A rewarding alpine day hike with a private Adrift Tongariro guide, offering stunning views of the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes, Taranaki Falls, and the volcanic peaks of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. At 17 km return, it’s a fantastic alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk, the track sits in the heart of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site. Highlights include crater lakes, tumbling waterfalls, sweeping tussock, alpine shrublands, and panoramic volcanic vistas. Formed by eruptions around 10,000 years ago, the Tama Lakes sit within ancient craters, with surrounding cliffs showcasing the park’s oldest lava flows.