Walking the Tongariro Crossing

The best One-day Hiking Experience in New Zealand, if not the World.

Sep 22, 2007 Rosemary Findley

Experience a Great Walk in a world heritage centre. The Tongaririo Crossing a one day wonder across a moonscape of steaming volcanic activity and stunning views

Located in Tongariro National Park, in the middle of the North Island, this World Heritage Centre was also the setting for Peter Jackson’s movie, Lord of the Rings.

It's an amazing journey through bleak volcanic moonscape, steaming volcanic activity and gem coloured craters. There are spectacular views of Lake Rotoaira and as a reward for all that effort, a pleasant stroll through native forest at the end.

All this incredible scenery is packed into an eight-hour mini adventure over 17 km. An hour’s gentle walk through the Mangatepopo Valley and a steep two-hour climb takes you to the highest point on the track, Red Crater (1886m). Also there are options for two-hour return side trips to the summits of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro.

Mist can waft accross the barren volcanic terrain giving it a bleakly inhospitable and eerie atmosphere, a perfect choice for Lord of the Rings Mordor, the evil stronghold of Lord Sauron.

In contrast the descent from Red Crater leads to three beautiful water-filled explosion craters called the Emerald Lakes, their splendid colour caused by minerals leaching from the adjoining thermal area.

In winter the lakes freeze and the Tongariro Crossing is upgraded from a mini adventure to a challenge requiring ice axe and crampons.

Leaving the Emerald Lakes you are half way through the walk. Next is the deep sapphire coloured Blue Lake which tempts walkers to relax on its banks and soak up the sun. An easy walk downhill takes you to Ketetahi hut, where many linger on the deck to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Rotoaira.

Continuing downhill the steam from Ketetahi Springs is inviting but being on private land is off-limits to walkers. Maybe that’s a good thing, a hot soak would probably drain the little energy left to walk out and catch the bus.

The cool podocarp-hardwood forest with the pleasant babble of the Manga-a-te-tipua Stream alongside provides the final contrast and gently leads you out to waiting transport.

More Hiking

The more challenging Cascade Saddle in the South Island
The Pinnacles Peaks on the Coromandel Peninsula are an easy walk for such rewarding views.
Popular walks in Queenstown and Te Anau South Island

Fact File

Getting There Tongariro National Park is 4 hours drive from eith Auckland or Wellington.
Track Information and Weather Latest updates provided by the Whakapapa Visitor Centre. The weather forecast is posted daily in the office
Walking the Track The track can be walked in either direction. It is not a round trip and transport can be arranged at Whakapapa Visitor Centre or at accommodation.
Track Accommodation There is a hut at both ends of the track. Mangatepopo is a 23 bunk hut and Ketetahi hut has 26 bunks. Book and pay at the Whakapapa Visitor’s Centre.
Fitness A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Preparation Warm (wool or polypropylene not cotton) and rainproof clothes, food, a water bottle and sun protection are essential items.
Department of Conservation for route and visitor centre contact details.

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

Red Crater the highest point on the Crossing