Tongariro National Park New Zealand

An absolute highlight in New Zealand is undoubtedly a hike in Tongariro National Park. The active volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe call this park home, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site a few years ago due to its unique landscape and cultural significance.

The one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing is extremely popular. However, other hikes also promise breathtaking views. In this article, I'll provide you with an overview:

The area of Tongariro National Park is stunning, no doubt about it! Petrified lava flow valleys meet beautiful, water-filled explosion craters. You hike through the barren landscape that served as the backdrop for Mordor and Mount Doom in 'The Lord of the Rings.' Numerous hiking options invite exploration, but most visitors are focused on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or the 3 to 4-day Northern Circuit.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit is part of New Zealand's Great Walks and is designed as a loop hike. Starting from Whakapapa, it spans 42 kilometers through the national park. On the first day, the trail partly follows the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; the route continues through active volcanic land, glacier valleys, bush forests, and emerald green lakes.

Overnight stays are in typical DOC huts, which are designated as Great Walk huts from October to April and come equipped with gas cookers. It's best to book these huts in advance online or at an i-Site.

Start & End: Whakapapa Village

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Length: 42 kilometers loop

Difficulty: challenging

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is by far the most beautiful and also the most popular hike in New Zealand. Over 19.4 kilometers, you ascend from Mangatepopo Valley to Mount Ngauruhoe. You pass the active geothermal zones of South and Red Crater, overlook deep blue and emerald green crater lakes, and on clear days can see Mount Taranaki to the west of the island.

For this hike, you'll need a full day, which you can do alone or experience guided. However, you should be aware that this is a one-way route, meaning you won't return to the starting point. Regular shuttle buses operate, and it's best to book one in advance before your hike. Buses also run from Taupo, Whakapapa Village, and other locations to the start and end of the hike. If you choose to hike without a guide, you should arrange that beforehand.

Start: Mangatepōpō Road

End: Ketetahi Road

Duration: approx. 5.5 to 9 hours (depending on fitness & weather conditions)

Length: 19.4 kilometers

Difficulty: challenging

Book Shuttle Bus in advance

Book guided tour with guide here

The Tongariro Massif also offers many shorter hikes. One of them is the walk to Taranaki Falls.

The hiking trail begins about 100 meters behind the Whakapapa Visitor Center. You can choose between the Upper and Lower Track.

We first hiked along the lower path following the circular trail beside the Wairere Stream. After about 40 minutes, which included parts through bushland, we arrived at the approximately 20-meter-high Taranaki Falls, cascading over a former lava flow created after an eruption of Ruapehu 15,000 years ago.

Start & End: Whakapapa Village, at the Visitor Center

Duration: approx. 2 hours

Length: 6 kilometers loop

Difficulty: easy

From Taranaki Falls, you follow the trail to the Upper Track and can begin heading toward the Tama Lakes. The path leads through golden tussock grass clumps, bordered on the north by Mount Ngauruhoe and on the south by Ruapehu.

With a closer look, you can even see the ski lifts of the ski area on Ruapehu. It can get very windy here, so it's advisable to bring a windbreaker even in the best weather conditions.

First, you reach the Lower Lake of the two lakes at an elevation of 1240 meters. The path then sharply ascends, and you'll follow the blue markers through the rough terrain to the viewpoint of the Upper Lakes at 1440 meters altitude.

I must admit, this view - with snow-capped volcanoes on the right and left - was simply amazing! We two lucky girls had sunshine on our side, and for lunch, we had peanut butter sandwiches to refuel.

Start & End: Whakapapa Village

Duration: approx. 5-6 hours

Length: 17 kilometers round trip

Difficulty: challenging

Layered look: When packing for New Zealand, aim for layers. A rain jacket and pants are a must. A softshell jacket or fleece is also recommended. On some days, long (zip-off) pants or warm leggings may be suitable. For hiking, wear a merino shirt and long sleeve. I also only use merino wool for hiking socks.

Good backpack (from Tatonka)

Drinking system 1.5 liters for water, fits into backpack

Underwear from Icebreaker (merino)

Hiking socks made from merino from Falke or Icebreaker

1 zip-off pants or 1 leggings

1 rain pants (also against the wind)

1 short functional shirt for hiking (made of merino)

1 long sleeve (made of merino) for hiking

1 wind/rain jacket (softshell)

Well-broken-in hiking shoes with good tread

Possibly hiking poles

Sufficient food and drink

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

DOC also recommends bringing a first aid kit

For the Alpine Crossing, a headlamp (+ batteries) is also recommended

When it comes to backpacks, I swear by Tatonka, a German manufacturer. I like to buy the equipment at Globetrotter, where the staff is very knowledgeable and you can test everything out (especially important for hiking shoes).

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