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The Tongariro Crossing

Possibly The Best One-day Walk in New Zealand

May 28, 2009 Dan Porter

The three peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro - all active volcanoes - form the towering centre piece of the majestic Tongariro National Park.

Sacred to the Maoris for centuries this area has gained a deserved reputation among visitors for its stunning beauty and accessibility for a mind-blowing one day hike across Mt Tongariro. On a clear day hikers (or trampers as the kiwis call them) can see the peaks of Mt Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, and the iconic volcanic crater of Mt Taranaki to the west. The crossing meanders over ancient lava flows, past thermal pools and springs, active craters and emerald-coloured lakes, and makes for a memorable, if arduous day on the “roof of the North Island”.

Crossing Tongariro

The route itself is fairly well marked and takes roughly 7-8 hours depending on your fitness level. Starting at the Mangatepopo Valley and ending past the Ketehai hut on highway 47A, the crossing is 19.4 km in total, with an optional side-trip to the summit of Tongariro for the more adventurous. Add an extra hour for the climb to the peak. There are several steep ascents and descents along the way, but plenty of places to rest and enjoy the views. The crossing passes lunar-like landscapes and active craters as it makes its way to a height of 1820m, the highest point on the walk, and then slowly descends to Ketehai hut past more stunning lakes and craters. The final section of the walk is well trodden and descends into lush podocarp hardwood forests for the final few kilometres. The dense shade and crystal clear streams are a perfect place to get the boots off and cool down before catching the bus.

Safety on The Mountain

On good days the crossing is easily navigable with marker posts dotted along the route with decked walkways in lower areas. Remember that although the crossing is accessible for all but the most inexperienced of walkers it is still an alpine crossing and the usual precautions should be taken. Take plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. Wet weather gear of some kind is a must as conditions can change very quickly on the mountain. The best time to make the crossing is between December and March. Hiking at other times of year requires experience of alpine crossings using technical equipment such as ice-axe and crampons.

There are local tour companies that will drop off and pick up walkers and the start and finish of the crossing from Tongariro National Park. The weather can be very unpredictable. For up to date information check with the local DOC office or the New Zealand Met Service

The copyright of the article The Tongariro Crossing in Aus/NZ/Oceania Travel is owned by Dan Porter. Permission to republish The Tongariro Crossing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.