Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  North Island  /  Manawatu-Wanganui Region  /  Tongariro National Park  /  Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

4.8
#1 of 186 in Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Must see · Hiking Trail · Nature / Park
Get ready for an outdoor adventure among some of New Zealand's best volcanic scenery at Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Linking Mangatepopo and Ketetahi hot springs, this hiking trail leads you past three active volcanoes, colorful mineral-filled lakes, steaming fumaroles, and boiling springs. With a length of 19.4 km (12.1 mi) and frequent rugged terrain, the trek requires a reasonable level of fitness, adequate equipment, and, importantly, sufficient amounts of drinking water. During the summer numerous shuttles operate between the two trailheads and connect them to the nearby towns. In the winter, however, very few shuttles run; avoid long waits or having to walk back to your car by taking one of the guided tours that includes a bus transfer. A visit to Tongariro Alpine Crossing represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Tongariro National Park trip itinerary website to plot your vacation.
Create an itinerary including Tongariro Alpine Crossing
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Tongariro Alpine Crossing

FROM $42 BOOK WITH VIATOR Tongariro Crossing Return Transfer from Turangi
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Tours from $42 »
FROM $15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Tongariro Self-Guided Audio Tour
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Tours from $15 »

Tongariro Alpine Crossing reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
2,139 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By caberyl
    Being able to accomplish the trek with my children. Never underestimate the weather. Be prepared for the worst so then there are no surprises. The hike will test your physical fitness, more...  more »
  • By CPenk
    Absolutely worth it in clear weather, not worth the risk or effort if overcast or cloudy, better to do the Kaimanawas or something more sheltered and at lower elevation. The general attitude towards....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Tongariro National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Hidden gems in Tongariro National Park

©
Hiking Trail
Horsemtrails
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
©
Historic Walking Area
Ohakune Old Coach Road
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
National Park
Active Outdoor Adventures
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
©
Volcano
Mount Ruapehu
4.5
Duration: 4 hours

Popular things to do in Tongariro National Park

See all ›
©
Water Body
Tama Lakes Whakapapa
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
©
Hiking Trail
Tongariro Northern Circuit
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
©
Waterfall
Taranaki Falls
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Hiking Trail
Rotopounamu Track
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

Trails in Tongariro National Park

©
Hiking Trail
Silica Rapids Track Whakapapa
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Hiking Trail
Whakapapa Nature Walk
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Hiking Trail
Ridge Track Whakapapa
4.1
Duration: 30 minutes
Hiking Trail
Mounds Walk
2.7
Duration: 30 minutes

Side trips from Tongariro National Park

©
River Rafting / Tubing
River Rafting & Tubing Turangi
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Biking Trail
Timber Trail NZ Pureora Forest Park
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
©
Wildlife Area
Tongariro National Trout Centre Turangi
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
©
Park
Mt Ngauruhoe Turangi
4.8
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Tongariro National Park

©
Photography Tour
Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour
4.9
Duration: 1 hour
©
Visitor Center
Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre) Whakapapa
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Transportation
Tongariro Crossing Shuttles
3.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Scenic Walking Area
Mead's Wall Whakapapa
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in Tongariro National Park

©
Waterfall
Tawhai Falls
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Waterfall
Mangawhero Falls
4.2
Duration: 30 minutes
©
National Park
Te Porere Redoubt
4.0
Duration: 30 minutes

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Tongariro Alpine Crossing by other users

27 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM COLOMBIA November, popular sights Preferences: November Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 38 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM COLOMBIA December, popular sights Preferences: December Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 25 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND December, popular sights Preferences: December Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 15 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES December, popular sights Preferences: December Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 60 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM MALAYSIA May, popular sights Preferences: May Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 43 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM June, popular sights Preferences: June Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium