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Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

4.8
#1 of 179 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.
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing Tours
Full-Day Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $24
4.5
22 reviews
Duration: 8 to 10 hrs
Buy tours from $24
Tongariro Crossing Return Transfer from Turangi BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $34
5
1 review
Duration: 9 hours
Buy tours from $34
Round Trip Tongariro Crossing Shuttle from National Park BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $28
Duration: 7 hours
Buy tours from $28
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 5.0
1,809 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By Matthew W
    Wow what an experience for a LOTR nut like myself. The reviews do not lie, this is certainly one of the best day hikes you can complete, but make sure you're prepared, both fitness and equipment wise....  more »
  • By twill-bear
    you have good shoes? It's the weather? you be a bit out of season? Then absolutely do this walk (if you are trained: we did 22 km). Difficult to describe in a few words what there is to see and feel! So to complete the information some things to know: - it can be a lot of people (so not to be in the days of attendances) - after the Summit there is a dangerous descent: there are technically very unstable steep descent. a few lengths without much interest in the long descent to ketetahi. -We take a shuttle from the parking lot near the end point and the starting point. (small gag on this subject: we phoned to ask where it is and the invariable answer is "well on arrival!"...) When I paid $ 35 for a trip on a bus brinquebranlant we could have someone able to explain a ride in 2 sentences!) Good enough bitched: it's really to do!
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  • By Howard K
    This would have to be one of the most exhilarating walks going. At nearly 20 klms and taking around 8 hours, it is physically demanding, especially given the climb and the steep descent. But the scene...  more »
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