The Tongariro Crossing is an extended trek over steep volcanic terrain. It begins and ends at different points and transport must be arranged. This can be done directly with commercial shuttle operators or through visitor information centres. Transport operators are responsible for picking up all people whom they have delivered to the start of the Tongariro Crossing. You must ensure that they are told about any change in your plans.
It is important to have appropriate outdoor clothing, equipment and fitness (Click Here to see the essential gear list). Theft and vandalism to cars left at road ends is an increasing problem. Do not leave valuables in vehicles.
Track Information
The amount of climbing required is minimised if the crossing is began at the Mangatepopo Valley road end, off State Highway 47. From there a well-marked track up the Mangatepopo Valley follows a gentle gradient to Soda Springs. It's a steep climb up to the Mangatepopo Saddle between Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. Poles lead across the South Crater to the track's highpoint at Red Crater (1886m), a still active and steaming vent. Beyond Red crater the track passes Emerald Lakes and skirts Te Wai-Whakaata-o-te Rangihiroa (Blue Lake). From here the route descends to Ketetahi Hut and skirts the nearby springs down through native forest to the car park. The total distance is 17 km's one way.
Times from Mangatepopo car park
The following times are an approximate guide as everyone walks at a different pace. The time taken on each section of the track will also depend on rest and sightseeing stops.
Car park to Soda Springs
1 to 1 and a half hours
Soda Springs to South Crater
40 min's to 1 hr
South Crater to Red Crater
1 hour
Red Crater to Emerald Lakes
10 to 20 min's
Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi Hut
1 to 1 and a half hours
Ketetahi Hut to Ketetahi car park
2 hours
Side Trips
Mt Ngauruhoe (2287m)
This is not a poled route. From the base of Mt Ngauruhoe at Mangatepopo Saddle, climb directly up to Mt Ngauruhoe's crater. The best way is up the rocky ridge to the left of the scree slopes. The summit area is dangerous and should be avoided if there are signs of increased volcanic activity. Allow 1 to 1 and a half hours up (from saddle) and 30 minutes down.
Mt Tongariro summit (1967m)
From Red Crater follow the poled route leading to the summit. Allow 1 and a half to 2 hours return.
Be Prepared
What do bring
Food and plenty of fluid, especially on hot days.
Rainproof coat (over trousers are a good idea too)
Sturdy boots. Uneven volcanic terrain can be difficult and tiring to walk on
Warm woollen or polypropylene clothing - cotton clothes don't keep you warm when its wet
Woollen hat and gloves or mittens
Sun protection
Personal first aid kit
Map and compass - important in poor visibility
In winter you may also need:
Ice axe and crampons - know how to use them.
Snow gaiters
You could also consider:
Avalanche probe/snow shovel
Avalanche transceiver
Cell phone for emergencies
Weather
Tongariro National Park weather can change with alarming speed. You must be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather in the carp park can be totally different to what's going on nearly 1000 meters higher and further up the track. Be prepared to change your plans and turn back, especially when visibility is poor and in strong winds.
Take care at track junctions, especially in poor visibility. Look for and follow poles marked 'Tongariro Crossing'
Water
There is no drinking water available between Mangatepopo and Ketetahi huts. Water supply at the huts is from rainwater. Conserve water and ensure taps are turned off.
We recommend you treat all water in the Park. Water from the upper Mangatepopo Stream, Emerald Lakes and Ketetahi Springs is not suitable for drinking due to high mineral content.
Huts
If you wish to shelter in huts, please respect overnight users. Leave wet boots and jackets outside the hut.
Toilets
There are toilets at Mangatepopo and Ketetahi car parks, at both huts and at Soda Springs. Between Soda Springs and Ketetahi Hut there are no toilets and the terrain is open with little cover.
Rubbish
Take all rubbish out of the park (including cigarette butts)
Ketetahi Springs
The springs are on private land and hiking the Tongariro Crossing does not convey any right of access to the springs. Please respect this as trespassing through the springs may result in the loss of access to this part of the park. Follow the poled route.
Tongariro Crossing Altitude x Distance Graph
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