hour before it ends back at Whakapapa Village.

Tryphena Wharf

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Sealink ferries sail from Wynyard Wharf in Auckland to Tryphena on Great Barrier Island. The four-hour-long trip costs $84 one-way or $105–152 return (the more expensive fares are during peak periods such as summer and public holiday weekends).

Tryphena Wharf is the most conveniently-located spot to arrive on the island, but it is still around a one-hour walk from the general store, pub and most accommodation in Tryphena.

Tube It cave tubing

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This cave tubing trip is run by CaveWorld. It consists of a leisurely float through Te Anaroa (the Long Cave) in an inner-tube. This cave boasts brilliant glow-worm displays, the longest cave tubing (black water rafting) stream in Waitomo and you get to jump off a waterfall.

Ulva Island

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This island in Paterson Inlet is free of rats, making it a haven for bird life including 70 species found nowhere else on earth.

Ulva Island is a popular day trip and it can be reached either by kayak, water taxi or by a tour. Aihe Eco Charters & Water Taxi and Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi can take you to the island, although the Ulva Island ferry is usually a little cheaper. Both the water taxis and the Ulva Island ferry depart from the Golden Bay Wharf.

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience and Ulva’s Guided Walks operate day tours to Ulva Island.

Volcanic Activity Centre

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The Volcanic Activity Centre in Turangi is a small science museum that has exhibits explaining the geothermal and volcanic activity in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The centre boasts an earthquake simulator, a live model geyser and an interactive tornado machine.

The centre is located adjacent to Turangi’s i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a geothermal reserve, 30km south of Rotorua (on the road to Taupo), that is home to an impressive array of thermal wonders including volcanic craters and bubbling mud pools. Highlights include the huge Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10.15am. There is a good choice of walking trails through the geothermal area.

There is a good choice of walking trails through the geothermal area and it is worth allowing around three hours for your visit so you can do several of the walks.

Waikato Museum

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Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is Hamilton’s main museum. The museum has a large collection of exhibits with a focus on local history and Māori culture. Highlights include a 200-year-old kaka taua (Māori war canoe), an interesting exhibit about Māori astronomy and an exhibit about men from the Waikato region who served in the First World War.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

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Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley was created on 10 June 1886 by the eruption of Mount Tarawera, making it a relative baby compared with other thermal areas. It features Echo Crater, the world’s largest hot water spring, and Inferno Crater, the world’s largest geyser-like feature.

The park has several walkways and you can also take a boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana.

Waimarie

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The Waimarie Centre consists of the restored 100 year-old steam-powered paddle steamer Waimarie and a small museum. Waimarie plied the waters of the Whanganui River between 1899 and 1949 and she capsized and sank in 1952. In 1993 Waimarie was salvaged and after a seven-year restoration programme she was re-launched in 2000. Waimarie now runs regular cruises 13km upriver to the small settlement of Upokongoro.


Waipu bus and coach stop

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InterCity Coachlines stop in Waipu en route between Auckland and Kerikeri and ManaBus stop here on their Auckland–Paihia service. This gives Waipu direct coach services to Auckland, Kerikeri, Paihia, Warkworth and Whangarei.

Bus and coach services stop outside the monument on The Centre with northbound services stopping outside 50 The Centre and southbound services stopping outside 61 The Centre.

Waipu Museum

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This interesting museum makes a big deal about the town’s Scottish heritage with displays explaining about the migration of Scottish Highlanders who moved from Nova Scotia to New Zealand where they established Waipu. There is a genealogy centre on site where you can dive into your family’s history.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

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The Waitangi Treaty Grounds were the scene of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The site features an elaborate traditional carved Maori meeting house, the Treaty House and a canoe house that features Ngatokimatawhaorua – one of the largest ceremonial war canoes in the world with a hull carved from two huge kauri trees.


Waitomo Glowworm Cave

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The Waitomo Glowworm Cave is the main cave in the Waitomo Caves complex. It was first opened to tourists in 1889 and is the most touristy and least adventurous option and for many years was the only way to visit the caves.

Admission is by a 45-minute tour that culminates in a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Cameras are not allowed on this tour.

Walks from Mount Cook Village

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There is a good selection of short walking tracks departing from Mount Cook Village.

The most popular hike is the Hooker Valley Walk (4 hours return), which passes Mueller Lake and crosses two swing bridges while following the Hooker River to Hooker Lake at the foot of Hooker Glacier.

Other short walks from the village include Red Tarns Walk (2 hours return), which has a steep climb to a point that affords breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding alpine country. Kea Point Walk (2 hours return) leaves from the DOC Visitor Centre and climbs to a viewpoint looking over Mueller Lake, the Hooker Valley, Mount Sefton and Aoraki/Mount Cook. The more challenging Sealy Tarns Track (3–4 hours return) branches off from the Kea Point Walk and climbs past abundant wildflowers to offer a stunning view of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Walks in the Tasman Valley

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There are several hiking trails in the Tasman Valley, about an 8km drive from Mount Cook Village.

