Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park: Address, Phone Number, Tongariro Alpine Crossing Reviews: 5/5
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,180 reviews
Excellent
1,847
Very good
252
Average
54
Poor
15
Terrible
12
hannah
Christchurch, New Zealand207 contributions
Solo
I went there by myself on a quiet day. I probably only saw 20 hikers through the whole walk.
It was surreal and amazing experience to see craters and volcanic lakes in so close distance. You can’t tell this from any of video and photo.
To check up the weather, make sure to check the red crater temperature, wind chill temperature and freezing level on MetService.
2L water at least, a lot of sunscreen, lip stick, warm clothes/hat/gloves, food/snacks and waking pole are essential.
All temporary toilets are taken out before the Winter season, so plan your toilet stops wisely. Unfortunately, the day I walked was the day even without any notice on DOC or poster.
If you want to enjoy this hike, do uphill exercise more, you won’t feel too much challenges afterwards.
To pace yourself, the downhill from Blue Lake to the finishing was still quite a long way to go down.
In May, it could be quite frosty and slippery.
It was surreal and amazing experience to see craters and volcanic lakes in so close distance. You can’t tell this from any of video and photo.
To check up the weather, make sure to check the red crater temperature, wind chill temperature and freezing level on MetService.
2L water at least, a lot of sunscreen, lip stick, warm clothes/hat/gloves, food/snacks and waking pole are essential.
All temporary toilets are taken out before the Winter season, so plan your toilet stops wisely. Unfortunately, the day I walked was the day even without any notice on DOC or poster.
If you want to enjoy this hike, do uphill exercise more, you won’t feel too much challenges afterwards.
To pace yourself, the downhill from Blue Lake to the finishing was still quite a long way to go down.
In May, it could be quite frosty and slippery.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jennypenny
25 contributions
Friends
What a fantastic tramp. The middle section is steep and arduous climb so a decent level of fitness and leg strength is required.
You need to be prepared as it is an alpine environment and the weather can change quickly. We had a stunning day but it was freezing and windy in parts.
A gorgeous place that should be respected and treated as the special place it is.
Decent hiking shoes are advised, along with toilet paper, water and all clothes for any kind of weather.
A 'must do' tramp. Hard but worth it!
You need to be prepared as it is an alpine environment and the weather can change quickly. We had a stunning day but it was freezing and windy in parts.
A gorgeous place that should be respected and treated as the special place it is.
Decent hiking shoes are advised, along with toilet paper, water and all clothes for any kind of weather.
A 'must do' tramp. Hard but worth it!
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karin S
2 contributions
Fantastic hike, but you do need to be prepared for hot and cold conditions. The middle climb is quite tough, so you need to be fit. Take toilet paper as none is provided. We took a thermos, it was a real treat to have a hot drink in the cold. A big day overall , so glad to have done it.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
C Smyth
Auckland Central, New Zealand23 contributions
Friends
Quite a tough hike at times due the mix of terrains and changing weather so come well prepared with food, water and layers. There are long drop toilets approx every hour along the trail. The views along the way are well worth the hike! We completed it in 6 hours with 2 stops for snacks. Very cool to walk right along side Mount Doom! Highly recommend.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carlatonks79
Bristol, UK4 contributions
Great day and weather - tough day for kids and make sure you go prepared for all weathers and eventualities as you are remote. Good challenge for kids that enjoy long walks. Stunning scenery.
Written 20 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amanda Duggan
Cambridge, New Zealand19 contributions
Friends
Highly recommend this day hike!Like nothing else in NZ!Stunning scenery around every bend
You do need to be reasonably fit as the first half of the track is tough in places
Took us 8 hours and we took 2 decent breaks along the way
Glad we took plasters and plenty of water
Great idea to use the shuttle and leave your car in the shuttle car park at the end of the track
You do need to be reasonably fit as the first half of the track is tough in places
Took us 8 hours and we took 2 decent breaks along the way
Glad we took plasters and plenty of water
Great idea to use the shuttle and leave your car in the shuttle car park at the end of the track
Written 5 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anonymous
3 contributions
I thoroughly enjoyed my walk on the Tongariro Crossing. It was a great challenge and an awesome way to get exercise whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery. Would strongly recommend.
Written 3 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand448 contributions
Our second time lucky. We got to finish this time as the weather was much better. Very hot, needed lots of water and sunblock and still got a bit burnt. Some hard work with the stairs and the climb to red crater, but you are rewarded with the most incredible views and the red crater was incredible. We took lots of snacks and found plenty of places to stop and have a bite to eat. I had read reviews on the last part going on forever, and yes it did seem like it was never going to end. Finally get into the bush, and it was much cooler but still a way to go to the end. We got a shuttle to drop at start and collect us at the end, and that worked well for us. An incredible hike that really does test you, but rewards with the most incredible views. Well worth it.
Written 10 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shanuka
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Couples
A must do, if you happen to spend some time in NZ North Island. Its definitely challenging, but possible. Upto Soda Spring its a normal walk. Then comes the hard part. After the Devils Staircase there is a 10 km walk which is boring. Also, it would be a good idea to put a toilet after the deep decent at the Devils Staircase, becs the last toilt was almost 2-3km away and the next is also afer 2-3 more kms.
Written 8 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ariane B
Tauranga, New Zealand253 contributions
Couples
My partner and I did this beautiful walk in December 2021. Due to Covid and no tourists, we basically had the walk to ourselves. Perfect for us, unfortunately sad for the operators. The walk has a moderate difficulty and provides stunning views in a very surreal environment! We managed to do the full walk in 6 1/2 hours, without rushing anything and taking a lot of breaks for food&drinks and to take pictures. We can definitely recommend doing the Crossing, you won't regret it!
