There are hikes that you do for fun, and then there are hikes that stick with you forever, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of those.

I’ve hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing six times, and it never gets old. Not only is it New Zealand’s most famous day hike, but it’s often listed as one of the best in the world.

The trail takes you through the Tongariro National Park, a double UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll walk across rugged volcanic terrain, past glacial valleys, and take in panoramic views of Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, you’re in for a treat as Mount Ngauruhoe was used as Mount Doom in the films, making this hike feel even more epic.

Track overview

• Difficulty: Hard

• Length: 19.4km

• Time: 6-8 hours

There are plenty of highlights along the trail. Some of them include:

• Red Crater: At 1886m, this volcanic crater is raw, dramatic, and perfect for photos. It’s also flat, making it a good spot to catch your breath after hiking up the Devil’s Staircase.

• Emerald Lakes: Everyone's favourite Instagram photo! These striking green lakes are caused by volcanic minerals, and they look unreal against the backdrop of the mountains.

• Blue Lake: A deep, blue lake that perfectly reflects the sky.

Organising transport for the Tongariro Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-way track; during the summer, there is no parking at the Mangatepopo car park. Your best option is to park at Ketetahi (near the end of the hike) and take a shuttle to the start.

Know before you go

• As of 2024, you must register to walk the Tongariro Crossing. It’s still free (even for international visitors), but you’ll need to do it ahead of time via the DOC website.

• The best time to hike is between November and early April. Winter hikes require mountaineering skills and equipment and involve added risks like snow, ice, and avalanche terrain.

Safety warnings

• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an incredible walk, but it's also rugged and exposed, with uneven surfaces and unpredictable weather. It’s not recommended for children under 10.

• Please check the weather before you attempt this hike. You are walking through an alpine area and volcanic hazard zones. While volcanic monitoring systems are in place, there is always a risk, and the weather can change very quickly.

• No experience is worth risking your life for. If your tour operator cancels your trip, please don't try to do it yourself. There's a reason you weren't transported to the starting line.

• If your trip gets cancelled due to bad weather, I recommend exploring Tawhai Falls, Taranaki Falls or Tama Lakes.