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 2018 - 2019
The Tongariro Trek Package tours contained within this website are arranged using Bayview Chateau Tongariro acommodation, transport operators and professional guiding companies. The following conditions are incorporated in the
booking of this package.
1. A non-refundable deposit of NZ$300 per person is payable to confirm each booking. In the case of a a solo booking (1-person guided) the non-refundable deposit is NZ$500 for that person. No booking is valid until confirmed
with deposit receipt.
2. Balance of payment is required 40 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. 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 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.)
CANCELLATIONS
(1) A cancellation fee of NZ$250 per person is applicable once a booking has been confirmed. The charge is made to cover
costs incurred. In the case of a a solo booking (one-person guided) the non-refundable deposit is NZ$500 for that person. (2) Plus an additional administration fee of 1-nights component of package will be charged for all cancellations made within 48 hours of arrival. (3)NO refund applies if trek is cancelled once tour has commenced due to weather conditions. 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 may be possible and may incure additional costs. 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 41 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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