Tongariro / Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

A demanding day hike of about 9 hours across an active volcanic area, climbing from 1,120 m to Red Crater at 1,886 m before descending to Ketetahi Road. In summer there is no visitor parking at Mangatepopo, so use a shuttle; from May to October it requires alpine skills and gear, and DOC advises carrying 2–3 litres of water, checking the weather and GeoNet alert level, and not bringing children under 10.