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Book NowAges from 8+ • Approx 35 mins • Ride with us and park your car stress free!
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a stunning yet challenging walk – 20.4km (12.7 miles) in an alpine environment.
You need the right gear to do the hike safely and comfortably. This includes warm layers of clothing, a waterproof rain jacket, sturdy footwear, water, food, and toilet paper.
Our drivers will not hesitate to reject any person who has no gear on them when boarding or does not have the appropriate gear.
If you are hiking with friends or a group, STAY TOGETHER.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing goes over an active volcano. Te Maari, Red Crater, and Ngāuruhoe vents have all been active within the last 100 years – the most recent eruptions occurred from Te Maari in 2012. You can find more information about this on the DOC website and signs along the track. There is geothermal activity on the Crossing, especially near Emerald Lakes, where you will see steam vents (fumaroles). DO NOT walk off track to these vents or get close to them – the ground is unstable and can collapse, risking severe burns.
This is a challenging hike, and it’s okay to turn back – plenty of people do.
The hike gets harder as it goes on, so if you are finding the early parts difficult or don’t have the right gear for the conditions, we advise turning around.
Minor slips and trips are common, and people can usually finish the hike. However, if you are lost, having a medical emergency or so injured that you cannot continue hiking, call emergency services on 111.
20 km or approximately 35 mins
National Park Shuttles is the only Tangata Whenua (local people) operator from the National Park Village, offering a fantastic transport journey departing from the ONLY all day carpark with a one-way transport shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This secure car park located on State Highway 46, road end of the Ketetahi track. Ride with us and park your car stress-FREE.
Trek across volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views.
This challenging trip begins at 1120 m, climbs the Mangatepopo Valley to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, through South Crater before climbing again to Red Crater, the highest point on the crossing at 1886 m.
You will then descend on a volcanic rock scree track to the vivid Emerald Lakes, known as Ngarotopounamu (greenstone-hued lakes). After passing Blue Lake, also known as Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s mirror), the track sidles around the northern slope of Tongariro, then descends in a zigzag track down to the road end at 760 m.
Must have gear requirement:
• Water (1.5-2 litres)
• Lunch
• Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc)
• Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Backpack per person
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Walking trousers
• 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell, etc. are good layers)
• Waterproof raincoat
• Mobile phone and head torch
We are committed to providing you with the best possible experience. Travel with our exclusive Manawhenua shuttle providers, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.