New Zealand Tongariro Trek

The New Zealand Tongariro Trek takes you through a world class National Park that offers dramatic spectacular volcanic scenery and is listed as one of the top treks in the world.

The still-active and imposing volcano Mt Ngauruhoe was used as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The National Park, established in 1887, is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is also the first national park in NZ and the fourth in the entire world. As a dual World Heritage area the park has important Maori cultural and spiritual significance and associations. The nearest towns are Turangi, National Park and Ohakune.

Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features.

Right: Emerald Lakes, explosion craters that have filled with mineral-rich water running down from the Red Crater thermal area. Photographer: Destination Lake Taupo

Walking the New Zealand Tongariro Trek will take you through forests in the low lying areas, through alpine herb fields, past tranquil lakes, unusual rocks and formations, to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes. On the upper reaches the vegetation may be covered by snow.

You can choose to do the Alpine Crossing one day and experience various shorter guided walks that are on offer on other days during your holiday. This is a great way to make the most of your visit to the National Park and the treks vary from 2-6 hours so there is plenty to choose from.

Guided walks with an experienced guide are provided to enjoy the scenery and have the natural and historical significance explained to you as you go, what better way to learn about the natural environment in this region of NZ?

Alpine Crossing Track

The New Zealand Tongariro Trek Alpine Crossing follows the length of the mountain. At 18.5 kilometres it is a one day hike but can take between 6 and 9 hours to complete the crossing depending on local weather conditions and fitness levels. Starting your hike at the Mangatepopo Valley end and walking over towards the Ketetahi road end will minimise the climbing involved.

Following the Alpine Crossing by this route takes you past the active Red Crater followed by the unusually coloured Emerald and Blue Lakes, and Mt Ngauruhoe.

Mangatepopo car park to Soda Springs, Soda Springs to South Crater, South Crater to Red Crater, Red Crater to Blue Lake, Blue Lake to Ketetahi Hut, Ketetahi Hut to the Ketetahi car park.

It's best to pre-arrange drop and pick up to and from each end of the walk.

Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake

This is another one of the one day treks, also a famous New Zealand Tongariro trek, that takes you to the Ruapehu Crater Lake.

The lake is surrounded by snow capped peaks. In the background you can see Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro and if the weather is clear enough you can see the east and west coasts of NZ. Riding a chair lift to the Knoll Ridge Chalet, being the highest restaurant in NZ at 2000 metres.

Short Treks

Tama Lakes

Taranaki Falls

Silica Rapids

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Visit my page dedicated to the longer Northern Circuit hike in this National Park area

Fitness

There is no doubt that the most important thing to consider when embarking on the New Zealand Tongariro Trek is that you need to be reasonably fit.

Visit my page dedicated to the fitness requirements you need to assess if you are thinking about walking in this area.

If you are planning to go on a guided walk, which is recommended, your guide will also be able to advise on fitness levels well in advance.

Tongariro Walk Equipment and Clothing

Visit my page dedicated to walk equipment and clothing for a list of items you will need at a minimum.

Items to keep you warm. Boot heaters, warm mittens and gloves, boot dryers, face masks, long underwear, and many unique items.

Full Selection of Backpacks - Altrec Outdoors

Accommodation

Visit my page on accommodation in the National Park region.

Travel Insurance

Please visit my page on New Zealand travel insurance for a guide to insurance.