The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you through some of the most unique landscapes you can find in New Zealand. The trail might be busy, but it’s for good reason!

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Quick Overview

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 20.2km point-to-point day hike traversing the Tongariro National Park in the Waikato Region of New Zealand. The hike typically takes 6-8 hours depending on fitness levels, and how many photos you stop to take of the epic moonscape.

Read more: New Zealand Great Walks – The Ultimate Guide

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Facts

Distance: 20.2km
Duration: 6-8 Hours
Elevation gain: 900m
Nearest town: Taupō

About the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

It’s known as one of the best day walks in the world, and for good reason. Spending about three-quarters of the day above the bushline elevation, the views are truly breathtaking. With three staggering volcanoes at your feet, vibrant blue and green sulphuric lakes to ogle, and landscapes like no other, you’ll truly be at a loss for words.

Read more: New Zealand’s Tongariro Northern Circuit Feels Like Another Planet

Tongariro Alpine Crossing History

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park, created in 1887, and the first place in the world to be inscribed as a Dual World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With vast cultural and natural significance, there’s lots to be learned and appreciated here.

According to Maōri legend, Chief Ngatoroirangi ascended Mt Ngauruhoe from the area of the Tongariro Crossing around 30 generations ago, to lay claim to the lands before him, and establish the homeland for his tribe; Ngāti Tūwharetoa.

Tongariro gets its name from the legend of Ngatoroirangi’s ascent, where he nearly perished from the frigid southern winds near the summit of the mountains; Tonga (south) & riro (seized) combine to translate to ‘Seized by the Southern Wind’.

Being an active volcanic area, there’s always a risk of volcanic activity. In 2012 Te Māri erupted twice in the space of four months, causing damage to the old Ketatahi Hut and parts of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track itself.

The area is closely monitored through Geonet, and volcanic risk levels are constantly updated. Be sure to check the Geonet website before your walk for the latest up to date information.

How to Get to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Being a point-to-point day hike, you’ll need a little bit of logistical organisation when it comes to undertaking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Both ends of the track have a four-hour parking restriction, so you’ll need to organise your spot on a shuttle bus well ahead of time.

There are two options when it comes to the shuttles; you can either shuttle both ways from National Park, or drive to the Ketetahi end of the hike, and get a one way shuttle. But bear in mind, this option adds an extra kilometre onto your walk at the end of the day!

 

Skill Level

Intermediate – Advanced

The Tongariro Crossing is a long day walk with significant sections of track that are loose, unstable rock underfoot. Though route-finding experience isn’t necessary, when the weather is poor the visibility can make the marked route difficult to follow in parts.

There’s also steep elevation and the area can become dangerous in adverse weather.

Read more: The Ultimate Hiking Safety Guide

Where to Stay to Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

My personal favorite base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the National Park Backpackers, with an indoor climbing wall, large communal kitchen, and rooms with views out to Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe – not to mention the local pub is only a two minute walk away. The location is convenient, and one of the shuttle pickups is right outside.

If you want somewhere with a bit more privacy, The Park Hotel is a great stay as well. Spa pools and a diverse menu in the hotel restaurant makes for the perfect post-hike indulgence.

A bit further afield, but worth a stop if you’re heading south on an extended road trip, is the small ski town of Ohakune, plenty of choices for food, but the chocolate eclairs are world renowned!

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Essential Gear

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

What It’s Like to Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Mangatepopo Valley to South Crater

After being dropped off bright and early by your shuttle driver, a last minute gear check, and views of the big hills ahead of you, the excitement builds as you head through the trailhead shelter and onto the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The first hour of your day is a nice easy warm up through the glacially carved Managatepopo Valley, with plenty of boardwalk, some rocky sections, and an intimidating view of Ngauruhoe looming above you.

Before long, you’ll reach the dauntingly named ‘Devil’s Staircase’. For the next 45 minutes, it’s a head down, one foot after the other plod up, up, and further up! But as you continue higher, the views just get better and better. On a perfectly clear day, you may be able to see Maunga Taranaki sitting out on the western horizon.

Before you know it, the Devil’s Staircase comes to an end and flattens out as you’re given a quick spot of reprieve over South Cirque.

South Cirque to Red Crater

Walking out onto the moonscape that is South Cirque, you get both a chance to rest your legs with a kilometre that’s dead flat, and to admire the unique landscape you’ve found yourself in. South Cirque sits between the volcanic peaks of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe at an elevation of 1659m.

 

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Hike the Greatest Day Walk in the World, Photo by Dylan Arthur, New Zealand, North Island, volcano, steam

 

Now you’d expect that after the Devil’s Staircase, the worst of the climbing would be over. However, Tongariro has a wee surprise in store for you. The ridge to Red Crater is steeper, more narrow, and less formed than what you’ve been heading up thus far.

Loose rocks underfoot make sturdy hiking boots essential for this section of the track. You’ll keep heading up the ridge to the highest point of the track at 1868m.

