| Tongariro National Park, North Island |
 Trail Name:Tongariro Crossing Summary: |
| Outstanding One Day Hike of the World |
| Trail Description |
| Superlatives are inadequate to describe this outstanding one-day hike on New Zealand’s North Island. The trail takes you through a stark volcanic landscape that makes you feel like you are walking on the surface of another planet. Yet, incredibly, it is a walk of extreme contrast - you start the hike in scenery similar to Scottish moorland and finish by walking through woodland! What’s more, this hike is challenging physically, taking in several steep ascents.
The trail, widely acknowledged as the country’s finest one-day hike, is found in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and a world heritage site. It encompasses three volcanoes: Ruapahu, Tongariro, and the perfectly formed Ngauruhoe. The track heads through Mangatepopo Valley. After 1 mile/1.6 km, a side trail leads off left to Mangatepopo Hut. You continue ahead, climbing gently to the right of a stream. As you pass through old lava flows, Mt Ngauruhoe dominates the skyline to the left. 1.5 miles/2.4 km later, and now nearly at the head of the valley, a short detour along a path to the left leads to Soda Springs, a cold water spring surrounded by lush vegetation. Return to the main track and soon the real climbing begins as you head up from the valley floor to the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Your reward for reaching the saddle are great views of Tongariro and, if it is clear, Mt Taranaki to the west. The saddle is also the starting point for those wishing to make an ascent of Ngauruhoe, a strenuous climb over loose scoria that takes around 3 hours (it is important to check conditions before attempting an ascent, as ice can make it treacherous). From the saddle, the trail crosses South Crater - the way is clearly signed. 4.4 miles/7 km into the trail, after a further stiff climb, you reach the highest point, spectacular Red Crater. It is still active, as evidenced by the clear smell of sulphur as you peer into it. From here, there is a stunning view down towards aptly named Emerald Lakes, two small, water-filled craters, brilliantly colored due to a high mineral content. You will want to linger, but the summit of Red Crater is very exposed, and high winds can make it bitterly cold. The descent down to Emerald Lakes is steep, through loose scoria. Just after the second lake, pass a side trail on the right (it leads to another hut) and continue northwards over Central Crater. A final, short climb leads up to magnificent Blue Lake. An old vent, Blue Lake was originally called Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s Mirror), and it was Rangihiroa’s descendent who donated the main part of Tongairio National Park in 1887. The track continues north, quickly leaving Blue Lake and skirting North Crater. As you descend to Ketetahi Hut, the scenery changes, and views open up ahead of Lake Rotoaira. Close to the hut, the track passes plumes of steam and mineral-streaked rocks, Ketetahi Hot Springs. Be aware that you are now crossing private landv and there is no right of access to the springs. The long descent continues for 3 miles/4.8 km, down tussock slopes and finally through hardwood forest, yet more contrasting scenery on this wonderfully diverse hike. Finally you reach a car park where you pick up the hikers bus, marking the end of the Tongariro Crossing. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Central North Island, south-west of Lake Taupo.
Directions: From the southern end of Lake Taupo near Turangi, take Hwy 47 south-west for 39 km, then turn right onto Hwy 48 to head into the National Park. The visitor center at Whakapapa is in 7 km. Approach from the south via Hwy 4 and 47. Trailhead: Mangatepopo Road-end, north of the visitor center off Highway 47. A hikers bus runs from the visitor center to the trailhead in the morning, and picks up at the end of the day from the trail-end at Ketetahi, off Highway 46. A return ticket in 2000 cost NZ$15. Length: 10.4 miles / 16.6 km Trail Type: One way Elevation Change: 2,362 ft / 720 m Duration: 6.5 hours Trail Condition: Defined track. Some rough and steep sections. Features: Active volcanoes, emerald lakes, lava flows, hot and cold springs. Climate: Severe weather possible at any time of year. Conditions tend to be most stable late summer/early autumn (February/March). Ice axe and crampons required in winter. Accommodation: Hotel rooms, tent and RV camping inside the Park. Further lodging in National Park village on the intersection of Hwy 4 and 47, 10 km south of the 48 turn-off. Trail Notes: Exposed terrain, so be prepared for changeable weather. Transport and trail information from Whakapapa visitor center. |
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