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Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

4.8
#1 of 158 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. Make Tongariro Alpine Crossing a part of your Tongariro National Park vacation plans using our Tongariro National Park trip itinerary maker.
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing Tours
Full-Day Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $22
Full-Day Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Trek BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $187
Tongariro Crossing Return Transfer from Turangi BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $33
Tongariro Self-Guided Audio Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $20
Small-Group Fishers Track Mountain Bike Adventure BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $29
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
1,477 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • August 11, 2017
    We went in winter with a company called adrift which was amazing. Really informative tour and the guides were all a good laugh. We also got tonnes of information about the geography of the area as wel...  more »
  • August 11, 2017
    Amazing views, really enjoyed this. I went on a day when the weather was 50/50 and they called it ok on the morning but with little visibility. The clouds blew over and the views were amazing. It was ...  more »
  • August 5, 2017
    Several times over the years I have made the pilgrimage over this sacred mountain Love the busy summer or the enchanted winters on the crossing Find lots of under prepared casual hikers who have no id...  more »
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Google
  • April 26, 2017
    Wonderful amazing track. Track listed here is the 19.4 one day hike (no huts or campsites) but there are 4 public toilets along the trail. I hiked this on a warm summer day in peak season and the queue for the loo was... very long and the trail was exceptionally busy. This start location also covers the Tongariro Northern circuit (the 3 day great walk) - ref my image below. Loos may only be kept up in summer - check with the whakapapa isite before you go. Also check weather before you hike as it can be very dangerous at the higher parts of the walk (red crater).
  • April 21, 2016
    the 19.4 km tramp is one of the best day tramps in the world. the track is well maintained and the volcanic landscape is amazing to see close up. it's a must do if your ever in new zealand
  • April 3, 2016
    One of the best walks in the world. The scenery was spectacular. It was a bit physically demanding but not too hard.
  • January 17, 2016
    A must for all whole ever come to NZ. Or at least those in decent physical shape. It's long, but well worth it
  • November 24, 2015
    Best one-day hike in the world!
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