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The Track
The Track
Tongiriro Alpine Crossing Must Haves
Be Prepared For Changes In The Weather
NZ Environmental Care Code
Mangatepopo Road End To Soda Springs
Soda Springs To South Crater
South Crater To Red Crater
Red Crater To Blue Lake
Blue Lake To Ketetahi Shelter
Ketetahi Shelter To Ketetahi Car Park
Alpine Life
Alpine Life
Geology
Winter
Volcano Activity
World Heritage
National Park Villages
FAQs
Gallery
Home
The Track
The Track
Tongiriro Alpine Crossing Must Haves
Be Prepared For Changes In The Weather
NZ Environmental Care Code
Mangatepopo Road End To Soda Springs
Soda Springs To South Crater
South Crater To Red Crater
Red Crater To Blue Lake
Blue Lake To Ketetahi Shelter
Ketetahi Shelter To Ketetahi Car Park
Alpine Life
Alpine Life
Geology
Winter
Volcano Activity
World Heritage
National Park Villages
FAQs
Gallery
The Track
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is described as one of the best one-day hikes in New Zealand.
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World Heritage
Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage area due to its outstanding natural features and cultural significance.
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing Map
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4km of pure rugged New Zealand beauty. View our map of the track.
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World Heritage
Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage area due to its outstanding natural features and cultural significance.
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Alpine Life
Conditions in Tongariro National Park change dramatically with the seasons, resulting in a wide variety of habitats.
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National Park Village
National Park Village lies in the heart of the dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park and provides easy access to nearby activities.
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TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING, TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK, NEW ZEALAND
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is heralded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand and is regarded as among the top ten single-day treks in the world.
Many who complete the 19.4-kilometer journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in the
Tongariro National Park
- New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site. Tongariro National Park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensure the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a world-renowned trek.
What to expect from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Although beautiful, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, can be dangerous if you are not fully prepared to enter an alpine environment. Extreme weather, terrain and distance have resulted in this track having the highest number of search and rescues for hikers in New Zealand. This video, produced by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, takes you through the entire track and shows you how to prepare for a successful day out so that you make it home safely.
Shuttle transport recommended for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Visitors are strongly recommended to not park their vehicles at either end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but park and ride with
licensed operators
from the townships nearby such as National Park Village & Whakapapa Village.
There is a 4-hour parking restriction in place at both the Mangatepopo and Ketetahi road ends to allow for those doing shorter walks. However, for those hiking the entire Tongariro Alpine Crossing,
shuttle operators
, which are approved by the Department of Conservation, will not only provide timely shuttle transport but also provide expert safety knowledge on the walk and the weather . They will also provide back-up should you suffer a mishap during the day.
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Winter
I
n the winter months, from May to October, snow and ice covers much of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track. If you are experienced in hiking with crampons and ice axe and in alpine terrain, you can trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing during these months. Read more about the experience of hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing in winter
here
. Without alpine experience, a guided trip is recommended. A guided trip can be booked with one of these local and experienced companies operating from nearby National Park Village:
Adrift Tongariro Guiding
and
Adventure Outdoors Tongariro
.
PLEASE NOTE: The usual shuttles services no longer run in winter. However, the four-hour restrictions on parking at either end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing do not apply either.
Image Gallery
The spectacular vistas and unique geological features of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing create a perfect setting for some amazing photographs. Take a look at our selection of images of this natural wonderland.
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Current Volcanic Activity
The Tongariro Alpine crossing traverses areas with active volcanoes. Check here to see the latest updates on volcanic activity in the area.
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