We're planning an April trip to New Zealand and are definitely planning on doing the Tongariro hike - we'll be staying in Tongariro two days. We've got Rotorua penciled in for a day/night as well. From what I read, the areas seem geologically similar. If you were spending two days in Tongariro would you spend another in Rotorua - or would it seem like more of the same? Keeping in mind that we only have six days on land in NZ (another six on a sailboat in the gulf).

I was in Rotorua on the 9th and liked the place. It has a nice lake and plenty of things to do. There are hot pools just off the main street and the strong smell of sulphur fills the air just about everywhere. A great place to wind down and relax IMO. As far as dining out goes then I found the choice to be somewhat limited. There was only one (at least I couldn't find any more) decent chinese restaurant where the personnel mostly couldn't speak english but since busloads of people kept coming there then it obviously was the best in town. Of course there are restaurants at major hotels if all else fails. The town is full of tourists and people are very friendly.

I hope this helps a bit.

I am in Rotorua right now, my last day in New Zealand. It's a nice town if you like thermal-related stuff and spas, but it is not nearly as nice as some of the other towns in the South Island or the North Island for that matter. I think Taupo, the town I stayed at to try to walk the Tongariro Crossing, is prettier than Rotorua. Unfortunately, the weather in the North Island can be very fickle and I was unable to do the Crossing (and that was the only reason I went to the North Island in the first place). In fact, it has been raining for the past three weeks and very few people have managed to finish it. It seems a lot of people miss the Crossing due to weather.

With only six days, I would skip Rotorua. My vote would be to head down to the South Island and spend some time around Abel Tasman National Park. It is a much easier walk/tramp and the area gets more sunshine than any other part of NZ. I also think Abel Tasman is one of the prettiest land/sea views I have ever seen (but you need to see it at both high and low tide from a sea kayak).

[This message has been edited by fallinasleep (edited 12-20-2001).]

Thanks for the advice. Doing the crossing was also our reason for going there. Sorry the weather didn't work out for you.

Adding on to a very old thread....

So since we're planning to do this next January (already booked into Chateau Tongariro), any thoughts on whether we should use the tour companies that just arrange transportation to the beginning and end of the crossing, or pay the significant amount extra for the one company that does the guided trip?

Adding on to a very old thread....

So since we're planning to do this next January (already booked into Chateau Tongariro), any thoughts on whether we should use the tour companies that just arrange transportation to the beginning and end of the crossing, or pay the significant amount extra for the one company that does the guided trip?Well this depends what your comfortable doing?

I myself would never do the crossing as a guided trip, but I can see how some less confident people might feel better about that.

Either way just remember to take lots of food!

Adding on to a very old thread....

So since we're planning to do this next January (already booked into Chateau Tongariro), any thoughts on whether we should use the tour companies that just arrange transportation to the beginning and end of the crossing, or pay the significant amount extra for the one company that does the guided trip?

Yeah ... surprised to see this back up there. We just paid for the transportation. You don't need a guide. Assuming the weather is good and the hike is a go, there will be many, many other people on the mountain with you. Out of what had to be hundreds of people the day I was hiking, I didn't see anyone with a guide.

You don't need a guide, however do be prepared for weather deteriorating significantly. It can change very quickly on the mountain at any time - even blowing snow in the middle of summer.

If you're staying at the Chateau send a request through for a room in the Tongariro wing, they are much newer than the Ruapehu wing. Bathrooms have underfloor heating etc.

If you're staying at the Chateau send a request through for a room in the Tongariro wing, they are much newer than the Ruapehu wing. Bathrooms have underfloor heating etc.

Actually, we booked their second best suite which is in the older wing but hopefully has been renovated to a decent level. The best suite is in the new wing but seemed like overkill for two people. The room we booked is called the "McLaren suite" -- anyone have any experience with this?

My SO is seriously looking forward to seeing Mount Doom! :)

Ah, ok - that's a little different then. In the new wing I've stayed in the Premium rooms and Executive Spa suites. I've never stayed in the McClaren Suite but I have been through it as was thinking of staying there next time. It's very nice and spacious; has a big lounge suite from memory and a dining table. Bathroom looks out over towards Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom :) ) and has the same spa bath as the spa suites. Looks like it's worth the money IMHO.

Do we have to book the flight on the giant eagles in advance?

Awww, now I am just getting silly! Thanks a lot for the info.