The Tongariro Crossing New ZealandTongariro is New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual World
Heritage area. This status recognises the park's important Maori
cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding
volcanic features. The park encompasses Mount Tongariro, Mount
Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe with its classic conical profile.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track passes over varied and
spectacular volcanic terrain. In the presence of active volcanoes
you can experience some of Tongariro National Park’s special
gifts. A cold mountain spring, lava flows, an active crater, steam
vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to
make this an enjoyable and memorable trip.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Time: 6-8 hr Distance: 18.5 km
This description details the trek from Mangatepopo through to
Ketetahi. A full day is required (7-8 hours including rest stops).
The track can be walked in the reverse direction but this requires
more climbing so allow an extra hour. As this is not a round trip
visitors will have to arrange transport to Mangatepopo roadend and
back from Ketetahi roadend. Several local operators provide this
service.
From the carpark at Mangatepopo Roadend, 6km off State Highway 47,
the track makes its way up the Mangatepopo Valley. Thirty minutes
from the carpark a side track on the left leads to Mangatepopo
Hut. Continuing at a gentle gradient the main track climbs
alongside a stream and around the edges of old lava flows.
The porous surface of new lava, its blacker colour absorbing much
of the sun’s heat, is a harsh environment for plants. Simple
colonising mosses and lichens are the first to establish followed
years later by successively larger plants each taking advantage of
the slow build up of precious soil. This succession of plant
communities is evident on the lava flows of varying ages that have
flowed from the crater of Ngauruhoe.
Near the head of the valley a short side track leads to Soda
Springs. The springs are an oasis for the moisture loving yellow
buttercups and white foxgloves.
The steep climb from the valley to Mangatepopo Saddle between
Mount’s Ngauruhoe and Tongariro is rewarded by views of, on a
clear day, Mount Taranaki to the west.
For the fit and enthusiastic, Mount Ngauruhoe can be climbed as a
three-hour return side trip from South Crater. A poled route leads
off the main track to the base of Ngauruhoe, from here the route
follows a rock ridge directly uphill toward the summit. This route
is not marked.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track continues along a poled route
across South Crater to a ridge leading up Red Crater from where
you can get views of Mt Tongariro. You can smell the sulphur,
evidence that Red Crater is still active.
From here a side trip can be taken along a poled route leading to
the summit of Mount Tongariro (2 hours return).
From the summit of Red Crater (1886 metres), the highest point on
the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the track descends down to three
water filled explosion craters called the Emerald Lakes. Their
brilliant greenish colour is caused by minerals which have leached
from the adjoining thermal area. Be careful on the descent as the
track has lots of loose stones and gravel on the surface.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit track to Oturere Hut branches off
to the right at the lowest lake, while the Tongariro Alpine
Crossing continues over Central Crater to Blue Lake. Blue Lake (an
old volcanic vent) is also known as Te
Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa’s Mirror). Te Rangihiroa
is said to have explored the Tongariro volcanoes about 1750 AD.
From Blue Lake the track sidles around the flanks of North Crater,
descending to Ketetahi Hut.
The Ketetahi Springs are on private land. Trekking the Tongariro
Alpine Crossing does not convey any right of access to the
springs. The Ketetahi Trust, representing the landowners, has
given permission for trekkers to cross part of their land but this
does not include access to Ketetahi Springs. Please respect this
restraint and follow the poled route.
Below Ketetahi Hut the track continues down through tussock slopes
to the forest bushline.
The cool podocarp-hardwood forest provides a final contrast on the
long descent to the roadend. At two points the track passes over
the tongue of a lava flow from Te Maari Crater and for a distance,
travels alongside a stream polluted with minerals from Ketetahi
Springs.
Important Notes: This is not a round trip visitors will have to
arrange transport to Mangatepopo roadend and back from Ketetahi
roadend.
The weather in Tongariro National Park is extremely
changeable all year round. Always be prepared for all weather and
conditions (hot and cold). Check the forecast before you leave. A
moderate to good level of fitness and sturdy footwear is required
as there are some steep and rocky sections. It is a full days
hiking - ensure you have sufficient food and drink. This walk is
not recommended during the extreme conditions that can prevail
during the winter months.
This self-guided walk can be incorporated into one of our
customised itineraries, by allowing for at least a 2 night
stopover in/or near Taupo. Details regarding transport connections
are included.
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