These include the short Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View Walk (40 minutes), which offers views of the Blue Lakes and lower Tasman Glacier. An alternate route goes to Tasman Glacier Lake (50–60 minutes), which freezes over in winter and has icebergs floating in it during summer.

The longer Ball Shelter Hut Route (3–4 hours each way) follows the old Ball Hut Road alongside the massive Tasman Glacier. People used to stay in the hut overnight and walk back the following day, but this is no longer possible and you now need to complete the return trip on the same day.

Wellington Botanic Garden

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Wellington Botanic Garden is a peaceful place to kick back and relax. It consists of 25ha (62 acres) of parkland on the hillside between Thornton and Kelburn just a short cable car ride from the heart of the city.

The garden features the Begonia House (which contains both tropical and temperate plants), a duck pond and at night you can even see glowworms in the main garden area.

Wellington InterCity coach stop

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Wellington is the terminus for InterCity coach services to Auckland, Gisborne, Napier, New Plymouth, Tauranga and Wanganui/Whanganui and there are direct coach services to destinations throughout the North Island including Auckland, Gisborne, Hamilton, Hastings, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga and Wanganui/Whanganui.

The Wellington InterCity coach stop is adjacent to platform 9 at Wellington railway station, which means that you have access to all station facilities while waiting for your coach including a good (but relatively expensive) New World supermarket.

Wellington Interislander ferry terminal

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The Interislander ferry sails from the Wellington Interislander ferry terminal at Aotea Quay, which is just north of the Westpac Trust Stadium.

There are usually five daily ferry sailings with journey across the Cook Strait taking 3–3½ hours.

A free shuttle bus departs from outside platform nine at the train station 50 minutes before each departure.

Wellington International Airport (WLG)

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Wellington International Airport (WLG) is a great airport to fly from – it’s only 6km from the city centre, it’s newly renovated and it is small enough to make checking in a breeze. It is New Zealand’s third-busiest airport, after Auckland and Christchurch, and has flights to most destinations in New Zealand plus international flights to Australia, Fiji and Singapore.

Air Chathams fly to the Chatham Islands; Air New Zealand fly to Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Hamilton, Invercargill, Melbourne, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Rotorua, Sydney, Tauranga and Timaru; Fiji Airways fly to Nadi; Golden Bay Air fly to Karamea and Takaka; Jetstar fly to Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gold Coast, Nelson and Queenstown; Qantas fly to Melbourne and Sydney; Singapore Airlines fly to Melbourne and Singapore; Sounds Air fly to Blenheim, Nelson, Picton, Taupo and Westport and Virgin Australia fly to Brisbane.

Many backpackers fly to the South Island from Wellington as an alternative to taking the ferry. There are a couple of options including Air Zealand flights to Blenheim or Nelson and Sounds Air flights from Wellington to Blenheim, Nelson or Picton.

For a small airport, Wellington International Airport has a good choice of places to eat and drink while waiting for your flight, although the best spot (assuming you don’t have access to the business class lounges) is the upstairs seating above Mojo Coffee. Not many people spot the stairs to the left of the coffee bar that lead to an oasis of calm in an otherwise busy airport terminal.

Bus route 91 (the Airport Flyer) runs between the airport and Wellington city centre every 20 minutes. This is a semi-express service that is more expensive that other Wellington bus routes with a $9 one-way fare between the airport and the city centre. A cheaper option ($5) involves taking bus 11 (or night bus N2) to the corner of Broadway and Hobart Street, around an eight-minute walk from the airport terminal.

Wellington Museum

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The Wellington Museum (formerly the Museum of Wellington City and Sea) is an excellent introduction to New Zealand’s capital.

The museum is housed in the 1892 Bond Store building, which was designed by the leading architect of the day, Frederick de Jersey Clere and contains fours floors of exhibits about the city. There are exhibits on the city’s social and cultural history including interactive exhibits and three audio-visual areas showing short films about Wellington.

The museum’s exhibits cover themes such as Wellington’s maritime history and the 1968 sinking of the Wahine ferry in Wellington Harbour and the A Millennium Ago exhibit, which depicts Māori creation stories.

The Attic gallery on the museum’s top floor has an eclectic collection displayed in a quirky steampunk-style with King Dick the lion (one of Wellington Zoo’s first stuffed animals) juxtapositioned alongside a display of Wellington-themed items relating to lions, and there is also a display about UFO sightings and a time machine, Ngā Hau, which blends cinema and performance art.

Wellington railway station

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Wellington railway station has trains to Auckland, Masterton and Palmerston North and it is also the terminus for Wellington’s suburban rail network.

Long-distance trains using this station include the Capital Connection, Northern Explorer and Wairarapa Connection. The Northern Explorer has three services a week to Auckland with stops in Paraparaumu, Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park, Otorohanga and Hamilton. The Capital Connection is a daily service to Palmerston North and the Wairarapa Connection operates five services a day to Masterton (six on Fridays, but only two services on Saturday and Sundays).

