The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often referred to as New Zealand’s best mountain day-hike. It’s a long day hike with a few up hills and a long, gradual downhill at the end. Starting with a gradual uphill walk, you’ll then climb a ridge and traverse over a spectacular moonlike landscape, passing the stunning Emerald Lakes and nearby volcanic features. Good hiking boots are a must as the track, although well marked, has a couple of ridges to climb along and down. There are a few steps too, so it’s a really good idea to have some hiking poles, whether you share between two or use both of them, you’ll be very glad to have them with you.
If you’re booked to come during our winter months from May through to October, you have the option of either hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or some fabulous lower elevation hikes in the Tongariro National Park.
Winter Alpine crossing of Mt Tongariro
Mt. Tongariro and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is at this time of the year is typically covered in snow and ice. If you’re keen, and fit - and the weather is suitable, you can still hike over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It’s a full day out, and we’ll provide all the gear, such as crampons, ice axes and a specialist guide this day.
Winter hiking Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park has many other hiking trails to explore, a couple of which are the Taranaki Falls waterfall hike, and the terraces of the Silica Rapids. These tracks are away from the higher elevations of snow and ice and are fabulous hiking alternatives for this day!