Grade: Moderate 30 minutes

Care is required with the descent from Red Crater, as this part of the track is steep and you are on loose scoria which can move under foot. 

To the left you will see an old lava flow from Red Crater spreading out across the floor of central crater.   To the right are the Emerald Lakes.  The colour is caused by minerals leached from the surrounding rock.  The steam vents above the lake are responsible for the sulphurous smell. 

You will notice the Track to Otureree Hut, part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, branches off just past the lowest lake.  The Tongariro Crossing track follows around the edge of Central Crater then climbs up to Blue Lake (A cold acidic lake)

The lake is tapu (sacred) and it is disrespectful to eat or drink around its shores.

Blue Lake to Ketetahi Hut >>>