Overview

Hype:

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park is a tramping track in New Zealand, and is among the most popular day hikes in the country. The crossing passes over the volcanic terrain of the multi-cratered active volcano Mount Tongariro, passing the eastern base of Mount Ngauruhoe. The full distance of the track is usually 19.4-kilometre (12.1 mi).

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 6-10 hours

Length: 11.4 miles one way

Elevation Gain: 3,460 / -4521 ft

Fees: Optional shuttle

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/tongariro-alpine-crossing/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongariro_Alpine_Crossing

Getting There

Navigate to -39.199801, 175.541723.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Coordinates: -39.125728, 175.657559

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November 16, 2022 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye,

Story

We got an email at about 10:00 at night just as we were going to bed saying that our shuttle car for our hike the next day was canceled because of the rain. We would have done the hike in the rain anyway, but since we didn't have a shuttle, we made some alternative plans for the next day and then went to bed.

On Wednesday, instead of waking up at the crack of done, we slept in a little bit and had a little bit slower morning. We drove to a little Tokaanu Thermal Walk, which is a city or county park that's free.

We walked around and looked at the hot springs and geysers and then drove out to Tongariro National Park. We went to the trail end for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and hiked it in reverse for about a quarter mile to Ketetahi Falls.

We had the whole place to ourselves since all of the other people were hiking the other direction. We only saw one person the whole time. In the busy tourist season, they can have as many as a thousand hikers per day on that trail. 

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