Tongariro Northern Circuit
Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region
Introduction
From late October to April, explore the volcanic heart of Tongariro National Park, a landscape of stark glacial contrasts and alpine views. From May to late October, it can be cold and wet, with ice, snow, avalanches and short daylight hours - only go if you have navigation and alpine skills.Highlights
Bookings open. Campsites: Good availability | Huts: Good availability
44.9 km loop
Seasonal restrictions
In the Great Walks season (22 October 2021 – 30 April 2022):
Best time to walk the track - there are more facilities and fewer hazards. Bookings are required for huts and campsites.
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 21 October 2021)
Walking the track should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well-equipped people - facilities are greatly reduced and there are additional hazards.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Taranaki Falls plunge into a boulder-ringed pool Image: Robert Dickinson ©
![Taranaki Falls.]( "Taranaki Falls.")
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Journey through alpine meadow landscapes and emerald coloured lakes Image: | DOC
![Women by emerald lake on Tongariro Northern Circuit.]( "Women by emerald lake on Tongariro Northern Circuit.")
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Boardwalk on Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: | DOC
![Boardwalk on Tongariro Northern Circuit.]( "Boardwalk on Tongariro Northern Circuit.")
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Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
![Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit.]( "Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit.")
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Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
![Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit.]( "Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit.")
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View from the Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: Tahu Taylor-Koolen ©
![View from the Tongariro Northern Circuit.]( "View from the Tongariro Northern Circuit.")
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 21 October 2021):
Special skills and preparation are required to complete the Tongariro Northern Circuit in winter (June to late October). There is increased risk from snow, ice, avalanche terrain and sub-zero temperatures.
Track surface: Track is covered in snow and very icy in sections.
Suitable for: People with alpine skills, equipment and experience. You must:
- know how to navigate if cloud or snow covers the marker poles and you cannot see them
- know where avalanches are a risk and be able to rescue someone if an avalanche occurs
- have the equipment and skills to prevent a slide on icy terrain
- have the clothing for sub-zero temperatures and be able to survive if the weather get worse.
Expect challenging track conditions
Snow and ice is common in higher areas and sometimes on lower areas. Deep snow can hide track markers. At times, surface conditions can be hard ice.
View current conditions on webcams on the GeoNet website: Tongariro webcam | Ngauruhoe webcam | Ruapheu North webcam
South Crater in winter
Image: Zhi Yuen Yap ©
Conditions are cold, wet and windy
During the winter months, Tongariro is frequently cold, wet and windy. Dress for the conditions.
Avalanches are possible from July to October
Most of the track is simple terrain, however some sections of the Tongariro Northern Circuit track pass through challenging and complex avalanche terrain, including where it crosses over Red Crater between South Crater and Emerald Lakes
Avalanches are most common during the winter and spring (July to October) but can occur before or after that period. The avalanche hazard can change with very little warning.
If you are going into places avalanches could occur, be sure you:
- have checked the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory for Tongariro and the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) for Tongariro National Park.
- have the skills for the ATES class you are going into
- take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and a snow shovel. Know how to use these tools.
Expect reduced hut facilities
- Hut facilities are reduced:
- Gas cookers are not provided – you need to bring your own cooking stove.
- Running water may not be available. Water can be obtained from the outside water tank; if this is frozen, then from the nearest watercourse or by melting snow. We recommend that you treat all stream water in case of giardia or other bugs.
- No DOC rangers
- No emergency radio facilities.
- Bookings are not required:
- Bunks are first come, first served
- Payment is with Backcountry Hut Tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass - buy these from a DOC visitor centre before you go.
Hut fees
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
Campsite fees
For all visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $5 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free
Be totally self-sufficient
You need to be totally self-sufficient. In addition to what to take in the Great Walks season, you also need:
- food for at least two extra days
- stove and gas for cooking
- lighter or matches
- alpine equipment: ice axe and crampons
- avalanche equipment: beacon, snow shovel, avalanche probe.
- personal locator beacon
- mountain radio or satelite messenger (optional)
In the Great Walks season (22 October 2021 – 30 April 2022):
- the track has sections of difficult terrain – most of it is open, exposed and on uneven surfaces
- the weather can change suddenly, from warm and sunny to cold and wet with strong winds – you may need to change your plans
- there are several active volcanic vents and volcanic risk exists all the time - if you are uncomforable with the risk, select an alternative track
- track is not recommended for children under the age of 10, due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather conditions.
