Each track is rated according to difficulty, but even walks graded "easy" will probably involve climbing ridges and passes.Children under 10 do best on tracks with plenty of benches provided for rest and, as you suggest, where the next hut is only four or five hours away. Guides can be arranged by contacting Outdoor Experiences New Zealand (00 64 7 333 7099) or Plateau Outdoor Guides (00 64 7 892 2740).Tongariro National Park is set around a series of spectacular volcanoes on the North Island. Peaks include the active Mount Ruapehu (2,797m) and the smaller Mount Ngauruhoe (also active) and Mount Tongariro. The park is criss-crossed with hikes that take from 20 minutes to a few days. But it's tougher-going than some of the country's other famous walking areas, and some tour operators don't recommend the longer walks for children.If you are experienced hikers and can take your time, you might manage the most popular and scenic walk, the Tongariro Crossing, but be warned that it is graded "medium" and goes up to a height of 2,000m. It is part of one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Adults need Great Walks passes for huts and campsites (about £4 from the Visitors' Centre at Whakapapa Village). Accommodation in huts is on a first-come, first-served basis, so even with a ticket you are not guaranteed a place and may have to kip on the floor. Otherwise, for easier walking in the Tongariro area, base yourselves in Whakapapa Village, from where you can set out on a number of shorter, more suitable routes. These include the two- to three-hour Silica Rapids Walk, a two-hour hike to the Taranaki Falls, and the two-hour beech forest Whakapapanui Walk. Excellent tracks also begin off the Mountain Road at Ohakune.
From here, you could undertake the five-hour Old Blyth Track or a similar-length walk to Lake Surprise. All walks are well mapped and further advice is given at the Department of Conservation's website at www.doc.govt.nz; and at the Tourism New Zealand site, www.purenz .The best air fares offered by Bridge The World (020 7734 7447; www.b-t-w.co.uk) over the peak Christmas season are with Malaysia Airlines from Heathrow or Manchester for £1,093 per adult, and £741 per child. Bridge the World also sells a five-day Tongariro Northern Circuit guided walk for £358 per person, including four nights' accommodation and some meals.Tailor-Made Travel (01386 712005; www.tailor-made.co.uk) wouldn't recommend walking in Tongariro with young children, but would suggest the easier Abel Tasman Walk at the top of South Island This passes through coastal forests and sandy beaches. The price, including flights, a guide, food, accommodation, bedding, towels and luggage transfers, is £6,530 for two adults and three children over Christmas. Q My mother-in-law needs to use a wheelchair. She can walk short distances and bathe unaided, but is not very mobile However, she dreams of travelling. Any suggestions?Julieta Rubin, LondonA.A number of travel agents specialise in disability travel all over the world, many of which are run by disabled travellers themselves.
