Bucket List / Adventure Travel Goals
Hike The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Still to do
Cross an active volcanic landscape past a red crater and steaming emerald lakes, beneath the volcano that played Mount Doom.
The adventure
It starts gently across old lava flows, then climbs the Devil's Staircase into the South Crater, a flat, moon-like basin beneath the perfect cone of Mount Ngauruhoe, the volcano that stood in for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings.
The highest point is the rim of Red Crater, its rocks streaked with rust-red and black, steam drifting from vents in the ground. Then comes the best moment: a scree run down to the Emerald Lakes, three pools of startling green and blue water coloured by minerals, with a sulphurous smell in the air. From there the trail crosses Central Crater, passes Blue Lake and winds down through tussock and forest, with views out over Lake Taupō.
Why it’s epic
- Red Crater, the highest point of the crossing at 1,886 metres.
- The Emerald Lakes, coloured by minerals from the volcano.
- Mount Ngauruhoe, the stand-in for Mount Doom.
What it is
A 19.4-kilometre day hike across volcanic terrain in New Zealand's oldest national park, past steaming vents, a red crater and the brilliant Emerald Lakes.
How to do it
Book a shuttle from National Park village or Whakapapa to the start and pick-up from the end; the walk is one-way.
Top tip
Check the mountain forecast the night before; the crossing is exposed and weather turns fast.
Need to know
- It's a one-way hike, so book a shuttle.
- In winter it becomes an alpine route needing a guide and crampons.
- There's no water on the route, so carry plenty.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- Under £750 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- 7 to 9 hours
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Fly into
- AKL airport
The walk is free; shuttle and accommodation are the costs.
Make it happen
Why it’s on my list
Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.
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