Great Walks of New Zealand
Tongariro Northern Circuit
North Island
The Tongariro Northern Circuit in New Zealand is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and Lord of the Rings fans. This 44.9 km multi-day hike takes you through stunning volcanic landscapes, including emerald lakes, steaming vents, and ancient lava flows. With breathtaking views and challenging terrain, the Tongariro Northern Circuit is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of New Zealand.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the more popular one day hike that takes hikers over 19.4km of terrain.
TongariroNorthern Circuit
Each track has its own story - click the links below to find out what awaits you
Quick Overview
Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 44.9km / 3-4 day hike though a dual World Heritage site that takes hikers through an incredible volcanic landscape past emerald lakes and Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngāuruhoe (also known as Mt Doom for any Lord of the Rings fans). It is located in the center of the North Island and is not far from the Whanganui River Journey Great Walk (Canoe). The circuit should be attempted by most hikers during the Great Walk Season only from late Oct to end of April. Outside of this season the walk should only be attempted by hikers with alpine experience due the risk of encountering ice, snow, short daylight hours, and possible avalanches.
There are 3 huts on the track - Mangetepopo (20 bunks), Oturere (26 bunks), Waihohonu (28 bunks) and 4 campsites at Whakapapa Village and at each of the huts. The track can be walked in either direction and most people walk it in 3 or 4 days, but it is possible for very fit hikers to hike it in 2 days.
Day Walk Option
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the hugely popular one-day walk. Although it is a day walk the hike is lengthy and a good level of fitness is required. The word 'Alpine' was added into the name of this hike to indicate to walkers that it requires entering an alpine environment. Temperatures can cool considerably, and care should be exercised when attempting this hike including taking appropriate clothing and gear. Unfortunately, Mt Tongariro has a high number of search and rescues, so it is important that you know your abilities, check the weather forecast, and are prepared for all conditions before attempting this Great Walk. Check out the Safety Section for more info.
Check out the The Mountain Safety Council video of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing here
What To Expect
The Tongariro Northern Circuit can be completed in 3 or 4 days and begins in Whakapapa Village, taking hikers on a 44.9km circuit. A 3-day itinerary is outlined below.
Day 1 - Whakapapa Village to Mangetepopo Hut - 9.4km / 4-5hrs
The first day is a 9.4km walk from Whakapapa Village to Mangetepopo Hut/Campsite, taking about 4 to 5hrs to complete depending on the weather. The track is not well formed, is rough and rutty. There is a lot of erosion, and the track can get muddy. It's possible to skip this day and get track transport to Mangetepopo car park for Day 2. The hut doesn't have a full-time ranger on site.
Day 2 - Mangetepopo Hut to Waihohonu Hut - 20.1km / 8-9hrs
The second day joins the Alpine Crossing where day walkers will join the trail (and lots of them!). Perhaps head off early so you can get started before the day walkers arrive. The day starts walking on a boardwalk section up the valley until you reach Soda Springs. From here there is a short and strenuous climb up to the plateau where you will get views of Mt Ngauruhoe to your right and Red Crater ahead. The walk across South Crater is flat before hikers start the rocky ascent up Red Crater, where the views across the valley and ranges are spectacular. The Emerald Lakes can be seen below, and hikers will need to navigate a tricky scree section without falling over to reach the lakes. Oturere Hut is a 4km (1hr) descent from the Emerald Lakes or you can carry on another 8km (3hrs) to Waihohonu Hut. Past Oturere Hut the track undulates over valleys and gravel fields and a steep climb is required to reach Waihohonu Hut just over the ridge.
Day 3 - Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village -15.4km / 5-6hrs
The last day is a cruisy day gradually climbing towards the Tama Lakes and past the Taranaki Falls to end back at Whakapapa Village.
Difficulty
The crew have only completed the Alpine Crossing but we will return to complete the Northern Circuit so watch out for the update.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a long day taking approx 7-8 hours to complete the19.4km. The Alpine Crossing is one of the most rescued mountains with hikers underestimating the difficulty and not carrying sufficient gear for the weather conditions. A good level of fitness is required, and hikers should be prepared with decent footwear, rain gear, plenty of food and water, and warm clothing if/when the temperature drops.
We were lucky to get very dry weather when we completed the Alpine Crossing with exceptional views of the landscape. It was very hot on the ascent and sunscreen and liters of water were needed under the unforgiving sun.
Tongariro Northern Circuit Elevation Profile
Source: Department of Conservation
Logistics & Bookings
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is not as popular as other Great Walks with hut/campsite bookings being available throughout the year (outside of holiday periods). The one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing however, is one of the most popular walks in NZ. Although hikers will not be staying overnight on the Alpine Crossing, bookings are still required to be made on the DOC website as numbers are restricted each day. Before you book anything, secure bookings for the huts/campsites first or for the one-day crossing. For more information on Department of Conservation (DOC) huts/campsites check out the BOOK IT section above or click the link below.
If completing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing it is not an option to park close to the start of the track so most hikers will need to arrange track transport. Due to the central geographical location and popularity of the Alpine Crossing there are many transport and accommodation providers that can pick up/drop off in the area. Alternatively, if driving your own car, then it's possible to park at Ketetahi car park and jump on a shuttle to the start of the track.
If completing the Tongariro Northern Circuit, it is possible to stay in Whakapapa Village where the walk begins and ends. For more information on transport options check out the BOOK IT section above or click the link below.
Things We Learnt
1. The scree section is an interesting challenge and there are a few strategies witnessed on this section. Run down at speed which looked highly dangerous and a bit suspect. Side crab where I ended up twisting my dodgy knee, wouldn't recommend. Or dig your heels into the scree as you walk down methodically, looked a bit more legit. Whatever you do be prepared to fall and help anyone who falls over.
2. It was hot! We all needed a hat, lots of sunscreen, and loads of water as you cannot fill up on the one day walk. There is absolutely no shade, and the NZ sun will bake you on the mountain. Hikers are very exposed on this walk so if it is hot, cold, or windy you will feel the full brunt of the weather. Make sure you check the forecast before going up and ensure you have the right abilities and gear to stay safe.
TIPS From The Crew
1. Although the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a day walk it is long at 19.4km. Make sure you are prepared with plenty of food, water, and suitable warm & wet weather clothing (no jeans/cotton). The mountain is very exposed, and the weather can change very quickly.
2. If driving a car, the park & ride at Ketetahi car park is a great option. Cars are secure for the day, and you can jump on any shuttle leaving the car park. The Alpine Crossing ends close to Ketetahi car park and there is a toilet available for any last-minute needs.
3. We saw lots of hikers scrambling the peak of Mount Ngauruhoe. This mountain is sacred to the local iwi who respectfully request that visitors not climb the summit of this mountain. It looked hectic, lots of loose rocks tumbled down on the people below. Be respectful and just take a pic.
4. The lakes are also tapu (sacred) on the mountain - please don't touch the water.
5. Hiking boots and gaiters were a good time on this Great Walk as the ascent and descent of Red Crater was quite rocky.
