Tongariro Crossing

Often described as "New Zealand's finest day walk", the Tongariro Crossing is a challenging day hike taking 7-8 hours and covering a distance of 17km from end to end.

The antagonistic forces of volcanism and erosion have shaped the local landscape to create a complex series of craters, ridges, basins, lakes, lava flows and valleys.

The track runs up the Mangatepopo Valley at first, leading you up to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. It then climbs to its highest point, the Red Crater, at 1886m before dropping back down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakes, the track follows on around the northern slope of Tongariro, zig zagging down to Ketetahi Hut on the far side.

Large numbers of people use this track at peak periods, and although guides can be arranged, it is a well-constructed and worn, and visitors should have no problem finding their own way from start to finish. Transport to and from start and end points respectively are the only arrangements required.

Check out some of our other Hiking Routes.