On this page:
- Highlights
- Walking options
- Places to stay
- Fees and bookings
- Getting there
- What to take
- Know before you go
- Track description
Highlights
- Traverse dramatic (and active!) volcanic landscapes, glacial valleys, native beech forest, alpine meadows and emerald-coloured lakes
- Explore a World Heritage Area of natural and cultural significance
Walking options
The Tongariro Northern Circuit can be walked either direction.
Most walkers take 4 days/3 nights or 3 days/2 nights. Very fit people can walk it in 2 days/1 night, but each day is at least 8 hours.
Note, climbing Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro breaches Ngāti Tuwharetoa’s tuku of the sacred peaks. It is also discouraged because of its hazards and environment.
Places to stay
There are 3 huts with campsites nearby along the Tongariro Northern Circuit. These must be booked in advance during the Great Walks season. Note, camping is not allowed within 500 m on this track.
Hut facilities
Huts have bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic gas cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water. A DOC ranger is present. The huts do not provide food, cooking utensils or showers.
Fees and bookings
Huts
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
- Adult (18+ years): $37 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $56 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $28 per person, per night
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Campsites
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
- Adult (18+ years): $16 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $24 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $12 per person, per night
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Bookings
Huts and campsites must be booked in advance. We'll provide two weeks' notice of the date bookings will open. Book online
Getting there
Tongariro Northern Circuit starts and ends in Whakapapa Village.
There are overnight parking areas in the village - visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for directions to these areas and to receive a free parking permit.
Public transport is an option. Bus and train services run to National Park Village, on route between Auckland and Wellington and 15 km from Whakapapa Village. Local shuttle services provide transfers to Whakapapa Village.
The track can also be accessed from parking areas at:
- Mangatepopo Road end, off SH 47. Note, there is a 4-hour parking restriction at the Mangatepopo road end throughout the Great Walk season. Visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for a free parking permit or have your booking ticket available for the traffic management team to sight.
- Waihohonu track access point off the Desert Road (SH1), 35km south of Turangi.
What to take
To have a safe and enjoyable trip, it's essential you have the appropriate clothing and equipment. Find out what to take.
Know before you go
Terrain is difficult. Most of the track is open, exposed and on uneven surfaces.
Weather can change suddenly, from warm and sunny to cold and wet with strong winds. Dress warmly as wind-chill can be severe. Be prepared for all condtions. Check the Tongariro National Park weather forecast (NIWA website).
There are several active volcanic vents. The Tongariro Northern Circuit passes through volcanic hazard zones – even when the track is open, volcanic risk is present. Volcanic monitoring systems monitor activity and mitigate volcanic risk, but won't ensure your personal safety. If you are uncomfortable with this risk, choose a different track.
Cellphone reception varies. Cell phone is reasonably good around the track, but there are sections with no coverage. Generally there is no or very limited cell phone coverage at Waihohonu Hut.
Your safety is your responsibility. Know the Land Safety Code - 5 essential steps for staying safe in the simple rules to ensure you have a great trip and make it home.
Track description
Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 8.5 km
Begin 100 metres below the Whakapapa Visitor Centre at Ngauruhoe Place and along the lower Taranaki Falls track. After about 20 minutes the Mangatepopo track branches off from the Taranaki Falls track.
Heavily eroded in places the track crosses many stream beds. Ahead and to the right is Pukekaikiore, thought to be one of the older vents of the Tongariro complex. To the left is Pukeonake, a low scoria cone. Both Pukekaikiore and Pukeonake witnessed the last ice age when glaciers from Tongariro carved down through Mangatepopo Valley. The giant cone of Ngauruhoe and the flatter form of Tongariro are visible ahead. Ngauruhoe is a younger ‘parasitic’ cone on the side of Tongariro.
For the last hour the track skirts around Pukekaikiore until it reaches the Mangatepopo Valley track. The Mangatepopo Hut is five minutes off of the main track.
Mangatepopo Hut to Emerald Lakes
Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 8 km
The track follows Mangatepopo stream up the valley, climbing over a succession of old lava flows from Ngauruhoe. The youngest, very black, lava flows were erupted from Ngauruhoe in 1949 and 1954.
A five minute detour at the head of the valley leads to the cold Soda Springs and waterfall, which emerge beneath an old lava flow. In spring and summer moisture loving plants such as white foxgloves and yellow buttercups thrive in the area.
