Day 1 - Thursday
|
Today we fly to Auckland. Those flying from Melbourne will be joined by Shane and Richelle, and those coming from other states will meet the group at Auckland. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll pick up the people mover (I hope you brought your muscles!!), and drive 4hrs to Lake Taupo.
After arriving at Lake Taupo, we will settle into our house for the next 3 nights. The house while not luxurious, will be super comfortable, with plenty of room for everyone. Depending on numbers, you will probably be sharing with one or 2 other people of the same sex. Depending on availability of houses in Taupo, we will try to get one with a hot tub for soaking those tired muscles! |
Day 2 - Friday
|
Today we set off early for the 45 min drive to the start of the Tongariro Crossing, in the Tongariro National Park.
Runners and hikers will begin the 25-30km crossing from the Mangatepopo carpark, with an optional summit of the 2300m Mt Ngauruhoe volcano on the way over. The car will be waiting for you at the other end at the Ketetahi Car Park – make sure you bring your camera!! Today will include a make your own continental breakfast and lunch, and a delicious home cooked dinner. |
Day 3 - Saturday
|
It’s back to the Tongariro National Park again today!
Today runners will summit the largest mountain in the area, Mt Raupehu at 2800m. It may be the middle of summer, but theres a good chance of some snow on top! This is around 30kms out and back. Hikers will also do something fun in this area today! There is a chairlift that will take us partway up the mountain, and we can use our legs from there! Today will include a make your own continental breakfast and lunch, and a delicious home cooked dinner. |
Day 4 - Sunday
|
Today is a very well earned day of rest! Wander around town, rent some kayaks for some lake exploring, go jet boating, zorbing, bungy jumping, sky diving, or do some more soaking in the hot tub, its up to you!
We will jump in the car after lunch and drive back to Auckland for the 2nd leg of the trip, and settle into our super comfy house on the coast, near the Hillary Trail, just northwest of Auckland. Today will include a make your own continental breakfast, and a delicious home cooked dinner. |
Day 5 - Monday
|
We will set off very (very) early today for the big one, the Hillary Trail, just north west of Auckland. Runners get to experience 75km, with 3,300m of ascent. Of course most of our guests only do 20-40kms today, it’s fully supported, so you can pull the pin whenever you need to.
There’s an excellent guide for runners at http://www.lacticturkey.co.nz/HillaryTrailHonoursBoard.htm if you want to do some research, and get an idea of the trail. Hikers will primarily play support crew today, with a few smaller side expeditions to be had between crewing duties. Theres some amazing views too! Today will include a make your own continental breakfast and lunch |
Day 6 - Tuesday
|
Sadly today is the final day – time to head home. Depending on the time of our flights, there may be time to play on an extra section of the Hillary Trail for the last time before the flight.
Today will include a make your own continental breakfast. |
Important Information
We think that’s important to be straight up with you. We are a young organisation just starting up. As you can see on our website, we have already run several successful NZ trips, however please keep this in mind when booking. Our biggest priority is your experience, and due to the nature of the trails, the weather and the group abilities, plans can change. Due to the small size of the group, its our intention to be flexible enough to cater for these scenarios. We also pride ourselves on taking all the stress out of organising an overseas trip, from flights, through to transport, comfy accommodation and some great home-cooked meals.
Please also be aware that this is not a guided trip. We will not be your guides, instead we will show you some of what we think are the best trails on the North Island of NZ. In saying that, the group will stay together, and no one will be left behind. You are expected to be self sufficient in terms of food and water on the trails, as well as carrying your own basic first aid kit, and extreme weather gear (it is mountains afterall!)
We can’t wait for March, we would love you to join us!!!
Richelle and Shane – The Ultra Life
Travel Insurance (mandatory)
We kindly ask everyone that they obtain their own travel insurance for this trip. It may only be New Zealand, but its still a very expensive return home if you were to break a nail!
