If you've booked to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you're in for a treat!
It's widely regarded as New Zealand's best one-day walk. Expect steep ascents, moon-like landscapes, vivid crater lakes, steaming sulphur, epic views, scree-filled descents into craters and green lush forest.
But also be ready for strong winds, searing heat, driving rain and dramatic temperature swings. You're heading into the North Island snow zone so be prepared for four seasons in one day. This beautiful but challenging 19 kilometre hike takes on average six to eight hours to complete, so it's a long day in the great outdoors.
Our Alpine Crossing shuttle will drop you off at the Mangatepopo carpark start point. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track climbs over layers of ancient lava flows and modern volcanic terrain, rising 800 metres towards the Red Crater. This alpine environment features dramatic glacial valleys and exposed ridgelines where weather changes can play a big part in how the day goes. As with any mountainous environment, a sunny day can turn stormy at any time of year. It's not uncommon to be sweating up the Devil's Staircase then shivering ten minutes later as you climb over the crest into a southerly blast of Antarctic air.
This is an alpine hike, so you need to have a plan:
Check the weather forecast before you set out and come prepared with the right gear for exposed conditions. We’ve seen what happens to the under-prepared in flip-flops and singlets so follow our advice on what to pack and wear. Play it safe and follow this ‘top to toe’ checklist, which applies all year round!
For more ways to prepare for the Tongariro alpine crossing, visit our guide!
Missing some gear? Don't sweat it! Though gear hire is no longer available from our Tongariro shuttle service, we can direct you to local options.
Our transfer service ensures the best start to the day, but make sure to bring a packed lunch, bottled water and snacks as the bus does not sell food, nor can you buy it on the track.
Above all, savour the experience and enjoy exploring a New Zealand treasure. Where else can you hike through scenery reminiscent of Middle Earth? Only on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world's top day walks.
If you haven't already, book your Tongariro shuttle service today and leave the transport logistics to us!
