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

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

4.8

#1 of 96 in Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region

Hiking Trail Nature / Park

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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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,472 reviews

Google

4.8

IrinaB123

Wirklich grandios! Es wird nicht zu viel versprochen! Man sollte sich unbedingt entsprechend dem Wetter anziehen und um ein Rückshuttle kümmern! Außerdem sollte man schon entsprechende Fitness mitbrin... more »

Really terrific! It is promised not too much! You should necessarily change according to the weather and take care of a shuttle back! You should also bring already appropriate fitness or early enough go! But the hike itself, the views and the different vegetations are just great! be sure to schedule!

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Emilie B

Nous avons fait une randonnée de 5h avec de jeunes enfants et cela a été un plaisir même pour eux tant les paysages sont beaux. Cela nous a permis d avoir des vues sublimes sur le Mont ruapehu et le t... more »

We hiked for five hours with young children and it has been a pleasure even for them both the landscapes are beautiful. This has allowed us to have sublime views on Mount ruapehu and the tongariro. The lakes at the top were impressive. The path is well marked. Provide good walking shoes and a jacket because a lot of wind at the top.

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stephanie_sandiego1

I hated it, I loved it, I loved that I hated it. :) Definitely not an "easy" trek, but totally doable, even for the moderately fit. Plan well; you never know what the conditions will do. I varied betw... more »

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Google

Thomas Kilpatrick

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).

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Jonty anderson

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

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Chester Li

One of the best walks in the world. The scenery was spectacular. It was a bit physically demanding but not too hard.

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Meg Spicereddy

A must for all whole ever come to NZ. Or at least those in decent physical shape. It's long, but well worth it

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Dejan Nakarada-Kordic

Best one-day hike in the world!

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