GRAND CHATEAU AND WAIRAKEI including 'NORTHERN EXPLORER" HOSTED tour. - 4 days/3 nights
Depart Auckland mondays 21 June, September 20, November 22
Departs Auckland Strand railway station 7.45am (Papakura 8.40, and Hamilton 10.15am) minimum 2 passengers required.
Day 1. Monday. Auckland - Grand Chateau. (High Tea and dinner included).
7.45am. Depart Auckland Strand Rail station aboard the "Northern Explorer" train for the scenic journey along the banks of the Waikato River, through rural dairy farmland, small communities, and the more rugged Volcanic Plateau including the engineering marvel of the Raurimu Spiral up which the train must climb.
1.15pm. Arrive National Park station and transfer by shuttle to the Grand Chateau just 20 minutes drive away. Check in and enjoy High Tea in the lounge. This evening dinner is included in the Ruapehu restaurant
Day 2. Tuesday GRAND CHATEAU (BD)
Shuttle to the Top of the Bruce ski base for your 1.8 km Sky Waka ride to the Knoll Ridge cafe 2,020 metres above sea level for magnificent views in fine weather. Also take a hike for panoramic views over Mt Doom and Mordor.
This afternoon is free for alpine or bush walk, take a scenic flight over the central North Island volcanoes (highly recommended), try golf or tennis, or just relax. In summer enjoy any of the many alpine walks, All afternoon activities extra expense.
Day 3. Wednesday. GRAND CHATEAU - WAIRAKEI around the mountains. (BD)
Enjoy a full day included tour around the mountains including Ohakune, Gollums pool, Waiouru Army Museum , Desert Road, Trout Hatchery, Turangi, and along the shores of Lake Taupo to Taupo town and our accommodation at Wairakei Resort. Dinner at the hotel and relax in the hot pools tonight..
Day 4. Thursday. WAIRAKEI - AUCKLAND (B)
Free time to relax at your resort, golf or play tennis, or enjoy an exciting jet boat ride or bungy jump on the Waikato River before returning to Auckland late afternoon. Optional stops can be made at Rotorua and/or Hobbiton en route - all admissions extra expense.
Tour cost per person
2 per room $1,590 3 per room $1,500 Single room $1,890
Tour cost includes:
** Home pickup and return Albany to Papakura
** Travel on the "Northern Explorer" from Auckland to National Park and transfer to the Grand Chateau.
** 2 nights accommodation and buffet breakfast at the Grand Chateau and 1 night at Wairakei.
** Skywaka Ride, Waiouru Army Museum, Trout Hatchery,
Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the 'must do' world walks. Magnificent mountain scenery in the presence of two active volcanoes, Mt Tongariro, and Mt Ngaruhoe (aka Mt Doom) in the Tongariro National Park. Experience Mountain Springs, a glacial valley, old lava flows, active craters, steam vents, emerald coloured lakes, and alpine plant life all included.
We strongly recommend taking a guided hike to enjoy the best experience in safety. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains and your guide will have the latest information as well as introduce the mountain flora, fauna, and scenery to you. Cost $195. Pickup at the Grand Chateau is about 7am and return about 4pm. Mountain equipment is included. Track length is 19.4 kms starting at 1100 metres above sea level. Highest point is 1886 metres. A reasonable level of fitness is required. A minimum of 2 nights at the Chateau is required.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
To really appreciate the spectacular beauty of the mountains and Lake Taupo we strongly recommend a scenic flight from the Chateau airfield (transfers from the Chateau provided)
15 minute flight - Tongariro Crossing. $125
25 minute flight - Northern Circuit. $205
35 minute flight - Volcanic Explorer. $255
The volcanic Explorer flight covers all three volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park - Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu, and Mt Ngaruhoe - including alpine lakes, Lake Taupo, Red Crater, route of the Tongariro Alpine crossing from the comfort of your aircraft, and scenes from Lord of the Rings. Mt Taranaki can be seen in fine weather.
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