Tasman Travels Take On Tongariro

Is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the best Great Walk in New Zealand?

We reckon so! 19.4 kilometres of solidified volcanic lava flows, other-worldly colours, active fumaroles, sacred lakes and views, views, views, we loved it.

View from Red Crater Ridge down to the Emerald Lakes

As relatively experienced walkers, we have been lucky enough to complete a few pretty epic walks and hikes across Australasia, yet each new adventure, long or short still brings a bit of apprehension and a load of excitement.

Early morning start on the Mangatepopo track

We completed the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the 16th April 2023, not long after this date snow covers the ancient mountains and landscape, requiring alpine climbing skills and usually a guide!

Jumping onto tongariroexpeditions.com we went straight to there ‘Plan Ahead’ section, which offers oodles of great tips of what to wear for the Tongariro Crossing, take with you, because no matter how experienced you are, its always good to ask the locals and with over 20 experience on the mountains of the Central Plateau, this lot are definitely locals!

Mt Ngauruahoe

The booking process with Tongariro Expeditions was so easy, and what we really liked was the communication prior to our hike day. The weather in Tongariro National Park is forever changing and can be very dramatic and dangerous, so receiving the email titled ‘All Go!’ was a welcome relief!

We chose the Ketetahi shuttle service that Tongariro Expeditions, offering a one-way shuttle from your vehicle at the end of the hike to the start of the hike in the morning. By hiking your way back to your car, there is no time limit to your hike, which is great as we wanted to take our sweet time, and no need to wait for a bus once you’ve reached the end. It’s just a short stint on the shuttle with other likeminded folk raring to do the Crossing and the friendly shuttle driver providing info, maps and a few jokes!

The Crossing - One could go on and on for pages, and pages about actually doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, about the astonishing scenery, ever changing landscapes, the spiritual vibe a place like this immerses you in, but no, find out for yourself. The walk took us approximately 8 hours, with plenty of selfie-stops, ‘second breakfast’ and of course ‘luncheon’.

Emerald Lake

Don’t concern yourself with the pace of others around you, for many this is a once in a lifetime experience, so take it all in. But be prepared, we witnessed scorching sunshine, strong icy winds and overcast tempting a down pour, and when you think you’re at the end of this magnificent must do walk, you’re not. So plenty of rest the night before.

Devil's Staircase

As we’re in our camper-van and members of the NZMCA (New Zealand Motorhome Association) we stayed at one of their Parks just up the way in Tūrangi, there are many, many other accommodation and camping options available.

We plan to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing again, perhaps next year. We’ll be sure to contact Tongariro Expeditions again, for a smooth and informative introduction to now our favourite great walk this magical country has to offer Ngā manaakitanga.

Ketetahi car park... back to where we parked our van

Want to see their full adventure? Check out their YouTube video of their experience!

Where can you find Tom and Jordan?

www.tasmantravels.com or Instagram: @tasmantravels

Written by Jordan Tasman