Whether you are chasing the summer sun or exploring snow-dusted alpine peaks, Tongariro National Park provides a breathtaking experience during every season. As New Zealand's oldest national park and a
dual UNESCO World Heritage site, this volcanic wonderland is world-renowned for its dramatic landscapes.
From the emerald-hued crater lakes to the towering volcanic peaks of
Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and
Mt Ngauruhoe, the variety of Tongariro hikes available makes it a premier destination for explorers of all levels.
To make the most of your adventure, staying centrally is key. Tongariro Holiday Park offers a perfect base camp with a range of
Tongariro accommodation, including
comfortable ensuite and
family cabins, as well as both
powered campsites and
non-powered tent sites close to the Alpine Crossing.
The Best Day Hike - Tongariro Alpine Crossing Walk
Often described as the best one-day trek in New Zealand, the
Tongariro Alpine Crossing track is a 20.4km journey through a Martian-like landscape. This track is the crown jewel of all Tongariro hikes, taking you past the vivid Emerald Lakes and the massive Red Crater.
The track begins at Mangatepopo and concludes at Ketetahi, making it a challenging but rewarding day hike through a raw alpine environment shaped by old lava flows. To make the experience smoother and stress-free, you can
book a shuttle with Tongariro Expeditions for convenient transport to and from the trail.
As the track winds upward, hikers face a steep incline known as the Devil’s Staircase before reaching the South Crater. From there, the trail reveals a distinctive undulating landscape before arriving at the spectacular upper lake viewpoint.
Here, you can gaze down at the brilliant Blue Lake (a cold crater lake considered sacred to local Māori) and the steaming vents of the Central Crater. After finishing your 7-to-8-hour trek, returning to the holiday park allows you to relax in a comfortable cabin or soak in the atmosphere of the park’s campsites.
If you find the weather isn't suitable for the high-altitude Tongariro Crossing, you can easily pivot to the Taranaki Falls track or other lower-level hiking trails located nearby, ensuring your adventure continues regardless of the alpine conditions.
Multi-Day Hikes: Tongariro Great Walk
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness, the Tongariro Northern Circuit is one of New Zealand’s famed Tongariro Great Walks. This 45km loop typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete, encircling the perfect volcanic cone of Mt Ngauruhoe. As a highly varied walk, it transitions through everything from desolate, desert-like plateaus and jagged volcanic landscapes to lush beech forests and alpine meadows.
The circuit is most popular during the summer season (late October to April), when the alpine weather is generally more stable. If you are preparing for a multi-day journey, the Tongariro hiking trails in this circuit offer a true wilderness experience that goes far beyond the day-tripper routes.
You will witness steaming fumaroles, ancient explosion craters, and the stunning contrast of the Emerald Lakes against the raw, dark rock of the mountainside.
Best Short Walks: Tongariro National Park
Not everyone has the time or fitness for an 8-hour trek. Fortunately, some of the best walks in Tongariro National Park are under two hours long, while others offer a slightly deeper look into the wilderness without requiring a full day. These Tongariro short walks provide maximum scenery with moderate effort.
Taranaki Falls Track: This 6km loop is one of the most popular Tongariro National Park short walks. It leads you through a mix of tussock country and beech forest to a stunning 20-metre waterfall tumbling over an ancient lava flow.
Mangatepopo Valley Track: Ideal for those seeking a day hike with very few ascents, this path takes you into a dramatic glacial valley. It is largely a one-way hike (returning via the same path) that offers a close-up view of the volcanic terrain without the steep climb of the full Crossing.
Tupapakurua Falls Track: A hidden gem for experienced hikers, this trail winds through lush native trees and podocarp forest. It leads to a good lookout point where you can see the falls crashing into the valley below—a perfect alternative to the more crowded Tongariro hikes.
Mounds Walk Tongariro: An easy 20-minute stroll that offers a unique look at debris mounds formed by ancient volcanic avalanches.
Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool): A quick 20-minute return walk through mountain beech forest to a picturesque waterfall, famous as a filming location for
The Lord of the Rings
Exploring the Volcanic Heart of the Region
While the Tongariro Crossing is the most famous, the broader network includes various walking tracks that explore the mountain’s flanks, including the Mount Tongariro walk, which offers a more intimate experience of the volcanic landscape without the crowds.
The Tama Lakes track is a fantastic 17km alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It follows a portion of the Tongariro Northern Circuit and leads to two beautiful alpine lakes nestled in old explosion craters.
For those looking for a bit of height without the full-day commitment, the Skyline Walk starts at the top of the Sky Waka gondola on Mt Ruapehu. This Tongariro trail takes you to 2,300 metres above sea level, offering views across the central plateau that are simply unmatched. It is often cited as one of the most scenic Tongariro hikes accessible by lift.
Beyond walking, the area offers
a wide range of year-round activities, from skiing and snow play in winter to cycling, scenic chairlift rides and relaxed alpine sightseeing in the warmer months.
Planning Your Tongariro Hiking Adventure
When to Go
Hikes in Tongariro National Park are open year-round, but the experience changes drastically. Summer (December–March) is the peak season. In winter, the tracks are covered in snow, and tongariro guided walks are highly recommended for safety unless you are an experienced mountaineer with crampons and ice axes.
Essential Gear
Weather in the park is famously unpredictable. Even on short Tongariro hikes, you should carry:
- Waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Sturdy hiking boots.
- Plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
- A mobile phone and a personal locator beacon (PLB) for longer walks around Tongariro.
Where to Stay: Tongariro Holiday Park
Located on State Highway 47, Tongariro Holiday Park is perfectly positioned for those wanting to explore the many Tongariro walks and trails.
- Cabins: From basic twin and double cabins to self-contained en-suite units and large family cabins.
- Campsites: Plenty of powered sites for campervans and non-powered sites for traditional tent camping.
- Facilities: Large communal kitchens (remember to bring your own utensils!), hot showers, and a laundry room to clean your gear after a day on the Tongariro walking tracks.
By choosing a central base, you spend less time driving and more time exploring the best walks in Tongariro National Park.