If one had a day to spend in North Island of New Zealand and are wondering what to do, the recommendation would be hike the world renowned ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing’. To our surprise, we realized that this day-hike is the gold standard across NZ to measure how fit you are. It is a must #adventure to undertake and flaunt it if you did!
The 8 hour journey to climb 19.4 kms (~12 miles) around 7 mountains including dense rain forests, volcanic craters, rocky hills, and mushy sands just to find yourself 6188 ft. above the sea level overlooking country’s best #emerald lakes and live #volcanic activities. This hike required ‘extreme’ fitness, stamina and confidence to cross the beautiful alpine region.
The Tongariro forest is at the heart of the north island, so we planned to stay a night prior to the hike near the forest area. Lake #Taupo was a great location 50 mins north of Tongariro with ample accommodation options. We stayed at a lakeside airbnb which was 60 mins drive from the Ketetahi car park where the hike ends.
How to plan for the day hike?
We did a one day hike which begins and ends at different locations. Upon arrival at Taupo, we quickly realized that one cannot park the car for 8-10 hours at the starting point of the track (a hike is known as track in NZ).
We decided to park our car at the Ketetahi parking spot. There are many paid shuttles that operate from the parking lot that will take you to the starting point of the track (Mangatepopo starting point). Although due to limited availability of the shuttles it is best to reserve a spot in advance. We went ahead with Tongariro Crossing Shuttle company (USD 35 pp) which was very customer friendly, as they answered all our questions very patiently.
What is the best time to start the track?
Anytime during the morning hours are the best. We started from our airbnb at 5:45 am and reached the car park at 6:45 am to hop on to a 7:00 am shuttle.
Checklist:
Sturdy hiking shoes will be good on feet. The hike is a 19.4 km of walking, climbing steep rocks and descending steep slopes of loose gravel (I did the hike in regular Nike running shoes and suffered a bit on my ankle).
Wear 3 layers of upper body clothing as weather on the top changes within minutes. We faced rain, snow, sunshine and hailstones in a span of 8 hours. Rain jackets or windbreakers are recommended (I carried a Columbia turbo down jacket and was sufficient to beat all weather conditions).
Carry at least 2 liter water per person and some quick bites
Sunscreen, sun-glasses and camera as required
Unlike, national parks in North America, there was no entry fees and no maps provided, so we took a picture of the alpine crossing route at the starting point of the track in our phone (save the image for your track).
First Leg: Flat Track
The bus dropped us at Mangatepopo hut/car park where the hike begins. The beginning of the track was at 1120 m and fairly flat with well paved tramping walkways.
We crossed beautiful spring flowers and vegetation surrounded by mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, crossing the Mangatepopo valley.
Second Leg: Soda springs to South Crater
After approximately one and half hour and covering about 2 kms, we started ascending steep stairs (also known as ‘devil's staircase’).
This lead towards the south crater where we quickly hit a plateau land. The view from the top were marvelous. So far the track was well established with obvious stairs and pathways.
Third Leg: South Crater to Red Crater
Enjoying the flat lands as it lasts, the next few hours were steep mountain climb of exposed ridges. The views of the volcanic mountains made every effort worth it.
Emerald Lakes: Before the descend down, wait on the red crater for beautiful views of emerald lakes. We were lucky to have sun shine at the top which enhanced the emerald color of the lakes. Do wait for 10-15 minutes if you are not able to see the lakes due to fog or rain, the weather changes very frequently.
Active Volcanoes: We noticed that many regions during the trek are besides the active volcanic activity zones. The major volcanic and geothermal activities with steam vents will be seen from the red crater.
Fourth Leg: Red Crate to Blue Lake
As rewarding the climb up was, the descent was an experience in itself. We hiked down on loose gravel formed due to volcanic activities. This leg of the hike required extreme care.
As we followed the track surrounding the crater, we hiked up a small mountain to reach the blue lake. The blue lake is considered sacred by the Maoris (NZ natives) and hence going near the lake is prohibited. There were stunning panoramic views of the blue lake.
Fifth Leg: Blue Lake to Ketetahi Shelter
This piece of the track is when one may feel accomplished until realized that the track was just half done. There was almost 9 km more to reach the end.
The walk down along the mountain edges towards the Ketetahi shelter bestows one of the best lookout points for Mount Pihanga, Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupo.
Final Leg: Ketetahi Shelter to Ketetahi Car Park
The last 4 km of the hike was descending through for 2 kms of tussock land forests and another 2 kms of dense rain forests with stairs and walkways.
One must be aware that the car park is nearly 700 m away from the 19.4 track end. So, add up to a km to your overall track distance.
At the end, I finished the #Tongariro Alpine crossing with wet broken shoes, swollen feet and toasted skin but with increased confidence and lifelong memories! The sense of accomplishment this day gave me is beyond imagination.
~ Nomadic Traveler ~
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