The Tongariro Alpine Crossing spans the length of Mt. Tongariro (19.4km) and takes about 7-8 hours to complete. The walk commences at Mangatepopo (1100m) and concludes at Ketetahi (750m). The highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is Red Crater (1886m).

Mangatepopo to Soda Springs

Grade: Easy
Allow: 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours

At the Mangatepopo car park is a shelter and toilet facilities. This first section of the track is fairly flat. The track is well formed, and board walked in damper parts. About 20 minutes from the car park is a sidetrack to the Mangatepopo Hut, and toilet facilities.

The main track continues up the valley following the Mangatepopo stream and around the edge of old lava flows. It is interesting to notice the change in plants as you climb in altitude. At Soda Springs are the last toilet facilities until you get to the Ketetahi Hut.

Soda Springs to South Crater

Grade: Moderate difficult
Allow: 40 minutes to 1 hour

This section is steep – climbing from 1400 up to 1600 metres above sea level and is known as the Devil’s staircase. Take your time – slow and steady is the best way to conquer this section. On a clear day the view down the valley and out across the surrounding countryside is well worth it! You may even see Mt. Taranaki, another volcano on the western horizon. Take care as you are walking over layers of ancient and modern lava flows and other volcanic debris so the track surface is not smooth.

South Crater to Red Crater

Grade: Moderate difficult
Allow: 1 hour

It is great to be on the flat, but once you have crossed South Crater there is another short climb on an exposed ridge. The track follows the ridge to Red Crater. If you have plenty of time you can make the decision to summit Tongariro. The main track continues around Red Crater. You have spectacular views over the Oturere Valley, Rangipo Desert, Kaimanawa Ranges and down to the Emerald Lakes.

Red Crater to Blue Lake

Grade: Moderate
Allow: 30 minutes

Care is required with the descent from Red Crater, as this part of the track is steep, and you are on loose scoria which can move under foot. To the left you will see an old lava flow from Red Crater spreading out across the floor of The Tongariro Northern Circuit track to Otureree Hut branches off just past the lowest Emerald Lake. The Tongariro Crossing track follows around the edge of Central Crater then climbs up to Blue Lake (A cold acidic lake). The lake is tapu (sacred) and it is disrespectful to eat or drink around its shores/central crater. To the right are the Emerald Lakes. Minerals leached from the surrounding rock cause the brilliant emerald colour. The steam vents above the lake are responsible for the sulphurous smell.

Blue Lake to Ketetahi Hut

Grade: Moderate
Allow: 1 hour

There is a short easy climb to the edge of North Crater. This crater was once filled with molten lava which then cooled and solidified giving a level surface more than 1000m wide. In good weather there are spectacular views out over Mt. Pihanga and Lake Rotoaira to Lake Taupo. You then zig zag your way down to the Ketetahi Hut through the natural alpine garden. Ketetahi Hut has toilet facilities.

Ketetahi Hut to Ketetahi Carpark

Grade: Moderate
Allow: 2 hours

The track crosses the stream that flows down from Ketetahi Hot Springs and the rocks are stained with interesting colours from the minerals in the water. The track leads through open tussock land to a clearing with some seats. At this point the track drops steeply to the Mangatetipua Stream and through native forest for about an hour and a half. There is a short side-track leading to a waterfall a few minutes before reaching the Ketetahi car park. The Ketetahi car park has a shelter, toilets and refreshment from Adrift Tongariro waiting for you.