Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  North Island  /  Manawatu-Wanganui Region  /  Tongariro National Park  /  Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

4.8
#1 of 190 in Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Hiking Trail Nature / Park Must See
Get ready for an outdoor adventure among some of New Zealand's best volcanic scenery at Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Linking Mangatepopo and Ketetahi hot springs, this hiking trail leads you past three active volcanoes, colorful mineral-filled lakes, steaming fumaroles, and boiling springs. With a length of 19.4 km (12.1 mi) and frequent rugged terrain, the trek requires a reasonable level of fitness, adequate equipment, and, importantly, sufficient amounts of drinking water. During the summer numerous shuttles operate between the two trailheads and connect them to the nearby towns. In the winter, however, very few shuttles run; avoid long waits or having to walk back to your car by taking one of the guided tours that includes a bus transfer. A visit to Tongariro Alpine Crossing represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Tongariro National Park trip itinerary website to plot your vacation.
Improve this listing »
Create an itinerary including Tongariro Alpine Crossing
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours To Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Crossing Return Transfer from Turangi BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $37
5.0
2 reviews
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $37
Tongariro Self-Guided Audio Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $15
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Buy tours from $15

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 5.0
2,133 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By 110elliiec
    Incredible views on this great hike! We set off early and managed to complete in approx 5 and a half hours which included some snack stops. The hike is challenging, with some very steep sections. The....  more »
  • By peekaboo19
    What an experience. We were picked up early and made our way through the alpine crossing in approx 5 hours. The climb can be very tough so all recommended equipment is essential. Bring loads of water....  more »
  • By sophiamS523KB
    We are absolutely in love with this amazing landscape! We decided to park our car at the end of the track and to take a shuttle to the beginning - this was the best decision we could take as this...  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Tongariro National Park

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Hidden gems in Tongariro National Park

©
Horsemtrails
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
©
Ohakune Old Coach Road
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Mount Ruapehu
4.6
Duration: 4 hours
©
Tama Lakes
Whakapapa
4.9
Duration: 4 hours

Popular things to do in Tongariro National Park

©
Tongariro Northern Circuit
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
©
Taranaki Falls
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Rotopounamu Track
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Silica Rapids Track
Whakapapa
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min

Side trips from Tongariro National Park

©
River Rafting & Tubing
Turangi
5.0
Duration: 3 hours
©
Tongariro National Trout Centre
Turangi
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Mt Ngauruhoe
Turangi
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
©
Bridge to Nowhere
Manawatu-Wanganui Region
4.7
Duration: 4 hours

Trails in Tongariro National Park

Mead's Wall
4.0
Duration: 2 hours
©
Whakapapa Nature Walk
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Ridge Track
Whakapapa
4.1
Duration: 30 minutes
Mounds Walk
2.7
Duration: 30 minutes

Nearby attractions in Tongariro National Park

©
Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour
4.9
Duration: 1 hour
©
Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
Whakapapa
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Tongariro Crossing Shuttles
3.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Mead's Wall
Whakapapa
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Winter Sports in Tongariro National Park

Turoa Ski Area
2.0
Duration: 8 hours
©
Whakapapa - Mt Ruapehu
Whakapapa
2.6
Duration: 8 hours
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Plans to Tongariro Alpine Crossing by other users

21 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA January, popular sights Preferences: January Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 18 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA December, popular sights Preferences: December Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 15 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA December, outdoors, beaches, popular sights Preferences: December, outdoors, beaches Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 25 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA January, popular sights Preferences: January Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 18 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND July, popular sights Preferences: July Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 4 days in Tongariro National Park BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND July, teens, popular sights Preferences: July, teens Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 22 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA September, popular sights Preferences: September Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 16 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CROATIA April, popular sights Preferences: April Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 4 days in Taranaki Region & Tongariro National Park BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND September, popular sights Preferences: September Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 31 days in Oceania BY A USER FROM SERBIA May, popular sights Preferences: May Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 47 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM FRANCE October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, popular sights Preferences: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, wildlife Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 21 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, popular sights Preferences: December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, wildlife Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium
See more plans