The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: One Of The Best Walks On Earth

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is, by and large, one of the greatest day walks in the world. This epic trail passes through New Zealand’s oldest national park and features some of the most incredible alpine, volcanic and glacial landscapes you will ever lay your eyes upon.

Covering a length of 19.4 kilometres (12.1 miles), the challenging 7-8 hour trek usually starts around the Mangatepopo Valley, at an altitude of 1,120 metres (3,675 feet), before entering the saddle between Mounts Tongariro and Ngauruhoe and venturing across to the South Crater. The trail then ascends to the Red Crater to reach its highest point – which comes in at a soaring height of 1,886 metres (6,188 feet) – before finally descending past some stunning glacial lakes and volcanic rock formations to reach the Ketetahi Shelter.

Hikers can walk the track in the opposite direction if they so wish, and there are various smaller side trips they could explore along the way. Notable examples include the 15-minute detour to Soda Springs, near Mangatepopo Valley, and a side trip to Mount Tongariro. Over the years, many have also opted to spend a few hours climbing Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom); but since late 2017, trampers on the Alpine Crossing have been asked not to do so in order to respect the mountain’s sacred significance to the local Māori iwi (tribe).

View of Mt Ngauruhoe from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Along with respecting its spiritual nature, hikers should also be wary that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not a journey for the inexperienced. While the trail might not be long enough to earn itself a place on New Zealand’s Great Walks list, it is centred around alpine land formations that are infamous for their volatile weather conditions. In winter (i.e. June-August), the walk can be very dangerous to do without proper alpine climbing equipment and some sections over the Red Crater can also be prone to avalanche.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing landscape in winter

If you want to do the crossing, take extra care to equip yourself with enough clothing, water and provisions to last the full day – and check the weather forecast before you head off on your journey. The official Tongariro Alpine Crossing website should tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your trek and make the most of the wonderfully dramatic terrains that await those who embark on this amazing expedition.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.