NEW ZEALAND TREKKING

Tongariro Trek Information

GENERAL INFORMATION
Tongariro National Park is centred on three active volcanos: Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. On top of Ruapehu is a crater Iake which regularly passes through warming cycles, some of which result in small eruptions of ash and steam. The Iast major eruption occurred on Ruapehu in 1996. The park is easily reached from any of the North Island major cities, by car or train. For travellers arriving by train, transport can be arranged to pick you up.

HISTORY

Tongariro National Park is a special place, especially to Maori. Both the Ngati Tuwharetoa and Upper Whanganui peoples have ancestral ties to what we now call Tongariro National Park. The largest area of the park belonged to Tuwharetoa, whose claim extended back to explorations by Ngatoro-i-rangi, high priest from the great Te Arawa canoe.

Mountains have immense significance to Maori and the three volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe are sacred to Tuwharetoa. As the sale and development of land increased, the Tuwharetoa paramount chief of the time, Horonuku Te Heu Heu Tukino IV, became concerned for the future of his ancestral lands. Showing great foresight and enormous generosity, he gifted the three mountain peaks to the Crown in 1887, so they could be preserved for all New Zealanders. Te Heu Heu's original gift comprised 2640 hectares and formed the nucleus of New Zealand's first National Park. Today, the park covers more than 80,000 hectares and has been accorded dual World Heritage status for its outstanding natural and cultural values.

FLORA AND FAUNA
The park's flora and fauna are very unusual. Overlooked by peaks thet are usually snow-capped, vast tussock and desertscapes abound, interspersed with remnants of ancient beech forests. It's extraordinary terrain. (Comparisons with a rock lunar Iandscape are truly appropriate.) On the higher slopes, the harsh climate and altitude make it difficult for vegetation to grow. In these areas, animals and birds are not plentiful. But it is very different in lower areas - covered in beautiful native trees, such as rimu, miro and matai and, at around 1000 metres, beech.

THE BAYVIEW CHATEAU TONGARIRO
Since opening in 1929, the Bayview Chateau Tongariro (formerly known as The Grand Chateau) has become a New Zealand landmark; and is registered with the Historic Places Trust.

It's widely referred to as the "Grand Old Lady of the Mountain" and is renowned for its classic elegance. As one of the finest first-class hotels in the country, the Bayview Chateau Tongariro prides itself on exceptionally high standards. Its premium facilities include a gymnasium, saunas, heated plunge pool, two bars and two restaurants, including the renowned Ruapehu Room.

The Bayview Chateau Tongariro is especially equipped for conferences and there's a challenging nine-hole golf course with stunning views, and two all -weather tennis courts.

Conditions of Booking and Payment

The Tongariro Trek Package 2007 - 2008

The Tongariro Trek Package tours contained within this website are arranged with the Bayview Chateau Tongariro and in conjunction with transport operators and professional guiding companies. The following conditions are incorporated in the booking of this package.

1. A non-refundable deposit of NZ$250 per person is payable to confirm each booking. No booking is valid until confirmed with deposit receipt.

2. Balance of payment is required 30 days prior to date of travel.

3. The operators reserve the right to alter, amend or cancel any tour, should weather or any other condition demand this.

4. Guided treking over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not allowed. We accept no responsibility for any walkers walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. We (NZAS) will arrange shuttle transport for you to get to the Tongariro Crossing through a local transport provider.

5. The Tongariro Trek operators finalise all tour arrangements upon the express condition that they will not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may occur either by reason of weather or defect in any vehicle, chairlift or through the acts of defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying passengers in or carrying out the arrangements of the tour package.

PACKAGE PRICES
The package holiday quotes on this website and/or brochure are based on set schedules and departure dates. They cannot be amended, modified or taken in part thereof.

Prices are shown in New Zealand dollars and include New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST.) Current at the time of printing.

CANCELLATIONS
A cancellation fee of NZ$250 per person is applicable once a booking has been confirmed. The charge is made to cover costs incurred. Any bookings cancelled within commencement of the trek holiday package will be subject to additional charges owning to accommodation / transport cancellation fees.

AMENDMENTS
Amendment or modification of the confirmed package is not possible. Transferring the booking of the entire package from one departure date to another is possible without incurring a cancellation fee providing the transfer is made no less than 31 days prior to the commencement of the original travel date.

REFUNDS
Bookings cancelled, amended or altered after travel has commenced do not qualify for any refund whatsoever in respect of any unused portion of the holiday nor can any components of the holiday be substituted for alternative arrangements. Refunds would only be considered in extenuating circumstances. All treks and walks are subject to weather conditions no refund given if cancelled.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you purchase a Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy at the time of booking. For information on our Inbound Travel Insurance click here

CONSUMER CLAIMS
If you are unhappy about any aspect of the holiday please inform NZAS immediately, we will do everything possible to resolve the problem on the spot (subject to terms and conditions of the booking); as it may prove difficult to take any effective action on your return.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Tongariro Trek operators reserve the right to amend, vary or cancel any itinerary, programme, facility or service for any reason whatsoever, decisions of safety or weather being the main considerations. The operators reserve the right in their absolute discretion to utilise, operators, vehicles, or transportation other than those names in these itineraries. The operators do not accept liability, in contract, for any damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience, caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or other events beyond their control, or not preventable by reasonable diligence on their part, including, but limited to, war, civil disturbance, fire, floods, atypical weather conditions, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities, accidents of, or failure of, machinery or equipment or industrial action. Baggage and personal effects are at the passenger's own risk throughout the package holiday and it is the responsibility of the passenger to effect insurance, if desired.

The entire arrangement for this holiday package as specified in the itineraries represents a complete package of arrangements and an itemisation of costs will not be tendered.

Bookings are accepted only on these conditions as outlined. Payment of a deposit is deemed to be an acknowledgement of the above terms and conditions.

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NEW ZEALAND TREKKING

Tongariro Trek Information