Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region
Bookings are open for trips to 30 April 2021.
43.1 km loop
In the Great Walks season (23 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 22 October 2021):
Taranaki Falls plunge into a boulder-ringed pool Image: Robert Dickinson ©
Journey through alpine meadow landscapes and emerald coloured lakes Image: | DOC
Boardwalk on Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: | DOC
Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
Trampers on Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: Sarah Wilcox | Creative Commons
View from the Tongariro Northern Circuit Image: Tahu Taylor-Koolen ©
Discover what you'll see on the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit winds its way around the active volcanoes Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, showcasing the spectacular volcanic terrain of the central North Island.
The walk passes through unique and stunning landscapes, including active volcanic craters, brilliant blue lakes, and glacial valleys.
The central and high altitude location of the Tongariro Northern Circuit is in a prime position for sweeping views around the central North Island.
In addition to panoramas of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside, you can see beautiful Lake Taupo to the north, the rugged Kaimanawa ranges to the east, and even as far as Mount Taranaki on the west coast!
Side by side you can see chaotic, barren lava flows, winter snowfields, thermal steaming and active craters. From alpine herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau, this walk is a place of extremes and surprises.
The plants in the area vary considerably, from alpine herbs to thick swathes of tussocks and flax; from the hardy, low-growing shrubs of the Rangipo gravel-field to dense beech forests. A diverse range of beautiful and unique alpine flowers abound in the spring and summer months.
This is the perfect habitat for a variety of New Zealand’s native birds. In forested areas you may see bellbird/korimako, tui, robin/toutouwai, tomtit/miromiro, fantail/piwakawaka, and maybe New Zealand's smallest bird the rifleman/titipounamu.
You might be lucky enough to spot blue duck/whio in a stream, and in open terrain areas you may see pipits, skylarks, the rarer karearea/falcon or kaka, and even some wayward seagulls who live in the area in summer!
A range of trips can be planned around the circuit, suitable for the whole family. You can do day trips, overnight trips or a three-four day walk around the complete circuit.
The Tongariro National Park is easy to get to from around the North Island. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is easily accessible from four trailheads, with Whakapapa Village being the main entrance and exit point.
You can walk the full circuit in either direction. Most people take 3 or 4 days, with 2 or 3 overnight stays. Very fit people can walk it in 2 days, but each day is at least 8 hours.
The time it takes you to walk between huts may be less or more than the stated time. Your fitness level and weather conditions affect how long it takes.
There are a range of shorter walking opportunities, suitable for the whole family and for those with less time available. You can do a walk of a few hours or a whole day, or an overnight stay in one of the huts or campsites.
There are three huts, with campsites close by, on the circuit: Mangatepopo, Oturere and Waihohonu.
Ketetahi hut and campsite aren't available for accommodation due to damage in the August 2012 volcanic eruption.
Huts and campsites must be booked in advance in the Great Walks season. Outside the Great Walks season, it is first come, first served.
Camping is not allowed within 500 metres of the Tongariro Northern Circuit Track.
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.
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 scoria covered 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.
This is an Active Volcanic Hazard Zone - eruptions are possible without warning. The Te Maari craters erupted in August and November 2012. Know about volcanic risks and what do to in the event of an eruption.
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 4.8 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the Great Walks season (23 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 22 October 2021):
Fees are charged per person, per night to stay in huts or campsites on the Tongariro Northern Circuit. There are no fees to complete a day walk on the track or for entry into the Tongariro National Park.
In the Great Walks season (23 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):
New Zealand citizens, those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
International visitors:
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 22 October 2021):
New Zealand rates:
In the Great Walks season (23 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):
New Zealand citizens, those ordinarily resident in New Zealand*:
International visitors:
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 22 October 2021):
New Zealand rates:
A 10% discount is available to members, staff and instructors of the following organisations, who also hold a valid 12 month Backcountry Hut Pass: NZ Mountain Safety Council; NZ Federated Mountain Clubs; NZ Deer Stalkers Association; NZ Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR); Scouts New Zealand; GirlGuiding NZ.
Discounts are not available online. To receive the discount we need to sight your membership card and Backcountry Hut Pass, so visit a DOC visitor centre in person. If you get a discount you won't be charged a booking fee.
Before you start your Tongariro Northern Circuit walk:
Bookings are open for trips to 30 April 2021.
Follow this step-by-step process to guide you through booking your Tongariro Northern Circuit walk:
Read the booking terms and conditions (scroll to the bottom to find the Terms and Conditions link) for general information, age ranges, prices, discounts, penalty rates and the alterations and cancellations policy. Bookings not meeting the terms and conditions will be treated as invalid and cancelled.
Guided groups: To operate a commercial activity in an area managed by DOC, you need to apply for a concession (an official permit), in addition to any bookings you would need to make. Read more about concessions
To make multiple bookings for facilities/services on behalf of customers, you must obtain permission or an agent agreement from DOC. To do this, email: agents@doc.govt.nz
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is easy to get to by private car or public transport. Whakapapa Village is the start and finish point for the Circuit.
There are one bus services and one train service that runs on alternate days that stop in National Park Village, on route between Auckland and Wellington and 15 km from Whakapapa Village. Local shuttle services are available for transfers to Whakapapa Village.
There are overnight parking areas available in the village. Visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for directions to these areas and to receive a free parking permit. It is approximately a 3 hour walk to Mangatepopo Hut, or a 5-6 hour walk to Waihohonu Hut.
A 4-hour parking restriction is in place 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. From the parking area at the end of Mangatepopo road, it is approximately a 30 minute walk to Mangatepopo Hut.
