Tongariro Alpine Crossing: New Zealand’s Best Trekking Route

Hey everyone, you’ve probably heard about the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand, right? It’s one of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand and even ranks among the top ten one-day treks in the world. This time, I’m going to share more details about this incredible trek. Get ready for an exciting adventure!

 

Tongariro National Park: The Ultimate Adventure Spot in New Zealand

 

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in Tongariro National Park, which is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How amazing is that? This place isn’t just naturally stunning; it’s also rich in history and culture.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing usually starts at Mangatepopo in the Ruapehu region and ends at Ketetahi Hot Springs.

This route is preferred because the Mangatepopo end is at a higher elevation (1,120 m or 3,670 feet) compared to Ketetahi Hot Springs (760 m or 2,490 feet), so there’s less climbing involved if you start here.

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The trek takes about seven hours of continuous walking in good weather, or longer during winter or if starting from the Ketetahi end.

The journey begins at the western end near Mangatepopo Hut with a gentle slope leading to the base of the steep Tongariro ridge. After crossing the ridge, the trail involves descending and ascending into two different craters, passing the Emerald Lakes, and along the edge of Blue Lake.

 

The last two hours involve a long descent down the northern side of the volcano, passing Ketetahi Hot Springs.

In the past, you could choose to hike Mount Ngauruhoe as an optional side trip from the main trail. However, this is no longer allowed due to requests from the local tribe, and trail markers have been removed.

 

One important thing to note is that there are no fresh water sources along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The water from springs in this area is often extremely hot and contains dissolved minerals and metals due to volcanic activity, making most of it unsafe to drink.

 

Ketetahi Hot Springs, about 10 minutes from Ketetahi Hut, is privately owned by the local Tuwharetoa tribe and has been closed to visitors since the 1990s after a tourist suffered fatal injuries.

 

Detailed Map of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trekking Route

 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the journey for those interested:

 

  • Mangatepopo Carpark: 0.0 km, 0 hours 00 minutes, elevation 1,120 m
  • Mangatepopo Hut: 1.5 km, 0 hours 25 minutes, elevation 1,190 m
  • Soda Springs turn-off: 1 hour 30 minutes, elevation 1,350 m
  • South Crater: 6.4 km, 2 hours 30 minutes, elevation 1,650 m
  • Red Crater summit: 3 hours 30 minutes, elevation 1,886 m
  • Emerald Lakes (descent to Oturere Hut): 9.0 km, 3 hours 50 minutes, elevation 1,695 m
  • Ketetahi Hut: 5 hours 15 minutes, elevation 1,450 m
  • Ketetahi Carpark: 19.4 km, 7 hours 00 minutes, elevation 760 m

 

Enjoy the Stunning Volcanic Landscapes of Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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Much of this trek passes through untouched volcanic terrain, making it feel like you’re on another planet. The three volcanoes in this area are highly active, and the landscape reflects this. There are frozen lava flows, loose tephra, and volcanic bombs trapped in rocks.

 

Minerals are beautifully arranged and vividly displayed in the colors of the rocks and cliffs. Active fumaroles in some sections of the trek constantly emit steam and yellow sulfur dioxide gas.

 

The lakes and ponds along the trek are colored by volcanic minerals dissolved in their waters. Some areas have large springs that emit near-boiling water and plumes of hot steam.

 

Eruption Events on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in 2012

 

In August 2012, a minor eruption occurred, releasing 10,000 cubic meters of ash from the Te Maari crater on Mount Tongariro, throwing ash and rocks up to 1 meter in diameter onto the trail. Fortunately, no one was hurt, though some nearby buildings were affected.

 

As a result, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was temporarily closed since about 75% of the trek lies within 3 km of Te Maari. The prevailing winds in this area are from the west to southwest, so the trek is usually downwind from Te Maari. However, when ash mixes with rain, it becomes a rough sludge that hikers must contend with.

 

In late November 2012, the Te Maari crater erupted again, with an ash plume reaching 4,000 meters high for five minutes. About 100 people were nearby, including a group of 20 students aged 13 from Gulf Harbour School, but no one was injured.

 

The crater is visible from the Ketetahi area. Although some trails near this location remain open, Te Maari is an active and unstable zone.

The Tongariro Alpine track was closed for four days, but 12 other treks in the mountains remained open.

Fumaroles remain active around the edges of the Te Maari crater, and there is a strong smell of sulfur gas near the crater rim.

 

Preparation You Need to Do Before Trekking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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Okay, now let’s talk about the preparation you need before tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Remember, the weather in Tongariro National Park can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly, so you must be prepared for anything.

 

Booking

 

Starting in October 2023, visitors to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are required to make a booking through the booking system managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

 

Fortunately, the booking is free, and there is no limit on the number of bookings for the 2023/2024 season. However, booking is required for those using shuttle services and for guided walks. It’s also needed for anyone using any part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, including full and partial track users, day visitors to Mangatepopo Hut, mountain climbers, tramping groups, climbing clubs, and school groups.

 

Visitors with existing bookings for huts or campsites on the Tongariro Northern Circuit do not need to make an additional booking through this system.

 

Bookings for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be made by filling out an online form on the DOC website, in person at a DOC visitor center, or through a walking guide or shuttle service.

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Don’t Forget the Shuttle

 

This is important. Parking is limited at both ends of the trail, and there are time restrictions on parking for four hours from mid-October to April. So it’s highly recommended to book a shuttle for your trip.

 

The shuttle not only provides transportation but also offers essential safety knowledge about the trail and weather. They’ll also assist if there are any issues during your journey.

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Essential Gear for Trekking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

 

Due to the variable weather and terrain in Tongariro National Park, there are some essential items you need to bring:

 

  • Food and Water: Make sure you bring enough food and water, especially if you plan to complete the entire trek.
  • Windproof and Waterproof Rain Gear: The weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so always bring windproof and waterproof rain gear.
  • Sturdy Shoes: You’ll be walking on rough volcanic terrain, so make sure to wear comfortable and strong shoes.
  • Warm Clothing: Temperatures can drop significantly at the mountain peaks, so always carry warm clothing such as wool or polypropylene thermals and fleece.
  • Hat and Gloves: Protection from the sun and cold is essential, so don’t forget to bring a hat and gloves.
  • Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The bright weather in the mountains can be harsh, so sun protection like sunscreen and sunglasses is necessary.
  • First Aid Kit: Always carry a first aid kit with basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic, and essential medications.
  • Map and Phone: Bring a trail map and ensure your phone has a signal. Remember, in the mountains, cell signal may be lost in some areas.

 

So, if you plan to undertake the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, make sure you’re well-prepared for everything. This isn’t just any hike; it’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

 

Make sure to follow the rules and safety recommendations, and always stay cautious throughout the journey. Enjoy your adventure!

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