7 days
Photo: Markrosenrosen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsTongariro Alpine Crossing
The North Island · UNESCO World Heritage
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing crosses the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's first national park and a dual World Heritage Site. You walk between Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, over the steaming Red Crater and past the vivid Emerald Lakes.
Highlights
- The Devil's Staircase: A steep climb from the valley to the South Crater.
- Red Crater: Rust coloured rock and steam vents at the high point.
- Emerald Lakes: Three bright green and blue lakes coloured by minerals.
- Blue Lake and the descent: Views over Lake Taupo on the long walk down to Ketetahi.
Practical information
| Shuttles | From Taupo, Turangi and National Park Village; or park at Ketetahi and shuttle to the start |
| Difficulty | Moderate to hard: steep, loose and exposed |
| Winter | An alpine climb with snow and ice: go with a guide |
| Weather | Check the mountain forecast; high winds can make it dangerous |
Tip: Book your shuttle for a day with a good forecast and keep a backup day. See our full guide.
Getting there
The trailheads are about an hour from Taupo and 15 minutes from National Park Village. Most hikers book a shuttle that drops them at Mangatepopo and collects them at Ketetahi in the afternoon.
Who it suits
Fit walkers with good boots who are comfortable on steep, loose ground. If you're unsure, walk in from Mangatepopo to Soda Springs and back, or join a guided trip. Out of season, it's only for those with alpine experience or a guide.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Every tour here includes Tongariro Alpine Crossing in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing: questions
Is there a fee for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
Not yet. A charge for international visitors has been proposed in a bill introduced in May 2026, with no price or date set.
Do you need to book the Tongariro Alpine Crossing?
You don't need a permit, but you do need a shuttle, which should be booked ahead in summer.
How fit do you need to be?
Reasonably fit: it's 6 to 8 hours with steep climbs and descents.