If there’s one hike that consistently appears on every list of best hikes in New Zealand, it’s the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Known as one of the top day hikes in the world, this trail takes you across an active volcanic landscape filled with dramatic craters, steaming vents, ancient lava flows, and panoramic views that truly showcase the raw beauty of the North Island.
We were super lucky with the weather that day (the weather can be pretty rough and often they have to close the track due to the condition, if you’re planning the Crossing, always check conditions beforehand).
Years ago, I attempted to hike the Tongariro Crossing—but like many others, my plans were ruined by severe alpine weather. The track was closed, and we had no choice but to turn back.
The Story Behind Tongariro
The Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site—famous for its cultural significance and volcanic features. This region is home to active volcanoes like Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings), and Mount Ruapehu.
Many hikers don’t realise that these volcanoes are still active.
Mount Tongariro last erupted in 2012, sending ash into the sky and reminding us that this iconic trail sits in one of the most active volcanic zones in the country. It’s part of what makes the Tongariro Alpine Crossing such a unique and unforgettable experience.
Perfect Conditions for the Tongariro Crossing
On our recent trip, everything aligned perfectly to do part of the crossing.
We drove from Taupō to the Tongariro National Park, parked in the car park, and began our journey under blue skies and perfect hiking temperatures—23 degrees with sun and clouds.
The trail starts through a rugged volcanic valley, showing off the unique landscape shaped by centuries of eruptions. We passed boardwalks, climbed gentle slopes, and walked past a beautiful waterfall before the track began to steepen.
Climbing to the Red Crater
The ascent toward the Red Crater is one of the highlights of the entire hike. This section is steep, dry, and covered in loose volcanic stones, making it slippery in places. You absolutely need good hiking shoes with strong grip, especially on the final climb.
Friends told me that the second half of the official Tongariro Crossing (towards Ketetahi) is less exciting if you’ve lived in New Zealand for a while and already know its natural diversity. So we chose to do a Red Crater return hike instead of the full 19.4 km route.
And honestly? It was the perfect decision.
The views from the top of the Red Crater are spectacular—deep red volcanic rock, sweeping alpine ridgelines, and views that stretch across the central North Island. We took a long break at the summit, enjoyed the scenery, snacked, and soaked up the energy of this incredible volcanic area.
Our full return walk took 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Post-Hike Rewards: Lake Taupō & Jacuzzi Time
By 3 pm, we were back at the car and ready to cool down. With temperatures high in Taupō, we headed straight for Lake Taupō for a refreshing swim—absolute bliss after a hike.
Later in the evening, we relaxed in the hotel jacuzzi, which was the perfect way to end the day.
A Day Later: Tongariro Fire
Interestingly, the day after our hike, news came out that part of Tongariro National Park had caught fire due to intense heat and strong winds. It was a stark reminder that this landscape is incredibly powerful and constantly changing.
We were extremely lucky with our timing.
Is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Worth It? Absolutely.
Whether you complete the full track or choose the Red Crater hike, Tongariro is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, volcanoes, and unforgettable North Island landscapes.
Top Tips for the Tongariro Crossing
- Check Tongariro Alpine Crossing weather updates
- Wear good hiking boots with grip
- Bring enough water and food
- Start early, especially in summer
- Be prepared for alpine conditions
- Respect that this is an active volcanic area
For us, the Tongariro hike was challenging, beautiful, and absolutely worth it. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for one of the best adventures the North Island has to offer.