In all seriousness, it takes about 5mins to purchase, and will cost you $35-$60 – a very small price to pay. We always use 1Cover Travel Insurance, and think they are great, heres their website if you want to check them out - 1Cover.
In all seriousness, it takes about 5mins to purchase, and will cost you $35-$60 – a very small price to pay. We always use 1Cover Travel Insurance, and think they are great, heres their website if you want to check them out - 1Cover.
What to Bring
Much like Melbourne, you should expect the whole gamut of seasons in NZ. Particularly as we are heading to the mountains (most of which are higher than any in Australia), please make sure you come with the right clothes for all conditions.
We can't pack your bag for you, but we suggest that you pack as if you were running in the Victorian Alps on a bad day. This includes a running/hiking pack big enough to carry a day's worth of nutrition, and at least 2 litres of water. Trail runners or hiking boots are highly recommended, as these trails will trash less robust shoes. Whilst you will be running in shorts/tights/tshirt, you will also need to carry a thermal layer, and a waterproof rain jacket. Although we have not scheduled any night runs, pop the headlamp into your luggage just in case you decide on doing some nocturnal exploring. We also suggest bringing a Buff, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
Be aware there are strict customs conditions regarding bringing food in, pre-packaged is fine, but no fruit, nut mix, raw meat etc. Supermarkets there have everything you will need, so don’t worry we can stock up.
Also in terms of customs, they are pedantic about dirty running shoes. So please make sure yours are clean before boarding the plane.
We can't pack your bag for you, but we suggest that you pack as if you were running in the Victorian Alps on a bad day. This includes a running/hiking pack big enough to carry a day's worth of nutrition, and at least 2 litres of water. Trail runners or hiking boots are highly recommended, as these trails will trash less robust shoes. Whilst you will be running in shorts/tights/tshirt, you will also need to carry a thermal layer, and a waterproof rain jacket. Although we have not scheduled any night runs, pop the headlamp into your luggage just in case you decide on doing some nocturnal exploring. We also suggest bringing a Buff, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
Be aware there are strict customs conditions regarding bringing food in, pre-packaged is fine, but no fruit, nut mix, raw meat etc. Supermarkets there have everything you will need, so don’t worry we can stock up.
Also in terms of customs, they are pedantic about dirty running shoes. So please make sure yours are clean before boarding the plane.
Trip Inclusions
Your payment includes the following:
- Flights from Melbourne to Auckland (flights from other Australian cities available, please contact us to discuss)
- 5 nights twin/triple share accommodation
- Transport in NZ (including fuel)
- 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 lunches and some snacks. Some food allergies catered for, please let us know when booking.
- Flights from Melbourne to Auckland (flights from other Australian cities available, please contact us to discuss)
- 5 nights twin/triple share accommodation
- Transport in NZ (including fuel)
- 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 lunches and some snacks. Some food allergies catered for, please let us know when booking.
Cost
Total trip cost: $1,895 per person (from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane – please contact us for other cities)
Payment terms:
Deposit due 17 November 2015: $895
Balance due 17 January 2016: $1,000
Monthly Payment Plans are also available, please contact us for details
Your deposit is non-refundable, as it will be used to purchase international flights and secure houses (note: if you are unable to attend the trip, you may have the option to take the flight at a different time, depending on the individual airline rules). Balance will only be refunded if we are able to fill your spot on the trip.
Payment method:
Contact us for payment details
Payment terms:
Deposit due 17 November 2015: $895
Balance due 17 January 2016: $1,000
Monthly Payment Plans are also available, please contact us for details
Your deposit is non-refundable, as it will be used to purchase international flights and secure houses (note: if you are unable to attend the trip, you may have the option to take the flight at a different time, depending on the individual airline rules). Balance will only be refunded if we are able to fill your spot on the trip.
Payment method:
Contact us for payment details
Group Size
Our intention is to keep your experience personal, so we restrict our group size to 7 guests.