The steep climb required to reach the Mangatepopo Saddle rewards climbers views of the valley and if clear, Mt Taranaki to the west. From the saddle the track crosses South Crater, not a true crater but a drainage basin between the surrounding volcanic landforms.
Ahead more recent lava flows can be seen spilling over from Red Crater. The climb up to Red Crater offers splendid views of Oturere Valley and Kaimanawa Ranges to the east.
The main track continues on past the rim of Red Crater itself. The spectacular formation on the far side of the crater is a dike, an old magma feeding pipe to the vent of the volcano. Harder than the ash and scoria around it erosion has left it exposed on the side of the crater.
North Crater is the large flat topped crater to the north. This vent once contained a lava lake which cooled to infill the crater.
Blue Lake is visible from the top of Red Crater, across the Central Crater - which like South Crater is actually another drainage basin. Blue Lake has formed where cold fresh water fills an old vent.
A loose, rocky ridge leads down to the spectacular Emerald Lakes, which fill old explosion pits. Their brilliant colouring is caused by minerals washed down from the thermal area of Red Crater.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing continues from Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi Road.
Emerald Lakes to Oturere Hut
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 4 km
From Emerald Lakes the track descends steeply into the Oturere Valley with views of the valley, the Kaimanawa Ranges and the Rangipo Desert. The track weaves through an endless variety of unusual jagged lava forms from early eruptions from Red Crater which filled Oturere Valley.
A magical place to visit especially on a misty day. The Oturere Hut is nestled on the eastern edge of these flows. There is a pretty waterfall over the ridge from the hut.
Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 7.5 km
After leaving Oturere Hut the track undulates over a number of stream valleys and open gravel fields. Plant life here has been constantly repressed by volcanic eruptions, altitude and climate. Loose gravel means that recolonisation by plants is a slow process on the open and bare countryside.
The track gradually sidles around the foot hills of Ngauruhoe descending into a valley and crossing one of the branches of the Waihohonu Stream. Continue through a beech clad valley before climbing towards the ridge top. Waihohonu Hut is in the next valley.
Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village
Distance: 14.3 km
Time: 5 hr
The track follows the Waihohonu stream and gradually climbs to Tama Saddle. This area can be windy as it sits between the mountains.
From the saddle there is a very worthwhile side trip to the striking Tama Lakes, two infilled explosion craters. The lower lake is only 10 minutes from the junction, while the upper lake is up a steep ridge, taking 1 hour 30 minutes return.
Whakapapa Village is about two hours from the Tama Lakes junction. After the first hour the track meets the Taranaki Falls loop walk, one of the best short walks in the Park. There are two options to return to the village, both take about an hour. To view the waterfall, follow the lower section of the track down the steps to its base, then follow the Wairere stream through beautiful mountain beech forest back to the village.
Alternatively take the upper section of track through open tussock and shrubland back to the village.
Side trip: Ohinepango Springs
Time: 1 hr return from Waihohonu Hut
Crystal clear cold water bubbles up from beneath the old lava flow and discharges at an enormous rate into the Ohinepango Stream.
The springs are signposted on the Round the Mountain Track heading south towards Rangipo Hut.
Side trip: Historic Waihohonu Hut
Time: 20 min return from Waihohonu Hut; 10 min return from the Tongariro Northern Circuit Track
Built in 1903/04, this was the first hut built in Tongariro National Park. It's the oldest example of a typical early two-room mountain hut in New Zealand. Historic Waihohonu Hut.
Side trip: Tama Lakes
Time: 20 min return to Lower Tama from the junction, 1 hr 30 min return to Upper Tama from the junction.
Access half way between Waihohonu Hut and Whakapapa Village.
Tama Lakes, two infilled explosion craters, are named after Tamatea, the high chief of the Takitimu Canoe, who explored the area six centuries ago.
The lower lake (at 1200 m), is 10 minutes from the junction. Volcanic debris is slowly washing in and filling the crater. The upper lake (at 1314 m) is a further 40 minutes up a steep ridge. This beautiful lake is reputed to be very deep.
Contacts
| Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 892 3729 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | tongarirovc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Whakapapa Village State Highway 48 Mount Ruapehu |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 71029 Whakapapa Village Mount Ruapehu 3951 |
| Full office details | |