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One of the best hikes in the world is the
TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING
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. And the hike was renamed in 2007 Tongariro Alpine Crossing (rather than Tongariro Crossing) to better reflect the seriousness and danger of the trek.
The Crossing is, arguably, the best day hike in the world. If the Ketetahi Hot Springs ever open again, it will be perfect!
If you have 3-4 days, the Tongariro Northern Circuit (which includes most of the Crossing) is even better.
AT A GLANCE
TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK 
 climb the saddle between 2 volcanos
- 13km (8mi)
- 6hrs walking plus stops & sidetrips
- option to climb a volcano, or two
- slight risk of heat stroke in summer
- real risk of hypothermia, year round
- superb volcanic scenery
- wonderful variety
- very crowded on a nice day
- Dec - Mar best months
- people cross all year round, though winter crossings are mountaineering
- maximum elevation Red Crater 1886m (6188ft)
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
- active volcano, boiling mud pools, fumaroles and craters!
- this park attracts over a quarter million trampers a year
- 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.
- 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
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CONSIDERATIONS
This is one long day hike, especially if you climb a volcano as a sidetrip. Slow trampers end up walking out in the dark.
Far better, if you are up to it, is the 3-day Tongariro Northern Circuit which includes most of the Tongariro Crossing.
- on a busy day you may see over 1000 hikers strung out
- there is no shortages of under-dressed, under-prepared hikers on this track. A rescue team goes in whenever someone does not make it out to their bus.
- some hikers do not make it up the steep 45 minute ascent (the Devil's Staircase) near the start.
- strong wind & poor visibility may ruin this hike. Delay until another day.
- weather changes quickly. Be prepared for rain or even snow.
- carry enought warm clothing in case a storm rolls in
- carry plenty of water, enough for the whole day
- the few water sources on the trail requires treatment
- the ozone layer is thin. Use good-quality sunglasses, sun screen and wear a hat.
- sturdy shoes for rocky and uneven tracks advised
- ankle injuries are common
- 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 down. The slope is filled with ankle-turning rocks.
- off season ice axe and crampons needed
- no permanent toilets between Mangatepopo and Ketetahi Huts except for the toilet at the head of the Mangatepopo Valley (summer only)
- catch an early bird shuttle if you want to beat the crowds
- or, if you hate crowds, consider the Waihohonu Traverse — a nearby alternative
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ROUTES
- almost everyone does the same route
- morning shuttle bus from Taupo or Turangi to Manatepopo trailhead
- many hikers skip the short side track to Soda Springs, in a rush to get to the ...
- 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)
- relaxed stop at the Emerald Lakes
- check the marvellous vista from the deck of Ketetahi Hut
- wander down through the surprising lush podocarp-hardwood forest to the ....
- Ketetahi trailhead where you meet your shuttle
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Serious hikers are tempted to climb both volcanos and still finish in time to catch their shuttle. It's possible. But you need to go hard.
Many hikers prefer to skip both volcanos and have a relaxed, ultra-scenic day hike.
Even more relaxed would be to reserve one night at Ketetahi Hut. (Tongariro hut and campsite fees )
click for larger map - Alpine Scenic Tours
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 the Crossing
- 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, and deliver you home at the end of the tramp. You can even be picked up at National Park Village or Whakapapa Village .
- almost everyone hikes in the same direction starting at the Mangatepopo Roadend carpark, 6km off State Highway 47
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SHUTTLE BUS TO THE TRAILHEAD
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
Most hikers do the Crossing independently, but a guide is a good idea if you have never done a long hike, especially in winter. Browse the options above.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Due to the volcanic nature of this region, closures may occur. Check with DOC before going to the trailhead.
BEST TRAMPING GUIDEBOOKS
For the Tongariro Crossing only, no guidebook is needed.
For other hikes, 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.
Do not use 101 Great Tramps in New Zealand, 2001, Pickering & Smith. A very poor guidebook for this tramp.
BEST MAPS
On-line:
BEST WEB PAGES
After this page, the best links are
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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