Written 25 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
what happen if you park more than 4 hour at mangatepopo car park where there is 4 hours parking restriction?
Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand448 contributions
Much easier to book a shuttle, that way you have a ride back to hotel if you make the crossing or if you have to turn back.
Heard they were giving large fines so shuttle would be much cheaper.
Emily C
13 contributions
In the next few weeks, my partner is going to hike the crossing and I am his drop-off and pick-up person. Can anyone give me ideas of what to do during the day while he is on the track, that is safe for me to do alone? Thank you so much in advance!
499debrag
Wellington, New Zealand35 contributions
my daughter in law dropped us off at the start of the walk. then she took the children to the Carrot playground. They also went to a Christmas parade at Raetihi. my daughters partner took his older children to Taupo for the day
Buenos dÃas,
Estoy interesado en hacer en Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19km) mi preguntas es la siguiente, somos un matrimonio con una niña que tendrán 3 años recién cumplidos. Nuestra intención es hacerlo el 28 de diciembre de 2019. ¿Es posible hacerlo con una niña de esa edad( se que tendré que llevarlla en mi espalda mucho tiempo? Carritos de bebés se pueden utilizar en parte del recorrido?
Un saludo y graicas
Aga
Dormagen, Germany77 contributions
Hallo. Der Weg ist teilweise sehr steil und sehr anstrengend. Und für so ein kleines Mädchen gefährlich. Ich würde es nicht mit einem Kind empfehlen.
Viele Grüße und eine schöne Reise
I'm planning on coming on 9/4 and just doing the Mangatepopo Valley to Soda Springs trail, would we need any snow gear? Also, would the roads up to the car park require snow chains during that time?
Would you recommend doing a shuttle service?
Ariel R
Atlanta, GA107 contributions
I cannot tell you about snow because we just visited New Zealand and don't know much about weather there. We visited the area in March this year and we booked the shuttle service from Taupo, Service was good and on time and I would do it again the same way.
Considering doing the hike around the 10th Jan 2020- has anyone done the hike in summer? How busy was it? I love hiking but dont want to do the walk if its too busy- would rather choose a quieter one.
travellerme
Brighton, UK302 contributions
It will be busy ...but that should NOT stop you doing it.
It’s one of the worlds great walks and not to be missed .
samka
new zealand101 contributions
Do you pay to do the crossing if so where do I book or pay?
travellerme
Brighton, UK302 contributions
It’s free to cross...the shuttle into the trail head is about $20 .....enjoy the walk,.
TheTravellingFerret
BOP92 contributions
I'm looking for the right kind of pack. Will a 20l be big enough?
Erica H
Takapuna, New Zealand57 contributions
Yes absolutely. Our gear folded into small packs. We had great weather so we ended up not needing some of layers. But from now on it will b a lot colder up there. lots of snacks and water too.
BarbaraKYC
Auckland, New Zealand25 contributions
M not a hiker but want to start from somewhere. So thought maybe I could do the 1ish hour track to start with. So is there anyone could give me some more information about that please? Thanks
LankyLad
St Helens, UK281 contributions
There is a start and a finish. You can walk for an hour and turn around but there is no separate track. Most shuttles, if you get one, will pick you up from the start if you cannot make the full journey so I imagine they would return and pick you up if you arranged it with them.
Beeckman89
Zaragoza, Spain130 contributions
¿Es necesario hablar bastante bien inglés para realizar esta actividad? Nuestro nivel no es muy bueno y nos gustarÃa hacer esta excursión. Gracias
Cesar R
Madrid, Spain4 contributions
No, con defenderte un poco sirve. Puedes hacer la reserva de los buses por correo. Si te alojas en el car park cercano, ellos lo resuelven todo y hacen las reservas. Es cómodo.
andymully
Heywood, UK44 contributions
Is there a 4 hour parking restriction at Ketetahi car park or just limited parking spaces? Confused by information I’m reading on websites
Also what time have people experienced the car park being full?
Many thanks
754620
Oxford, UK120 contributions
I do recall there being a restriction on parking at the walk start - you’re supposed to park at the other end (where you’ll finish) and take the taxi bus to the start.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- We recommend booking Tongariro Alpine Crossing tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 13 Tongariro Alpine Crossing tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
- Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Trek (From ₹ 14,757.51)
- Tongariro Self-Guided Audio Tour (From ₹ 1,215.61)
- Private Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk (From ₹ 31,067.74)
- Private Sunrise Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guided Walk (From ₹ 31,067.74)
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing Experience - Overnight [3 Day Tour] (From ₹ 1,00,919.86)
- Hotels near Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
- (15.88 km) Adventure Lodge and Motels and Tongariro Crossing Track Transport
- (15.95 km) Tongariro Crossing Lodge
- (8.97 km) Discovery Lodge
- (15.84 km) Plateau Lodge
- (7.33 km) Whakapapa Holiday Park
- Restaurants near Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
- (7.08 km) Ruapehu Restaurant
- (7.07 km) Ruapehu Lounge Bar
- (15.74 km) Schnapps Bar
- (7.06 km) Tussock Bar & Restaurant
- (15.79 km) Macrocarpa Cafe
- Attractions near Tongariro Alpine Crossing:
- (7.84 km) Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour
- (7.20 km) Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
- (6.98 km) Taranaki Falls
- (6.80 km) Tawhai Falls
- (6.99 km) Tama Lakes