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One of the best hikes in the world is the
TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Note: You can improve this page by e-mailing comments, recommendations and links in the appropriate sections below.Thanks for your help!
Note: DOC updated their website in 2007 and, as a result, many OLD web links break.
Our favourite multi-day hike in New Zealand.
AT A GLANCE
TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK 
- one of our top 10 hikes in the world
 non-stop superb hiking
- mostly volcanic & desert environs
- 34+km (19+mi) depending on route
- 3-days, 2-nights minimum
- option to climb a volcano, or two
- medium difficulty hiking, with challenging sections
- wonderful variety of scenery
- Dec - Mar best months
- maximum elevation Red Crater 1886m (6188ft)
- very crowded on the Tongariro Crossing section
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
Most trampers do only the 1-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing. That's a shame. The Northern Circuit includes the Crossing and is a far richer experience.
- circumambulate active volcano Mt. Ngauruhoe
- boiling mud pools, fumaroles and craters!
- weird lava features, unique volcanic colours
- this park attracts over a quarter million trampers a year but most of the circuit is not over-crowded
- astonishing water-filled explosion craters called the Emerald Lakes
- Blue Lake (an old volcanic vent)
- manditory easy sidetrip to the top of Mount Tongariro 1967m
- difficuly, lengthy sidetrip scramble to the top of Mt. Ngauruhoe 2287m, an active volcano. You know it as Mt. Doom in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.
- scrambling huge volcanic formations in the Oturere valley
- the Tongariro reserve is a World Heritage Site
- New Zealand has the best hostels in the world
- the Maori cultural and spiritual associations
- the bleak, harsh volcanic landscape
- well signed, easy-to-follow trail
- the alpine huts are good: beds, mattresses, gas heating, gas stoves, water, and toilet facilities (during the main hiking season)
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send this image of Ngauruhoe as a postcard - ginini.com
CONSIDERATIONS
- on a busy day you will see hikers like ants on the Tongariro Circuit section climbing the Devil's Staircase near the start
- many day hikers are under-dressed, under-prepared. You may be called upon for First Aid.
- strong wind & poor visibility may ruin this hike. Delay until another day, if possible.
- weather changes quickly. Be prepared for rain or even snow.
- carry enough warm clothing
- the few water sources on the trail all require treatment
- the ozone layer is thin. Use good-quality sunglasses, sun screen and wear a hat.
- sturdy shoes for rocky and uneven tracks advised
- howling winds atop Ngauruhoe even when it is calm below
- if you are climbing Ngauruhoe, consider bringing good boots and gaiters for the dangerous scree. The slope is filled with ankle-turning-sized rocks.
- off season, ice axe and crampons may be needed
- catch an early bird shuttle if you want to beat the crowds
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larger version - Craig Stanton
Happily, no reservation is required for huts! They are first-come, first-served. If you carry a tent there is no worry about the hut being full when you arrive. Tenters can still use all the hut facilities. Note that you must pay a little more (NZ$5) at the hut than if you purchase in advance.
ROUTES
We do not recommend the standard route: a full Circuit starting most popularly at Whakapapa Village, the itinerary laid out in Lonely Planet Tramping in New Zealand .
We advise you skip the section between Whakapapa Village and Mangatepopo Hut. It is not nearly as interesting as the rest of the loop.
click for larger map - Alpine Scenic Tours
Instead:
- morning shuttle bus from Taupo or Turangi to Manatepopo trailhead (with the Tongariro Crossing day hikers)
- short side track to Soda Springs
- Devil's Staircase climb, the most difficult section
- easy sidetrip to the top of Mt. Tongariro, or ...
- difficult sidetrip to the top of Mt. Ngauruhoe (2-4hrs)
- fit hikers should climb both volcanoes, weather permitting, as you have plenty of time — whereas the day hikers are rushed to meet a shuttle bus
- Night 1 = Ketetahi Hut or campsite
- next morning backtrack to Blue Lake and Emerald Lakes. You have them to yourselves! (The day hikers will not get here for hours.) No rush as this is a short hiking day.
- descend steeply down to New Zealand's only desert, perhaps the most beautiful section of the hike, a moonscape
- Night 2 = Oturere Hut or campsite (or Waihohonu Hut)
- wash up at a gorgeous nearby waterfall
- the last day is another long day (but over relatively easy terrain) all the way out to Whakapapa Village
- start early
- short sidetrips to Ohinepango Springs, Old Waihohonu Hut and a stop at Taranaki Falls recommended
- we felt the sidetrip to the Tama Lakes was not worth the effort
- finish at Whakapapa Village
- catch transport back to Taupo or Turangi
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This itinerary has long, challenging days 1 and 3 with a relaxing, short day 2. If this sounds rushed, do it over 4-days with an extra night at Waihohonu Hut.
LOGISTICS
If you sign on with a guided trip logistics will be organized for you. This section is for independent hikers.
- Tongariro National Park is in the North Island, about half way between Auckland and Wellington.
- you can fly Auckland to Taupo, or ...
- public transport takes you to Taupo or Turangi, the jumping off point for Manatepopo trailhead
- actually, it is easy to get a shuttle to the trailhead from either Taupo or Turangi. Several private shuttle services will pick you up at your accommodation
- do the Circuit at your own pace finishing at Whakapapa Village
- the last bus out leaves late in the afternoon. If you arrive too late, no worries. There are good restaurants and accommodation options in Whakapapa including camping, hostel and hotel.
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We stayed in nearby National Park (the town) as well. It has a great backpacker vibe.
SHUTTLE BUS TO THE TRAILHEAD
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Most hikers do the Northern Circuit independently, but a guide is a good idea if you have never done a long hike. However, we are unaware of anyone guiding this tramp.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Due to the volcanic nature of this region, closures may occur. Check with DOC before going to the trailhead.
BEST TRAMPING GUIDEBOOKS
Lonely Planet, succinct & easy to use, is the standard by which all other New Zealand tramping guidebooks are measured. But check out the new kid on the block, the Trailblazer Guide as well.
BEST MAPS
On-line:
BEST WEB PAGES
After this page, the best links are
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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