The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often praised as New Zealand's best one day hike, and for good reason. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey through stunning volcanic landscapes. The trail is 20 kilometers one way, so you’ll need to catch a shuttle to get to the start. There are plenty of shuttle services available for around $60. You can book one that picks you up from the end point (where you can park your vehicle in the morning), or from your accommodation or National Park town. The shuttles run efficiently, especially during peak season, so booking online in advance is a good idea.

Weather is a huge factor here. This is an alpine environment, and it can change fast, so it’s recommended to have some experience with alpine hiking. Definitely only attempt the crossing during the summer months when the weather is sunny and clear. It can be dangerous if conditions turn, so be prepared.

The trail itself isn’t too steep overall, but it's a long one, 20 km (6 - 8 hours) with 700 meters of elevation gain. The first 5 kilometers are fairly flat, you'll get to pass stunning views of Mount Doom (if you’re a LOTR fan, this will be extra cool), but then comes Devil's Staircase, a tough, uphill stretch. After that, you’ll walk through a huge crater before tackling a rocky climb up to the Red Crater. The views from here are amazing, especially of the sulfur lakes. Then comes the scree slope, which is loose rocks and debris. It’s easy to slip here, so take your time.

The last 10 kilometers are downhill, which sounds nice, but honestly, it feels like they go on forever. The downhill stretch is long and pretty monotonous. Overall, the hike is a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s a must do if you're up for the challenge, but definitely not something to take lightly.