A 4-hour parking restriction is in place at the Ketetahi 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.
From the parking area at the end of Ketetahi Road, you walk on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track. It is approximately a 5–6 hour hike to Oturere Hut, or 7–8 hours to Mangatepopo Hut
The track begins by climbing through podocarp forest, then continues up the tussock-covered slopes of Mount Tongariro. This section of track goes through the active volcanic hazard zone. There are great views from the track of the steaming volcanic vents at Te Maari craters, the Ketetahi thermal area, and evidence of the 2012 volcanic eruptions.
There is a parking area just off the Desert Road, 35 km south of Tūrangi. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to walk to Waihohonu Hut.
From the highway, the track crosses tussock and shrubland. Much of the vegetation near the first part of the track was destroyed or damaged during a large fire in November 1988. Although recovering well, blackened stems and branches can still be seen.
The track, built upon volcanic material, is fragile and easily eroded. The track enters shady beech forest near the Ohinepango Stream, part of Te Mako Bush.
Past the stream the track re-enters tussock and shrubland where there are good views of Ruapehu. Just before the hut the track joins the Round the Mountain Track. The Waihohonu Hut is a 10 minute walk from this junction.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit connects with the Round the Mountain Track at two points - Whakapapa Village and Waihohonu Hut.
When leaving your vehicle at track entrance parking areas, take valuable items with you and lock your vehicle. Alternatively, there are parking areas at Whakapapa Village and local towns, and transport is easy to arrange to and from the tracks.
Your safety is your responsibility. To have a great time in the outdoors, know before you go the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code to help you stay safe:
Seek local knowledge, plan your route and the amount of time you expect it to take.
It's important to plan, prepare and equip yourself well. Have the right gear and skills required for the trip and always check the latest information about facilities you plan to use, and local track and weather conditions.
On the Tongariro Northern Circuit, be aware that:
Check for alerts at the top of this page, or contact the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.
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. Both Red Crater and Ngāuruhoe vents have been active within the last 100 years.
Before you go:
There is geothermal activity near Emerald Lakes. Steam vents (fumaroles) should not be approached – steam is very hot, the ground can be unstable and severe burns are possible. Stay on the marked track at all times to avoid injury.
The main parking area is at Whakapapa Village, where the Circuit begins and ends. Parking is free and generally safe.
When leaving your vehicle at a parking area, take valuable items with you and lock your vehicle. There is a checked luggage service at Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre. We recommend that vehicles are not left overnight in the more isolated parking areas.
This is a sacred and fragile alpine area. Use the toilet facilities provided.
Toilets are available at Whakapapa Village, at each hut, at Mangatepopo parking area, and at Soda Springs. There are also toilets at Ketetahi parking area.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Fill in the visitors' book if you are staying in a hut.
In the Great Walks season, there are resident rangers at all huts, who can give weather and track information or assist should an emergency arise. Outside the Great Walks season hut rangers are not present, although DOC rangers do occasional checks on facilities (and hut tickets).
New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable - expect weather changes and be prepared for them.
On the Tongariro Northern Circuit, be aware that:
More information:
Check the Tongariro National Park weather forecast on the MetService website.
During winter months snow/ice can cover all or parts of the track, and avalanche risk may apply. Walking and/or navigation can become more difficult.
Alpine experience and equipment is normally required during this period (crampons and ice axe, possibly avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe).
More information:
Avalanches are possible during and after heavy snow falls. Check the Tongariro avalanche advisory before you leave. If risk applies, carry a transceiver, shovel and probe and know how to use them. If the risk is 'considerable' or above - don't go!
More information:
Find out about the avalanche terrain ratings in Tongariro National Park
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.
To do the trip you need to be reasonably fit and have good equipment to cover all possibilities.
You can expect:
You must be self sufficient: be sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency food for the worst-case scenario.
Take an appropriate means of communication such as a cellphone and/or personal locator beacon. Personal locator beacons provide increased personal safety. You can rent them from various outlets, check details on the Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ website
On the Tongariro Northern Circuit, be aware that:
Personal equipment
You can't buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value. For example:
You'll also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case of any delays on the track.
For safety reasons the Tongariro Northern Circuit doesn't operate as a Great Walk/Easier tramping track during May to October. If attempting the Tongariro Northern Circuit in that time, you'll need additional equipment. See Walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit outside the Great Walks season
Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 22 October 2021):
Walking the track at this time should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped people.
Most of the Circuit 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:
See Avalanche terrain ratings for Tongariro National Park
River/stream crossings may be hazardous during rainfall. Take all river crossings seriously. Never cross a flooded river. If in doubt, stay out!
Learn about river hazards on the Mountain Safety Council website.
Fees are charged per person per night, and hut beds are on a first come, first served basis only. All huts require a Serviced Backcountry Hut Ticket, which must be purchased in advance. Alternatively, a Backcountry Hut Pass (valid for 6 or 12 months) may be used. See Fees and bookings.
Hut facilities are reduced:
You need to be totally self-sufficient. It is essential to have the correct food, clothing and equipment for cold winter conditions. See What to take.
Outside the Great Walks season, you also need:
Before you go, know the The Outdoor Safety Code – 5 simple rules to help you stay safe:
Walking the Tongariro Northern Circuit outside the Great Walks season should only be attempted by fit, experienced and well equipped people. Alpine skills, navigation and river crossing skills are essential for your survival. Visit or contact the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for conditions and weather before your trip.
Find out more at Know before you go
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 |