Whether you’re going to be traveling to the Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, or planning a visit for the first time, there are many considerations you’ll need to keep in mind. These include how long you can expect your crossing to take, and whether or not it’s best to drive or hike.
Devil’s Staircase
Taking a hike on the Tongariro Crossing is not a walk in the park, but it’s worth the effort. It’s one of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand and the views are awe-inspiring. If you’re interested in a guided tour, check out GetYourGuide. The tour includes lunch, transportation and a guide to help you get through the hike. You can also choose to do a shorter, two-hour hike to get to the base of Mount Ngauruhoe.
One of the coolest aspects of the Tongariro Crossing is the Emerald Lakes. These lakes were formed from volcanic eruptions and were coloured by minerals leached from the surrounding volcanic rocks. The pools in the Emerald Lakes are blue and green.
During the winter, the Tongariro Crossing trail is covered with ice. That’s why it’s best to hike during the spring or summer months. The trail is also closed during bad weather.
The Devil’s Staircase is a vertical climb that starts out as a flat stretch. The incline is gradual and you’ll climb 200 metres in a short distance. You’ll then cross lava flows and volcanic debris. It’s a very challenging climb, and requires both heart and lung power. It’s also a great way to get views of the Tongariro National Park.
The trail also ends at the Soda Springs. The Soda Springs are an important stop because they have amenities. It’s a good warm-up. Afterwards, you’ll be able to hike to Red Crater, one of the most famous spots in the crossing. It’s a great view and is the highest point on the trail. It’s also windy.
The first part of the Tongariro Crossing hike is the most popular, as it’s the easiest to navigate. The hike begins at the Ketetahi car park. You can also do it from Okahune or Taupo. The trail can be a little loose, so it’s important to be careful.
If you’re considering hiking the Tongariro Crossing, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views, giant volcanic craters, and smoking heat vents. But the best part of the crossing isn’t the trail.
Blue Lake
Located in Tongariro National Park, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most famous day hikes in New Zealand. This trek is one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be completed on foot or with a guide. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will provide you with a glimpse of the unique landscape and geothermal activity.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing begins at a trailhead located at the Mangatepopo Road end of the Tongariro Mountain. You’ll need to park at the trailhead. The track is a flat, one-direction trek that passes through Mangatepopo Valley. You’ll have spectacular views of Mount Taranaki and Mount Ngauruhoe.
As you hike, you’ll pass over two lava flows from the 1870s and two pyroclastic flows from 1975. You’ll also pass through the Lahar Hazard Zone.
One of the most impressive photo ops of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are the Emerald Lakes. These brilliantly colored lakes are formed by minerals that leach from the surrounding rock. The Emerald Lakes are often frozen during the winter, but they’re most vibrant in the summer.
One of the least favorite parts of the day hike is the descent. This is because the ground is unstable and can be dangerous. You’ll need to take care when approaching steam vents, which can be very hot and cause severe burns. Stay on the marked track, however.
You’ll have to hike a total of 19.4 kilometers before you reach the western end of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. You’ll then need to retrace your steps by walking 26 kilometers along State Highways 46 and 47. To complete the Tongariro Northern Circuit, you’ll need to return to the trailhead by hiking the 19.4 km trek again.
Blue Lake is a sacred lake. It’s considered sacred because the waters of the lake are cooled by lava from Mount Tongariro. The lake is usually covered in ice and snow in July and August. However, the lake’s waters return when the snow melts. The lake’s shores are dotted with windows in trees so you can get a glimpse of the lake.
South Crater
Probably the most famous and dramatic day hike in New Zealand is the Tongariro Crossing. The hike is about 19.4 kilometers long. The route passes through an active volcanic area in the National Park. The trail passes over two lava flows from 1870 and two pyroclastic flows from 1975. It is possible to hike the Tongariro Crossing independently, or by using a guide. There are shuttles available from nearby villages to pick up hikers and return them at the end of the trail.
The Tongariro Crossing is a steep, 19-kilometer trail. The track starts near the Mangatepopo car park, which is located at 1,120 meters above sea level. There are shuttles to pick up hikers from the park’s visitor center and surrounding villages. The hike is at its busiest during the peak hiking season from October to April. It is recommended to start the hike early to beat the crowds.
The Tongariro Crossing’s longest part is the climb from Soda Springs to South Crater. The climb is relatively level, but there are some rocky sections. There are several streams to cross and volcanic rocks to climb.
The trail also passes through the Lahar Hazard Zone, which is located within the crater. A lahar is a flash flood of volcanic materials. The crater is also known for its colorful Emerald Lakes. The Emerald Lakes are a unique color because of the minerals that leach out of the thermal environment. These lakes have a turquoise hue. They are accompanied by a smaller pool. The Emerald Lakes are the most beautiful photo ops of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The Tongariro Crossing trail is one of the most popular hikes in the country, but it can be challenging. It is not recommended for anyone who has not completed an ultra-marathon. It is possible to use a guide, but if you don’t have a guide, be prepared for some challenging sections. There are shuttles that pick up hikers from the national park and return them to the trailhead. The shuttles are operated by private companies.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most spectacular hikes in New Zealand. It is one of the most popular day hikes in the country, and has been included on the shortlist of the world’s best hikes.
Accommodation options
Taking a hike through Tongariro National Park requires some sort of accommodation. The Crossing is one of the most popular day walks in New Zealand, but it’s also very difficult. If you’re not prepared for the alpine conditions, you might want to skip this walk. Luckily, there are plenty of options for accommodation near the Crossing.
Those looking for a luxury experience can stay at the Powderhorn Chateau, which features a restaurant and cosy fire. In addition, a heated pool is available. There are also options for freedom camping, which is ideal for those on a budget. You can find these options in Turangi or Ketetahi.
Turangi is a large town with plenty of restaurants and activities. It’s also located near Mount Ruapehu and Lake Taupo. It’s a perfect base for activities in the Tongariro National Park. The town has a variety of accommodation, but you should book in advance. It’s also a good place to check the weather.
Ketetahi is a smaller town, about 22 km from Turangi. Ketetahi has a large number of accommodation options and great restaurants. You can also find a range of activities, including fishing, auto repairs, and a hot pool. The town has a variety of shops and supermarkets, as well as a car park.
There are a number of operators that provide transport services for walkers in the area. You can also use a park and ride, which is located at the end of Findlay Street, near the train station. You’ll need to buy kiwi cash to use the facilities.
If you’re looking for accommodation near Tongariro, you should also consider Whakapapa, which is located at the base of Mount Ruapehu. It’s a little further from Mount Ruapehu, but the village has a number of accommodation options. The village is also a good base for activities in the Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks.
If you’re staying at Whakapapa, you can easily access the Round the Mountain Track, which starts from Whakapapa Village. There are also many other attractions in the area, including the popular Whanganui River canoeing trip.
