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The Track
The Track
Tongariro 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
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Home
The Track
The Track
Tongariro 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
Red Crater To Blue Lake
Grade: Moderate - Allow 30 Minutes
The descent from Red Crater demands extra care as loose scoria underfoot can move quickly and easily.
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. Minerals leached from the surrounding rock cause the colour of the Lakes.
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 Alpine 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 touch, enter, eat or drink around its shores.
The last toilet facilities are located at Soda Springs; there are no further facilities until you reach the Ketetahi Hut.
Grade: Moderate - allow 30 minutes The descent from Red Crater demands extra care as loose scoria underfoot can move quickly and easily.