Northern Explorer & The Tongariro Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” and we’re teaming it up with the iconic Northern Explorer rail journey to give you a memorable short break.

The Tongariro Crossing is a journey across a remarkable volcanic environment situated in the Tongariro National Park. The 19km trek leads up to the saddle between Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro across a landscape of different coloured and shaped craters created during different times in history, past volcanic rocks, mountain springs and emerald coloured lakes. Take in the vast array of colours and textures created from mineral deposits released from within the Earth’s Crust. On your guided walk you will experience all the popular sights while steering away from any crowds.

This 4 day short break also allows enough free time to explore the Tongariro National Park. It also allows you to have a day up your sleeve in case of adverse weather conditions. There are an abundance of shorter walks that you can complete within an hour, or consider these longer walks instead of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing:

Silica Rapids

2.5 hours return to the creamy-white terraces found among moutain beech forest

Maungatepopo Valley to Soda Springs

This is the first section of the crossing and a good alternative to the day-long hike. 3 hours return.

Taranaki Falls

A two hour return trek. The spectacular falls tumble 20 metres over the edge of a 15,000 year old lava flow.

We can also help organise a private shuttle tour of the area, or you might prefer to use your free time to rest after your Tongariro Crossing adventure, maybe book in a High Tea at the famous Chateau Tongariro!

If the Tongariro Alpine Crossing seems a little daunting we can swap it out with a half day walk or a private guided walk. LOCO Journeys can tailor-make your holiday – just let us know!

LOCO Journeys can tailor-make this tour to a journey that delivers you to your desired destinations, your time, budget and the train timetable.

Fully Flexible Tour

Northern Explorer & Tongariro Crossing Highlights

• Northern Explorer Return Journey to National Park
• Reserved Seating
• Panoramic Windows
• Licensed Cafe for snacks, hot drinks and meals
• Terrific audio commentary telling the stories of what you can see
• Air Conditioning and heating for those cooler days
• Enjoy the open-air viewing carriage for that photo opportunity
• Accommodation at the Skotel Alpine Resort
• Tongariro Crossing Guided Walk including lunch and transfers to/from accommodation.
• Return Trip on the SkyWaka Gondola

Northern Explorer Scenic Class Experience

In Scenic Class you’ll experience spacious reclined seats with generous amounts of legroom and comfort, panoramic windows, glass shelves and skylights. And to heighten your comfort, state-of-the-art airbag suspension has been used to guarantee a smooth ride across our rugged New Zealand terrain.

While onboard, you might like a stroll to the Northern Explorer Scenic Cafe carriage where you’ll find a great selection of hot and cold snacks, drinks and ice creams. Indulge in a freshly brewed specialty tea or barista coffee married with a sumptuous cake? Or perhaps toast your special journey with a bottle of bubbles or craft beer?

The Open-air Viewing Carriage is also great place to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors while on the move. Capture the magical views on camera and let your short break begin!

Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter

In the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. If you are experienced in hiking with crampons and ice axe and in alpine terrain, you can trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during these months. Without alpine experience, a guided trip is essential.

Your Tongariro Accommodation

The Skotel Alpine Resort is a terrific mountain lodge nestled into the hillside on the edge of Whakapapa Village in the heart of the Tongariro National Park. The interior panel-wood finishing gives a warm alpine lodge feel far removed away from hectic city life.

After your Tongariro Crossing, you’ll enjoy returning to the Skotel and being able to relax in front of the fire or rest your weary feet in the spa.

The Skotel offers beautiful views, including sunrises and sunsets and on a clear night, the starlit night sky. 

For a detailed itinerary, accommodation, the Northern Explorer timetable, departure days, and Northern Explorer fare conditions, please see below.

Click here for alternate North Island tours.