The Track

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track spans the length of Mount Tongariro, covering 19.4 kilometres. On average the trek takes between seven and nine hours to complete.

The track starts at the Mangatepopo Valley and finishes at Ketatahi Road. Following the track in this direction means the least amount of climbing is involved, though first timers should be aware that the track is considered steep in parts.
Transport needs to be arranged to drop you at the beginning of the track and to provide pick up from the end of the track after your trek. A number of operators in Tongariro National Park and Taupo provide transport to and from the track.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Must Haves
What to wear, what to take - the list of essentials everyone walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. [more]

Be Prepared for Changes in the Weather
The weather can change quickly in the alpine environment and it is absolutely critical that you are prepared for any changes in weather. [more]

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Map
This map provides basic information including the track layout, hut & toilet locations as well as altitudes for various points of interest. [more]

NZ Environmental Care Code
To help protect the natural environment, please follow these guidelines on your visit. [more]

Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs
Grade: Easy - allow 1 - 1.5 hours [more]

Soda Springs to South Crater
Grade: Moderate - Difficult, allow 40 minutes to 1 hour. [more]

South Crater to Red Crater
Grade: Moderate - Difficult, allow 1 hour [more]

Red Crater to Blue Lake
Grade: Moderate, allow 30 minutes [more]

Blue Lake to Ketetahi Hut
Grade Moderate - allow 1 hour [more]

Ketetahi Hut to Ketetahi Car Park
Grade: Moderate - allow 2 hours [more]