Suburban services are much more frequent with trains on most lines running every half hour. The most popular services for most visitors to Wellington is the Kapiti line for destinations on the Kapiti Coast including Plimmerton, Paekakariki and Paraparaumu.

Station facilities include a relatively expensive New World supermarket. Local buses stop at the bus station on Lambton Quay at the western edge of the station and long-distance InterCity coaches stop outside platform 9. ManaBus coaches to Auckland stop on Bunny Street across the road from the park at the front of the station.

In 2009 Wellington railway station was used as a location for filming an advertisement for The Trainline.

Wellington railway station is located on Bunny Street at the northeastern edge of the city centre. The closest backpackers hostel is Hotel Waterloo & Backpackers.

Wellington Zoo

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Wellington Zoo was established in 1906, making it New Zealand’s oldest zoo. The zoo was originally opened because the prime minister at the time needed a place to keep his lion (named King Dick).

It has a large range of African, Asian and native wildlife. Some of the zoo’s more popular residents include baboons, chimpanzees, meerkats, Sumatran tigers, red pandas and tamarins.

The Nest Te Kohanga is a space where you can see the zoo’s veterinary team caring for wildlife and zoo animals. Every day at 11.15am one of the vets give a talk and you can ask them any meerkat or morepork health related questions you’re dying to have answered.

Every day there is a programme of talks by zoo staff, admission to these is included in the zoo admission charge and include talks about chimpanzees, giraffes, kea, kiwi, lions, penguins, red pandas, sun bears and tigers.

For something more involved than a talk, the zoo features a programme of Close Encounter experiences that involve a 30-minute encounter with a specific animal where zoo staff will answer any questions and in many cases you also have the opportunity to pat (and in some cases hold) the animal. Obviously the level of interaction will depend on how dangerous the animals are, for instance you may be able to have a lemur or red panda sit in your lap for a unique photo opportunity, but don’t expect to get as intimate with a lion. The Close Encounter programme is available for cheetahs, lions, giraffes, lemurs, meerkats and red pandas. It is an intimate experience with only 2–4 people in each Close Encounter experience. The Close Encounter programme costs $99–150 (depending on which animal you have chosen), but the cost does include zoo entry. It is essential to book these online through the Wellington Zoo website.

Wellington Zoo is located in the Town Belt in Newtown, around 3.5km south of the city centre.

West Coast Wildlife Centre

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The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef is home to two of the rarest kiwi species: the Okarito (or rowi) and Haast tokoeka (a sub-species of the southern brown kiwi). You can see these endangered birds in a nocturnal walk-through area in the centre and it is also possible to buy the Backstage Kiwi Pass ticket combo that lets you go behind the scenes to learn about the kiwi breeding programme.

There is also a tuatara backstage tour and the centre also features an exhibit about the glaciers

This is an all-weather indoor attraction that is a great option when the weather isn’t suitable for helicopter flights and glacier hikes.

Weta Cave & Weta Workshops studio tour

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The Weta Cave is the main hub for visitors to the Weta Workshops complex. This is where studio tours depart from, but it is also worth coming here if you don’t plan on taking a tour.

Weta Workshops is the film production, special effects and prop company based in suburban Miramar. Weta have worked on a number of films and television series including Avatar, Blade Runner 2049, The Last Samurai, King Kong, Tin Tin, Thunderbirds are Go, Van Helsing, Xena: Warrior Princess and of course, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

The Weta Cave has a small museum that showcases props from films that Weta Workshops have worked on including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and there is also a small cinema that shows a behind-the-scenes documentary. There are plenty of photo opportunities here and it is a great day out for fans.

Of course, the Weta Cave is just there to whet your appetite for Weta Workshops’ studio tour combo, which includes two 45-minute tours: the Weta Cave Workshop tour and the Miniatures Stage Tour.

The main Weta Cave Workshop tour lets you see thousands of artefacts, costumes and props and you are also able to see people at work in the workshop. On the tour you are able to handle props and costumes for some unique photo opportunities.

There is also a second tour in the combo that focuses on Weta Workshops’ recent work on Thunderbirds are Go television series. The Miniatures Stage Tour lets you see the miniatures created by Weta Workshops along with concept art and original storyboards and go on the Thunderbirds are Go set.

There is also a premium There And Back Again tour, but that is really just the same as the regular tour combo, but with return bus transfers from the city centre. It’s really not worth paying the extra $40 for the bus transfer when you can take a regular city bus for less than a quarter the price.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

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Whakarewarewa Thermal Village combines a geothermal reserve with an authentic Maori village.

Thermal features include boiling mud pools, silica terraces, a steaming hot lake and the Pohutu and Prince of Wales geysers. At the village, you can see demonstrations of Maori craftspeople at work and twice daily cultural performances.