3 Day Northern Circuit Guided Trek
Enjoy the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site, at a less energetic pace. The 3-day Northern Circuit is part of the Department of Conservation Great Walk network and includes the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, usually hiked on day one or day three.
On this trek you’ll pass through a landscape of explosion craters and old lava flows. Highlights include Tama Lakes, Taranaki Falls, the Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, the Rangipo and Oturere deserts and of course the three volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park, Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu.
The trek has various entry points and encircles the central of the three volcanoes, Mt. Ngauruhoe. The circuit can be hiked in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction and when possible we tailor the trip to suit the weather conditions and clients.
3 Day
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Guided Trek
Winter equipment included
Crampons, ice axe and helmet if needed
All additional boot and clothing hire
Available as an optional extra
Transport
Between the start and end of the walk and the Adrift Tongariro base included
Accommodation transfers an optional extra
Taupo CBD, Turangi, Whakapapa Village
All meals, nourishments and basic needs included
All cooking and camping equipment included
Camping passes included
Reconfirmation
It is essential all clients phone the Adrift Tongariro base between 10:00am – 5:00pm the day prior to the trip date to confirm the tour departure time and discuss exact timings. +64 7892 2751.
What to expect on the day
After calling to reconfirm the day before your tour, meet the team at the Adrift Tongariro base the morning of the tour. Clients can park their vehicle outside the Adrift Tongariro base safely, at no cost for the duration of the tour. When you arrive, our guides will check everyone in and go over the trip conditions and provide the required equipment, any additional clothing and boots if needed.
You will be required to carry minimal group equipment along with your own personal gear unless you request a porter (additional charge applies). Your backpack should not be carrying more than 10 – 12kg in weight. Our guides will assess your pack and advise that which we think is superfluous to requirements. This can then be stored securely at our base.
You are then under our guidance so you can relax and enjoy the journey with Adrift. Our guides will show you how to set up your tents and cook your meals.
We will then transport you and the guides from the Adrift Tongariro base in National Park Village to the start of the walk, and at the end of the tour we transport you from the end of the walk back to the Adrift Tongariro base in National Park Village. Once you arrive back at our base you then return in your vehicle back to your accommodation.
Water
Giardia may be present in some areas. Drinking water at the huts and shelters comes from the rivers and lakes. We boil water at the huts to treat the water.
Accommodation and facilities
Camping at Oturere and Waihohonu Department of Conservation campsites and using the facilities at the huts. Huts can be crowded and booked out so we prefer to camp. Huts are supplied with basic facilities including toilets, basic gas cooking facilities, sinks, solar-powered lighting and cold running water.
Adrift Tongariro Base
53 Carroll Street
National Park 3948
Track information
Total distance: 44.9km (27.8 miles)
Elevation gain: 766m (2,513 feet)
Walking time: 3 Days (approx 4 – 6 hours each day)
Track conditions: Most of the track is open on rugged, uneven and exposed alpine terrain, although there are sections of formed track/boardwalk. Some sections may be steep. Most streams are bridged and there are no large river crossings. The most challenging section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Visit our Tongariro Crossing map page for more details.
Day 1: Start at Whakapapa Village and head for the Tama Saddle and then onto the Waihohonu Hut (6 hours approx). En-route is the Tama Lakes and Taranaki Falls.
Day 2: Waihohonu Hut to the Oturere Hut. Approximately 3-4 hours on the eastern flanks of Tongariro. This is a relatively easy day and is a welcome rest after yesterday which some see as requiring an intermediate level of effort. We can rest and enjoy the leisurely pace or go exploring in the Otarere Desert where fossilised charcoaled remnants of the forests destroyed by the great eruption of Lake Taupo in 186 AD, can easily be found.
Day 3: Oturere Hut up to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and North to Ketetahi. This is a 6-7 hour day where we climb up to the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and then descend to Mangatepopo, following the traditional Tongariro Alpine Crossing route.
Sacred Mountains
The alpine lakes and peaks of the mountains are sacred to the local Māori tribe Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. Respectfully, they ask that peaks are not climbed and waterways are not to be touched. Additionally we like to show our respect by ensuring we leave no trace, and even helping the environment by retrieving wrappers from those who have gone before us.
Yes, we guide in Winter
Winter offers the opportunity to walk through the magnificent snow-covered landscape without the summer crowds. The winter season is based on snow levels on the track and is usually between April to the end of October / mid September.
Winter brings a new set of challenges including changes in weather and track conditions. These changes require more preparation, skills, winter equipment and the need for a guide. Check out our Winter Tongariro Crossing Guide for more details.
More Guided Tours from Adrift
Whanganui River 3 Day Guided Canoe Tour
Paddle through the scenic middle reaches of the Whanganui Journey. Pass through deep gorges, native forest, Tamatea’s Cave and hopefully hear a Kiwi calling, while eating dinner under the stars.
Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau
Guided Walk
Looking for a challenge? Join us for lunch on top of the North Islands highest volcano. As you climb above the clouds you’ll see sweeping views of Tongariro National Park.
Tongariro Crossing
Guided Walk
New Zealand’s best one-day walk, located in the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site. Walk between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro, past craters and the Blue and Emerald Lakes.