2 minute read
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Winding its way past Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe, this walk lets you explore dramatic volcanic landscapes including craters, glacial valleys, native beech forest, alpine meadows andemerald-coloured lakes in the Tongariro National Park World Heritage area.
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Where is it?
Start at either Mangatepopo car park on the west of the mountain or Ketetahi car park to the north.
Terrain
The climbs can be steep and the terrain includes gravel, scree, boardwalks, bush and alpine paths.
Need to know
This is alpine territory so be prepared for all weather conditions and ensure you have all the essential equipment to handle alpine conditions. Start the walk by 8am or 9am as you do not want tobe finishing after dusk.
Track Overview
Leaving from the Mangatepopo car park, the trails begins with gravel and boardwalks as it makes its way steadily up to Soda Springs. You will find toilets there. Next comes the steepest part of the walk, known affectionately as The Devil’s Staircase; this takes you up to the Mangatepopo Saddle. If you’re feeling frisky, do the Extra for Experts and trot up to Mt Ngāuruhoe before returning to the main track to continue on to the saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngāuruhoe. Follow the markers to the South Crater where you’ll find the crossing’s highest point; the Red Crater is 1,887m above sea level. From here walk on past the Emerald Lakes, then it’s around the side of the Blue Lake where it’s pretty much all downhill to the Ketetahi Shelter. The last two hours, give or take, lead you through native forest before letting you out at the Ketetahi car park.
If you want to avoid peak season, walk in November when there are only two or three hundred people on the track each day.
Need to Know
NO DOGS, this is a kiwi area
TIME & DISTANCE: 7-9hr one way; 19.4km one way
FITNESS: Strong fitness required
TERRAIN: Steep with many steps
Local Highlights
• Tūrangi is home to the Tongariro National Trout Centre that is run by DOC. Walk through the museumand learn all about trout, feed some in the aquarium and learn to fish.
Taihape Gumboot © Getty Images
• Taihape is worth a visit with horse treks, river activities as well as the draw of that huge, metal gumboot sculpture. If you’re visiting in March, enjoy the annual Taihape Gumboot Festival.
