Volcano

Super adventure for half a day. Guides drive you up a jungle road in 4 wheel drive vehicles a bit like a roller coaster. One girl in my group threw up her breakfast. After a potty break stop the hard part begins. We were let off to begin the climb to the edge of a cliff ... breathtaking literally and figuratively. The narrow path continues skirting the deep bowl of the volcano. Several kids in my group panicked and turned back unable to bring themselves to brave the climb. I must advise its not easy. The wind was howling and a miss step could easily send you plunging. You've got to have proper hiking shoes and warm clothes, not to mention a daring spirit. The summit is reached after climbing up a rock face a bit like climbing a ladder ... its nearly that steep. What a glorious feeling reaching the summit. The wind and cold and mist made it feel like you were on some National Geographic program. Happy and scared at the same time. The guides were so encouraging and nice. Next the trail begins the decent into the valley of the volcano. The fun part is a steep long decent down a slope where your shoes sink deep into the pebble sized volcanic sand. I was on my butt 6-7 times. My wrists were bleeding a bit from the abrasion. You finally reach the base of the valley. Gather what's left of your energy because you now must climb out. This was most frustrating, for each step up, your footing slid back down a bit.I kept my eyes down and slowly ... real slowly, made my way out. One girl needed some arm pulling from our tour director to make it up and out. What a day to remember. The views were epic and the sense of accomplishment so satisfying!

Went there with Kaitiaki Guided Walk Tour, which is really great experience especially walking down the very steep crater that you wouldn't believe it before you make it

So i did the morning walk and it was amazing, literally the views were spectacular. To be able to walk in a sacred space was an honour. I enjoyed the stories the guide gave which come from Maori culture and that they give a prayer before we do the walk as a sign of respect that we walk around. Highly recommend it.

Impressive views from the top! Quite a hike to get there!

Amazing place with an amazing history. If you ever get the chance to get to the summit take it! Unique and beautiful part of the country.

Wow amazing well worth the hard hike to the top.Advice to wear boots, bring loo roll and hand sanitizer as the loo,s don't have either.A few false summits but don't get disheartened keep going as when you reach the top the views are absolutely amazing.

This is one of my big achievements in life when I completed almost 15km hiking to the Tongario Alpine Crossing. I went there on a raining day. It was challenging at first but rewarding at the end. This was the most epic. Come prepared with food, water and proper clothes. A very beautiful place to visit in the North Island of New Zealand.

PLEASE READThere are comments on this saying that its stupid that its closed from public etc. Everyone should do at least a simple google search before climbing a huge great big mountain! With a single search you'll find the land was closed because local Maori believed it was being used badly and overgrown by pests. The one company that does guided tours are the only ones the Maori groups allowed to use the mountain.The mountain iteslf is spectacular. Beautiful views and a great walk around the craters guided by Kaitiaki. A long scris at the end of the walk takes you deep into the largest crater, where simple geology shows exactly how the mountains are formed.Kaitiaki Adventure guides were great, and allowed plenty of time for photos, questions and general chat. They were extremely knowledgeable with the local tales and events.

Note!! Taking Forestry Road or Crater Road (deadend half way) from the NorWest side of the mountain does not get you to the top. Its marked Private Property - although the drive is beautiful, theres no view as such from either road. 4wd really - although if you know what youre doing a car can make it.

At first I was trying to go there with my converse sneakers but it was a totally mistake lol I definitely enjoyed walking, climbing, and feeling the nature with all my body. It was stunning. Just stunning. I could smell and see some sulfur on the rocks! As soon as the pandemic is over, I’d really like to visit here again! If I die tomorrow, this is absolutely one of the precious places I wanna be taken to...