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Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines 
Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo
Enjoy one of New Zealand's most scenic drives towards World Heritage site Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with beautiful mountains and lakes.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team 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.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts 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.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Volcanic Heartland
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
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.
- Experience Maori culture from tribal meeting grounds to fascinating myths and legends
- Journey to Matamata, home of the hobbits
- Take a helicopter flight to White Island, an active volcano
Tongariro Crossing and Lake Taupo
- Lunar landscapes and emerald lakes on the Tongariro day walk
- Stay at the luxury Huka Lodge and witness the power of the Huka Falls
- Fly fishing, kayaking, cycling and sky diving – all available around Lake Taupo
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.
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Idea
New Zealand
Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive
This 21-day self-drive itinerary offers a fantastic introduction to the great outdoors of New Zealand and covers highlights of both the North and the South Island. Wildlife tours, scenic flights, glacier adventures, overnight cruises and more.
Explore other regions
Nelson and Marlborough
Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations.
Christchurch and Kaikoura
The Canterbury landscape covers the northeastern part of New Zealand’s South Island and ranges from miles of silvery beach to the jagged…
Dunedin and the Catlins
The Otago Peninsula is rich in flora and fauna with diverse wildlife, idyllic fishing villages and rolling green pastures.
South Island West Coast and Glaciers
This strip of the South Island boasts five of New Zealand’s 14 national parks and is a rugged land of wild beaches,…
Queenstown and Wanaka
Today Queenstown and the nearby Fiordland National Park is treasured for its magnificent scenery and adventure opportunities.
Bay of Islands
With a sub-tropical climate, you can enjoy beach and water activities, explore one of the many nature trails, visit the ancient Kauri…
Wellington and Martinborough Wine Regions
A fine harbour city and a centre for culture and the arts it is also home to New Zealand’s Parliament, Victoria University…
Hawkes Bay and Napiers Wineries
New Zealand's leading producer of red wines and has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture.
Auckland and the Coromandel
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most multicultural city and is known as the City of Sails for its fantastic sailing opportunities.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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