Tracks
The "Real" Tongariro Crossing Route Guide
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Track
• 1 day. Medium. One way.
A popular but crowded alpine route through a spectacular volcanic landscape.
Ngauruhoe Volcano
Track
• 1 day. Medium. Returns via same track.
Ascent of the steep, symmetrical scoria cone of a young volcano - can be walked as a 3 hour side trip on the Tongariro Crossing
Ketetahi Track
Track
• 0 – 2 days. Easy. Return via same track.
Easy climb through forest and subalpine vegetation on the northern flank of the Tongariro Volcano
Soda Springs
Track
• Easy. Return via same track.
The easiest close approach to Ngauruhoe Volcano, following a smooth track through a raw, moonlike landscape to an oasis of vegetation around mineral springs
Te Mari Craters
Track
• Easy/medium. Return via same route.
Unmarked walk to volcanic craters near Ketetahi Hut on the Tongariro Crossing
Mount Tongariro
Track
• Easy/medium. Return via same route.
A side trip on the Tongariro Crossing to the low summit of Tongariro Volcano
Track grades
- Easy
- Unusually smooth, well-marked track, easy gradients. Up to about 4 hours per day.
- Easy-medium
- Typical lowland track. Generally easy walking and well marked. Ascents of up to 1000m. Some easy river crossings, unmarked travel along rivers.
- Medium
- Typical tops track. Experienced trampers only. Rough, muddy and poorly marked or unmarked. Ascents of up to 2000m. River crossings, open tops, passes. Up to about 8 hours per day.
- Medium-hard
- Navigation and snow skills (use of ice axe and crampons) required. Glaciers, exposure to falls.
- Hard
- Rough or non-existent tracks. Following ridges, bush spurs, and rivers. Steep ascents, arduous travel, hazardous conditions, snow and navigation skills essential.