Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
The centre of New Zealand’s North Island is also the heart of the countries volcanic activity. At its most active some 2,000 years ago, the region is now a great spot to witness bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers and huge lakes.
Rotorua is a steaming, hissing landscape complete with exploding geysers along with a strong Maori history whose presence dates to their exploration of the area in the 14th century.
Lake Taupo was the result of the most violent volcanic eruption the world has seen in the past 5,000 years – the ash affected the sunsets as far away as Europe and China. This area is now a hub for some fantastic walking, fishing, boating and many other outdoor pursuits.
Rotorua is a steaming, hissing landscape complete with exploding geysers along with a strong Maori history whose presence dates to their exploration of the area in the 14th century.
Lake Taupo was the result of the most violent volcanic eruption the world has seen in the past 5000 years – the ash affected the sunsets as far away as Europe and China. This area is now a hub for some fantastic walking, fishing, boating and many other outdoor pursuits.
When is the best time to walk the Tongariro Crossing?
This one day walk can be done year-round although the most popular time to do it is between November and April, during the summer months. Tackled during the winter months between July and September the scenery can be spectacular although much of the track is covered in snow and ice so a mountain guide is recommended.
The weather at any time of the year can be unpredictable and this can, of course, affect visibility and views. During peak season around 1,000 people can embark on the hike each day so pre-booking is advisable.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
After my degree in Fine Art I didn’t really know what career I wanted or what path I would take. The only thing I knew is that having spent a summer in America it had given me the desire to explore and see as many places as possible before becoming a grown up and entering the real world.
My first journey for Steppes was in 1999 when I set off to explore Thailand to gather those little details that constitute Steppes Travel’s trademark knowledge. I have since been lucky enough to travel extensively in Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East and India. A few special memories include being joined at dinner by an otter in Laos, proudly being shown an illicit picture of the Dalai Lama in Tibet and diving with manta rays on Christmas day in Indonesia. I’m pretty sure I always leave a country wishing I had done more, seen more, learned more ….. but I also always hope to return …
Enjoy one of New Zealand's most scenic drives towards World Heritage site Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with beautiful mountains and lakes.
Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations.
The Canterbury landscape covers the northeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island and ranges from miles of silvery beach to the jagged…
The Otago Peninsula is rich in flora and fauna with diverse wildlife, idyllic fishing villages and rolling green pastures.
This strip of the South Island boasts five of New Zealand’s 14 national parks and is a rugged land of wild beaches,…
Today Queenstown and the nearby Fiordland National Park is treasured for its magnificent scenery and adventure opportunities.
With a sub-tropical climate, you can enjoy beach and water activities, explore one of the many nature trails, visit the ancient Kauri…
A fine harbour city and a centre for culture and the arts it is also home to New Zealand’s Parliament, Victoria University…
New Zealand's leading producer of red wines and has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city and is known as the City of Sails for its fantastic sailing opportunities.
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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