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

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

(1,400+ reviews on the web)

Hiking Trail

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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Related Tours to Book

Full-Day Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 22

Tongariro Crossing Return Transfer from Turangi BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM US$ 33

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

suzefur

It's difficult to pick a highlight from a 7 week trip of North and South Islands but this is definitely up there. After the walk up over the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe & Mt Tongariro through amazing ... more »
Adele x

If you are a big fan of Lord of the ring this is exactly what you have to do in here. The beginning it's difficult but at the end you will be amazed by the view at pretty lakes with clear water!! more »
breejm

Prepare to pack your hiking boots for this trek. An excellent day hike that took us just under 7 hours to complete. For me it was much harder than I expected, but the feeling of accomplishment when I ... 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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