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Tongariro Crossing
Published by Jared Dellinger, Writer
Country: New Zealand 
The Experience
Sitting in the shadow of a volcano at six in the morning has a waking effect beyond anything a cup of coffee could offer. It creates an escalating sensation of awe that draws a grin onto your face as you ride down the pockmarked gravel road.
Everything is heightened by anticipation as the black outline grew larger and more distinct with every second of the approaching daylight. Small indentations seemed to be highlighted more and more, and I couldn't help but be excited—I was about to do one of the most popular treks in New Zealand: The Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro Crossing is a 17 km trek offering panoramic views of the countryside with a twist; these views are courtesy of the mythical "Mt. Doom" from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
The Tongariro Crossing trails are laid-out through the lowlands; streams trickled below as elevated wooden pathways hover above the water and switchbacks crafted into the hillsides let you observe the scenery without losing your footing. Off in the distance, green farmland sprawls for miles with the occasional snow-capped peaks pointing into the azure skies.
One of the many trail options for the Tongariro Crossing is Mt. Ngauruhoe—the depicted volcano in the movie. It is not an easy climb to the top. The moonscape covering the side of the volcano is incredibly loose, almost like an out-of-place sand dune with very few solid places for footing and too many opportunities for accidents. The air is crisp at an altitude of 2,287 metres, and steam vents sporadically located around the crater create small clouds that float around you like marshmallows. As you look past all of this, and take a look in almost any direction, you can’t help but be humbled by the beauty below. The deep-blue lakes and red plateaus of the Tongariro Crossing capture your attention as you stop to catch your breath shrouded in a feeling of amazement.
Further along the Tongariro Crossing lie the Emerald Lakes. The three Lakes, made from sulphuric acid, sit in a triangle formation almost directly next to each other at the bottom of a small ravine. The Emerald Lakes immediately catch your eye as you descend from the crater above; never really letting go as you edge closer. The translucent green that glows against the golden ash makes for a great view as you sit over the Emerald Lakes with the valley dropping away to the horizon. The home stretch of the Tongariro Crossing descends from the volcanic landscape through indigenous vegetation, allowing pleasant views of distant volcanoes and a sense of awe for the natural beauty around you.
Everything is heightened by anticipation as the black outline grew larger and more distinct with every second of the approaching daylight. Small indentations seemed to be highlighted more and more, and I couldn't help but be excited—I was about to do one of the most popular treks in New Zealand: The Tongariro Crossing. The Tongariro Crossing is a 17 km trek offering panoramic views of the countryside with a twist; these views are courtesy of the mythical "Mt. Doom" from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
The Tongariro Crossing trails are laid-out through the lowlands; streams trickled below as elevated wooden pathways hover above the water and switchbacks crafted into the hillsides let you observe the scenery without losing your footing. Off in the distance, green farmland sprawls for miles with the occasional snow-capped peaks pointing into the azure skies.
One of the many trail options for the Tongariro Crossing is Mt. Ngauruhoe—the depicted volcano in the movie. It is not an easy climb to the top. The moonscape covering the side of the volcano is incredibly loose, almost like an out-of-place sand dune with very few solid places for footing and too many opportunities for accidents. The air is crisp at an altitude of 2,287 metres, and steam vents sporadically located around the crater create small clouds that float around you like marshmallows. As you look past all of this, and take a look in almost any direction, you can’t help but be humbled by the beauty below. The deep-blue lakes and red plateaus of the Tongariro Crossing capture your attention as you stop to catch your breath shrouded in a feeling of amazement.
Further along the Tongariro Crossing lie the Emerald Lakes. The three Lakes, made from sulphuric acid, sit in a triangle formation almost directly next to each other at the bottom of a small ravine. The Emerald Lakes immediately catch your eye as you descend from the crater above; never really letting go as you edge closer. The translucent green that glows against the golden ash makes for a great view as you sit over the Emerald Lakes with the valley dropping away to the horizon. The home stretch of the Tongariro Crossing descends from the volcanic landscape through indigenous vegetation, allowing pleasant views of distant volcanoes and a sense of awe for the natural beauty around you.
When to Go to Tongariro Crossing
The Tongariro Crossing is within a World Heritage Park and is considered to be the best one day trek in New Zealand. The best walking season is between December and March, and will offer the best chance to see the Emerald Lakes in all their glory.
New Zealand has so much to offer with regards to outdoor activities, and the Tongariro Crossing is one that should not be overlooked. It is a pleasant trek easily accessible to any level of trekker and affords awesome views you will remember forever. The majestic beauty experienced atop one of the many volcanoes really makes you appreciate what New Zealand and the North Island have to offer. Be sure to have a fully-charged camera battery—you won't forgive yourself if you miss out on some of these shots!
New Zealand has so much to offer with regards to outdoor activities, and the Tongariro Crossing is one that should not be overlooked. It is a pleasant trek easily accessible to any level of trekker and affords awesome views you will remember forever. The majestic beauty experienced atop one of the many volcanoes really makes you appreciate what New Zealand and the North Island have to offer. Be sure to have a fully-charged camera battery—you won't forgive yourself if you miss out on some of these shots!
Odds n' Ends
You will need to take plenty of water as the refilling stations are located several hours apart on the Tongariro Crossing. A sensible energy-dense lunch would also be appropriate to take with you to recharge your batteries. There are numerous options with regard to getting to the trail heads, so do some research on your preferences beforehand.
Camping is available in the Park for a decent price, and can make for a great experience. Canoeing and rafting are also available within the Park, so get a firm idea of what you would like to accomplish and work with the tourist agencies to get the best price. The closest town to the Tongariro Crossing is Taupo, located in the centre of the North Island. It is about a 45-minute bus ride to the trail head, and it will take you a good seven to eight hours to complete the trail. There are numerous options for views throughout so be sure to make a plan so you won't miss the bus at the end of the day!
Camping is available in the Park for a decent price, and can make for a great experience. Canoeing and rafting are also available within the Park, so get a firm idea of what you would like to accomplish and work with the tourist agencies to get the best price. The closest town to the Tongariro Crossing is Taupo, located in the centre of the North Island. It is about a 45-minute bus ride to the trail head, and it will take you a good seven to eight hours to complete the trail. There are numerous options for views throughout so be sure to make a plan so you won't miss the bus at the end of the day!
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Whakapapa Village, on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is the centre of activity, both summer and winter, when visiting the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. ... 2 miles away
$202 NZD+
The Chateau Tongariro sits nestled in the shadow of three towering active volcanoes- and at the very foot of the majestic and sacred Mount Ruapehu. ... 2 miles away
$190 NZD+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Bathe in a Natural Hot Spring at Kerosene Creek
- The best things in life are free, and that is certainly the case for the hidden beauty of Kerosene Creek in New Zealand. A thermal river runs over an old lava flow, and here visitors can relax under warm waterfalls in two naturally-heated pools. The surprising thing is that this natural wonder, though popular with locals, is hardly mentioned in the tourist guidebooks distributed in the region; and scarcely honoured with a few lines in the Lonely Planet. Maybe that's because Kerosene Creek, truly is off the beaten track, requiring a drive down a dirt road to a barely visible ...76 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
This exciting jet boat ride is thirty minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs with inches to spare, sliding past trees and ...44.72 miles away via Taupo.
$48+
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- Tongariro Crossing
- This website will help you make any specific decisions or clarify any questions you may have about the area itself.
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Department of Conservation
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