The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often referred to as New Zealand’s best day hike, and I can see why after doing it. My full Tongariro Alpine Crossing review below will show you why I believe it’s worthy of such a prestigious title, but you’ll have to do the hike yourself to really understand why. 😉
Quick facts
- Track type: Point to point
- Distance: 20.2km / 12.6mi
- time required: 5+ hours, depending on fitness level and weather conditions
- Location: start/end points are Mongatepopo and Ketetahi car parks (google maps locations linked). You can go either direction – we started at Mongatepopo.
- Parking: because it’s a point to point track, you’ll need to park at the start and arrange a shuttle transfer back there from the end, or park at the end and shuttle to the start (we did the latter through Tongariro Expeditions). Some lots have time limits, so take that into consideration when planning.
- Restrooms: there are toilets along the track. many of them are removed during off-season, but there are still a few available.
trail map
This is the map that our shuttle provider gave to us, which was extremely helpful. Each part of the trail was explained accurately – when they say a certain section is difficult, they aren’t lying!
Our hike experience
My husband and I both truly loved this hike! There were obviously some challenging parts, but the views along the way and especially from the summit made it worth it. We also got super lucky with the weather – we did this hike in early May (the beginning of offseason for winter), and while it was chilly, we had clear skies the entire time.
Ascent to the summit
from Mongatepopo, the hike starts out pretty easy with mostly flat ground and just a few stairs. About an hour in though, the trail changes to a challenging ascent consisting of a lot of stairs and an uphill trek through rocky landscapes. We took a few breaks as needed and to take the views in.
After this uphill stretch, you’re met with a flat, easy walk through a landscape that I can only describe as looking like the moon? It was barren with large boulders scattered throughout, and there is a massive volcano right next to you (which isn’t very moon-like, but i really don’t know how else to describe it).
There is one more uphill section to reach the summit, which is admittedly pretty steep. it was shorter than the first uphill stretch though, and the views are truly spectacular along the way.
The summit
Tongariro Alpine Crossing’s summit is what makes the hike so incredible. From here, you’re able to see views of a dauntingly close volcano, exotic lava-created landscapes, stunning emerald pools, rising volcanic steam, a large blue lake, and the surrounding mountains. The only way to describe it is otherworldly – it truly feels like you’re on another planet up here!
This is where we took a bit of a break and had a snack as it can be a little warmer near the volcanic steam.
Descent from the summit
The beginning of the descent is quite exciting – you pass by the emerald pools, walk across a crater, and then pass by the blue lake. The remaining descent stretch is pretty long though, and honestly seems to last forever. It’s a lot of switchbacks and downhill steps before you make it to the rainforest bit, which is the last 45 minutes or so. The views are nice on the way down and it is crazy to see how different of a landscape this side of the mountain has, but it was definitely not as exciting as the other side of the mountain.
My recommendation
100% yes, hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing if you have the chance! It was unlike any other hike I’ve ever done and was worth the time commitment. You can’t get views like the ones on this hike anywhere else.
Tips for hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- When to do it: peak season is considered to be November through April. We did the hike in Early May and it was a bit cold, but we didn’t have any snowy conditions.
- What to wear: layers!!! I wore two long sleeve shirts, a sweatshirt, leggings, hiking pants, and brought a rain jacket. I honestly could have done without one of the long sleeves, but better to be prepared than freezing. I also wore these hiking boots. I highly recommend wearing boots mostly because there are some muddy parts that would be miserable in running / tennis shoes.
- Food and water: I highly recommend getting a backpack with a water pouch / straw. This was my first time using one, and it was a game changer. Also bring a few snacks to eat along the way.
- first aid: pack a first aid kit, you never know when you might need it. We got ours at Chemist Warehouse.
- Sunscreen: the New Zealand sun is no joke ok!
- Winter essentials: if you’re doing this hike in snowy / icy conditions, you’ll want to wear crampons and bring an ice axe.
Did you hike Tongariro?
Let me know how it went below!
Looking for more New Zealand hiking content?
Check out my best walks near Auckland post – all are one hour or less from Auckland CBD!
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