The views from the summit of Red Crater really have to be seen to be believed – volcanic moonscapes, vibrant sulphuric lakes, and incredible mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. Just be prepared for the temperature to drop once you stop moving and for the wind to pick up on the summit!

Red Crater to Blue Lake

Unfortunately, your time admiring the views at the summit has to come to an end at some point, and you still have a good 12km left of hiking ahead of you. The next section is often the most treacherous, so be prepared to take it easy. Loose volcanic scree covers the ridge down from Red Crater to the Emerald Lakes and makes it easy to take a tumble.

 

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Hike the Greatest Day Walk in the World, Photo by Dylan Arthur, New Zealand, North Island, volcano, lakes

 

Hiking poles can certainly come in handy, but if you don’t have them, the best technique is to walk by digging in your heels and keeping a wide stance. Before you know it, you’ll have descended to the jewels in Tongariro’s crown; the Emerald Lakes.

These lakes are considered very sacred to the local Iwi, so please don’t touch the water! The Emerald Lakes mark the midpoint time-wise of your hike, so stop and have some lunch and a break. You might even spot the resident (slightly misplaced) seagull!

After a quick lunch, it’s time to head on towards the sacred Blue Lake. Don’t forget to look behind you as you climb the last rocky uphill of the day, as you’ll get the most incredible view of Red Crater, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu all in a line.

This is a great spot to stop and take some photos, and admire the mountain that not long ago you were on top of!

Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Hike the Greatest Day Walk in the World, Photo by Dylan Arthur, New Zealand, North Island, volcano

Blue Lake to Ketetahi Road End

Once you reach Blue Lake you’ve done the hardest part of the track. However, in terms of distance, this is the halfway point. The walking definitely gets easier, and the track is very well maintained, although in some spots there is some severe erosion evident, so don’t take your mind off the trail completely!

Once again, the views through this part of the track are incredible. You’ll peer over Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupō ahead of you for the whole descent, and spot the steaming vents of the Ketetahi Springs as well!

There are a good few spots to sit down and admire the view, just make sure you keep on time to meet your shuttle at the end of the track!

Before long you’ll pop into the Ōkahukua bush and have old growth mountain forest towering above your head. Some respite from the sun is a welcome change at this time of the day.

The track through the forest is in great nick, and you can really appreciate the trees and birdlife after spending the morning in stark alpine landscapes. You’ll cross through the Lahar path of the 2012 Te Mari eruption, and see the impressive path of destruction that it left in its wake.

Before you know it, you’ll pop out of the bush into the Ketetahi car park and be done! (Unless you’ve utilised the one way shuttle.) So sit down, take your pack off, throw your boots to the side, and wait for your ride back to National Park.

Tips For Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Weather

The weather plays a huge part in your day on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. There’s a weather advisory system put in place by DOC and the local weather service, so if certain parameters are exceeded (wind speed, precipitation, temperature etc) the crossing is ‘not advised’ and shuttle operators will not take you to do the hike. If this happens you’ll likely be able to transfer your booking to another day.

 

Spend a Few Days in Tongariro National Park

With the potential for bad weather, and a cancelled walk, give yourself a bit of leeway and enjoy the other hikes and activities that Tongairio has to offer. Tama Lakes, Skyline Ridge, Taranaki Falls, Tawhai Falls, and Lake Rotoponamu are a few of my favorites!

 

Toilet Paper

There are many bathroom facilities installed along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, so you’re never far from somewhere to take care of business. However, the toilets aren’t stocked with toilet paper, so make sure to bring your own! And only go in the provided facilities – this environment is very exposed and vulnerable, so don’t do your business anywhere else.

 

Shuttles

There are many shuttle services that operate out of National Park; I personally suggest booking a two way shuttle service, there’s nothing that quite compares to being picked up at the end of your day and not needing to worry about anything else! I recommend booking the earliest shuttle of the day and getting out onto the track as the sun is rising and the track is still quiet. Make note of your pickup times too, no one wants you left behind!

FAQs for Tongariro Tongariro Alpine Crossing

When is the best month to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The best time would be from November to April, during the warmer months and longer days. The track is under heavy snow during winter, so if you’re not used to hiking in those conditions it’s best to avoid. But if you are, you can still hike the track in winter!

What is the best time of day to start the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

This route is on the challenging side and has a lot of beautiful scenes you won’t want to rush. Getting on track early, around or before 7am in autumn/winter, and around or before 9am in spring/summer, gives you ample time to enjoy this route before it gets dark.

Are there toilets on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

There’s a toilet at the start of the hike at Mangatepopo Road. From there, there are toilets at Mangatepopo Hut, Soda Springs, Ketetahi Hut, and the Ketetahi Road end. Make sure you bring your own toilet paper!

Can you swim at the lakes on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

While the Emerald and Blue Lakes look very enticing, please do not swim in them! The Emerald Lakes are very acidic and cold, while the Blue Lake is culturally sacred – you shouldn’t even eat food near it out of respect.

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