Hiking
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing grabs the hiking limelight. Starting at Mangatepopo, the one-way crossing is a spectacular seven- to nine-hour hike that follows a 19.4-km (12½-mile) trail up and over the namesake mountain, passing craters, the evocatively named Emerald Lakes, old lava flows, and hot springs. Although children and school groups commonly do the hike, it is not to be taken lightly. Prepare yourself for rapidly changing weather conditions by bringing warm and waterproof clothing. Wear sturdy footwear, and carry food, plenty of water, sunblock, and sunglasses—and don't forget a hat. Also, be careful not to get too close to steam vents; the area around them can be dangerously hot. From late November to May, you'll be sharing the trail with many other hikers. In the colder months, it's really only for experienced winter hikers who can deal with snow and ice; some transport companies will take you only if you have an ice axe and crampons. It is recommended that you get up-to-date trail and weather conditions from the Department of Conservation's Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre before starting out. A number of trail transport operators provide shuttles to and from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Many of the motels and lodges in National Park village can also arrange transport for about NZ$15.
The longest hikes in the park are the three-day Northern Circuit, which goes over Tongariro and around Ngauruhoe, and the four-day Round-the-Mountain Track, which circles Ruapehu. There are trailside huts throughout the park to use on overnight trips. You'll need to buy a hut pass at the visitor center; it costs NZ$32 from October 1 to the first weekend in June and NZ$10 the rest of the year. During the “Great Walks Season”(the third week in October to last week in April), huts musts be booked ahead; otherwise it’s first come–first served. Gas cookers are available in the huts. You can also tackle short half-hour to two-hour walks if all you want is a flavor of the region. A 90-minute round-trip trek to the Tawhai Falls via the Whakapapanui Track takes you through the forest, and a two-hour round-trip to Taranaki Falls showcases subalpine scenery.
Mountain Shuttle. Transport to the trailhead from Turangi costs NZ$45. For an extra charge boots, clothing, day packs, and more can be supplied. Taupo, Waikato. 0800/117–686; www.tongarirocrossing.com.
