The crown jewel of the north island, the Tongariro Northern Circuit takes you through the often desolate but always dramatic rocky landscapes formed by a long history of volcanic eruptions. Dramatic and colourful alpine lakes, a couple of gorgeous forest sections, the towering Mt doom (aka Mt Ngauruhoe) and an alpine crossing reaching 1869m eleveation.
Time to complete
3 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Loop
Distance
45km
Difficulty
Medium
Bookings required
Yes, except May-Oct
Stunning alpine forests sections
Cross over the impressive Tonariro crossing and view the colourful lakes
Marvel at the gigantic volcanic formations along the way
See the giant Taranaki Falls
Walk amongst uniquely barren otherworldly volcanic landscapes
Take a side trip to see the Tama Lakes and/or Mt Doom
The Tongariro Northtern Circuit is the North Islands premiere great walk, offering vast volcanic landscapes that aren’t found anywhere else in New Zealand. Incorporating about half of the popular Tongariro Crossing, it heads off in a different direction at the half way point of the crossing making a full loop back to the start of the trail. Given the volcanic nature of the area, it can feel like walking in a rocky desert along much of the trail. However the towering volcanic mountains and other formations are always prominent and are sure to keep the walk interesting the entire way.There are some lush forest sections and and the impressive Taranaki Falls along the way.
Most people select to do this walk in 3 days, however it is possible to complete it in 2 days or even 4 days depending on personal preference. I recommend 3 days as being the sweet spot and I have written the guide below assuming 4 days and either Mangatepopo Hut or Oturere Hut should be skipped if doing a 3 day version.
Track condition
-Very good condition with easy-medium hiking most of the track except for the alpine crossing sectiton which has a bit of scree and easy rock scrambling on the way down.
-Between Whakapapa Village and Mangatepopo Hut parts of the track does get difficult during wet weather
Optionals
-Side trip up one of the volcanic peaks
-Visit the Tama lakes
The track is a loop track starting and finishing at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.
Trail start/finish location: Whakapapa Visitor Centre
-Huts:
The huts are a mixture of the classic DOC style with one (Waihohonu Hut) being quite modern; all with great facilities. Toilets are non-flush and inside the hut kithens there is gas during the great walk season. There are wood burning fireplaces in all huts.
-Camping:
Only possible in the designated camping areas nearby the huts.
-Booking:
Bookings required for both huts and campsites during the great walk season. First come, first serve after this. (Waihohonu Hut is popular with families on Saturdays)
-Back-country hut pass:
Can be used during October-May.
The entire Tongariro plateau is over 1000m elevation and given the volcanic peaks, tthe weather doesn’t always match the forecast. Plan for things to deteriorate just in case. Wet weather gear and warm layers are a must all year round.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Alpine gear required for the pass towards the end of may and onwards. Crampons and Ice axes need to be taken and check in at the visitor centre to determine any additional precautions.
Department of conservation website | Tongariro National Park Weather
9.4km | 3-4 Hour
The first day starts with a small section through a lush beech rainforest that runs alongside the Wairere Stream. Crossing a swing bridge, the traverse towards Mangatepopo begins. Once leaving the tree cover, the track is the least maintained and can be slippery in wet weather.
12.3km | 4.5-6 Hours
2.5-3.5hr | Tongariro alpine crossing
Make your way up the valley towards Soda Springs. Once here, it’s a good spot for a snack and to check out the Soda Springs waterfall. Carrying on from here is the section nicknamed the Devils Staircase. The South crater is met eventually which then needs to be crossed following the blue poles before making a final climb up to the highest point of the crossing.
2-2.5hr | Otutrere Hutt
After getting over the crossing, ski down the scree slope and make sure you don’t miss the turn-off towards Oturere Hut. The descent is a bit tricky but not overly so that it feels dangerous. Keep following the blue poles until you reach the hut.
Optional (2-3hr):
-Climb up Mt Ngauruhoe or the easier Mt Tongariro for some epic 360 degree views
Tips:
Best to start early if you’re doing this section on a weekend as the crossing can be busy.
The Red Crater
8.1km | 3-3.5 Hours
The third day is a relaxing affair compared to all the others. It’s easy walking on the entire section as you walk over the undulating hills towards Waihohonu Hut. Eventually a small forest section is met which has miraculously survived many of the recent eruptions in the area. At the topcyou’ll get a good view of the upcoming nights accommodation and it’s a quick and easy descent to get there.
15.4km | 5-6 Hours
The final day takes you in the area between Mt Tongariro/Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, allowing for some impressive views of each if you are lucky enough with the weather. Eventually you’ll get to the Tama Saddle which is a great side trip and then the Taranaki Falls. I recommend to take the lower track back to the visitor centre which is very beautiful following the stream most of the way.
Optional (1-2hr):
Venture up the Tama Saddle to see the opal blue Tama lakes
Kepler Track
Epic ridge line walking and some of greenest forest floors to be found
Milford Track
NZ’s most popular walk through ‘The land of the perpendicular’
