Overview
The Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing Full Day Guided Walk is New Zealand’s best day walk that takes you on a 19km-journey across the otherworldly Tongariro landscape. Climbing to the saddle between Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe, the track then veers off to Mt. Tongariro. Contrary to appearances, Mt. Tongariro is not a single volcano but a network of craters that have seen activity at different periods. The stark landscape of Tongariro is punctuated with different coloured craters of varying shapes, mountain springs, scoured volcanic rocks, and vividly coloured emerald lakes.
Summer showcases the majestic landscape formed from recent volcanic activity. Different textures and colours emerge from the accumulation of aluminium, sulfur, silica and a variety of mineral deposits emitted from within the Earth’s crust. Knowing this breathtaking array of colours attracts hordes of hikers, we steer you away from the crowd while ensuring you still experience the most popular sights. You may also choose to go on much quieter times even in summer by joining our Sunrise departure trip. We adjust the timing of the walk so you are on the summit of the Red Crater just in time to watch the rising sun cast magical lighting over the landscape and absorb the stillness of the dawn.
Tour Grading: C
A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required for this guided walk. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a strenuous hike of 7-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres through an alpine environment. Walkers need to carry a daypack containing drinking water, raincoat and warm clothing. Track surfaces vary from well-formed paths to rough terrain of rocks and loose scree.
Details
Difficulty: 3
Start: National Park or Whakapapa Village (8am)
Finish: National Park or Whakapapa Village (5pm)
Includes:
- Price includes guide/s
- Winter equipment (crampons, ice axe, and helmet if needed)
- Additional boot and clothing hire worth $40
- return transport for Whakapapa or National Park
Overview
The Premium Tongariro Alpine Crossing Full Day Guided Walk is New Zealand’s best day walk that takes you on a 19km-journey across the otherworldly Tongariro landscape. Climbing to the saddle between Mt. Tongariro and Mt. Ngauruhoe, the track then veers off to Mt. Tongariro. Contrary to appearances, Mt. Tongariro is not a single volcano but a network of craters that have seen activity at different periods. The stark landscape of Tongariro is punctuated with different coloured craters of varying shapes, mountain springs, scoured volcanic rocks, and vividly coloured emerald lakes.
Summer showcases the majestic landscape formed from recent volcanic activity. Different textures and colours emerge from the accumulation of aluminium, sulfur, silica and a variety of mineral deposits emitted from within the Earth’s crust. Knowing this breathtaking array of colours attracts hordes of hikers, we steer you away from the crowd while ensuring you still experience the most popular sights. You may also choose to go on much quieter times even in summer by joining our Sunrise departure trip. We adjust the timing of the walk so you are on the summit of the Red Crater just in time to watch the rising sun cast magical lighting over the landscape and absorb the stillness of the dawn.
Tour Grading: C
A reasonable level of fitness and agility is required for this guided walk. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a strenuous hike of 7-8 hours, with a climb and descent of around 1000 metres through an alpine environment. Walkers need to carry a daypack containing drinking water, raincoat and warm clothing. Track surfaces vary from well-formed paths to rough terrain of rocks and loose scree.
Winter on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Emerald Lakes
Emerald Lakes
Mt Ngauruhoe in winter
Emerald Lake in summer
Itinerary
Open AllApprox 8am pick-up from your Whakapapa or National Park accommodation. 20 minute drive to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Famously known as the world's best walk, the Crossing is a challenging 7-8 hour hike through a rugged and exposed alpine environment. The track runs through the Mangatepopo Valley (900m) to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. Two steep climbs lead to Red Crater (1886m), then a scree slope drops down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakes the track then sidles around the northern slope of Mount Tongariro, before the long descent of switch-backs and many steps to the end (600m). Your transport awaits you at the end of the track, with a well-deserved snack and cool drink.
Approx 4pm return to your National Park or Whakapapa Village accommodation. Our professional, all-inclusive service make this the easiest, most convenient and rewarding way to experience this life-altering hike. Caring and friendly guides will ensure you walk at a relaxed pace, so you can relish the jaw-dropping views, spectacular geology & frequent refreshment breaks. Your guide carry's a first aid kit, communications, safety equipment and extra refreshments so you don't have to.
Please call our office the evening before your walk.
Due to the exposed alpine environment and erratic weather systems, the Tongariro Crossing is often too hazardous to walk; therefore it is essential you contact the office between 2 and 6pm the evening before your walk to confirm if the trip is going ahead. If we deem the conditions are unsafe to undertake the Tongariro Crossing, you will be offered an alternative guided walk.
Guide/s, return transfers from the National Park base, lunch, all equipment required, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need up to a $40 free allowance ($10 per item).
Transfers: Pick up / Drop off
Tour starts and finishes at the National Park Base.
Summer
National Park Base: Pick up 8:00am / Drop off 5:30pm
Whakapapa Village: Pick up 8:30am / Drop off 5:30pm
Turangi: Pick up 7:15am / Drop off 5:45pm
Ohakune: Pick up 7:30am / Drop off 6:00pm
Taupo CBD: Pick up 6:30am / Drop off 6:30pm
Winter
National Park Base: Pick up 7:00am / Drop off 5:30pm
Turangi: Pick up 6:40am / Drop off 6:00pm
Taupo CBD: Pick up 6:00am / Drop off 6:30pm
All times are approximate
Summer 1 October - 30 April, Winter 1 May - 30 September
- Return transfers from the National Park base (53 Carroll St, National Park Village) are included in the price.
- All other transfers an additional charge applies.
- We do not offer Whakapapa Village and Ohakune transfers in winter.
- All transfers require a minimum of 2 people.
Gear List
Summer
Water (1-2 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat.
Winter
Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat, Warm hat and gloves.
Gear For Hire
Our base has available for hire equipment, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks and walking poles.
26 September - 31 March NZ$325
1 April - Onwards NZ$395
Itinerary
Open AllApprox 8am pick-up from your Whakapapa or National Park accommodation. 20 minute drive to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Famously known as the world's best walk, the Crossing is a challenging 7-8 hour hike through a rugged and exposed alpine environment. The track runs through the Mangatepopo Valley (900m) to the saddle between Tongariro and Ngauruhoe Mountains. Two steep climbs lead to Red Crater (1886m), then a scree slope drops down to the vivid Emerald Lakes. After passing the Green and Blue lakes the track then sidles around the northern slope of Mount Tongariro, before the long descent of switch-backs and many steps to the end (600m). Your transport awaits you at the end of the track, with a well-deserved snack and cool drink.
Approx 4pm return to your National Park or Whakapapa Village accommodation. Our professional, all-inclusive service make this the easiest, most convenient and rewarding way to experience this life-altering hike. Caring and friendly guides will ensure you walk at a relaxed pace, so you can relish the jaw-dropping views, spectacular geology & frequent refreshment breaks. Your guide carry's a first aid kit, communications, safety equipment and extra refreshments so you don't have to.
Please call our office the evening before your walk.
Due to the exposed alpine environment and erratic weather systems, the Tongariro Crossing is often too hazardous to walk; therefore it is essential you contact the office between 2 and 6pm the evening before your walk to confirm if the trip is going ahead. If we deem the conditions are unsafe to undertake the Tongariro Crossing, you will be offered an alternative guided walk.
Guide/s, return transfers from the National Park base, lunch, all equipment required, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need up to a $40 free allowance ($10 per item).
Transfers: Pick up / Drop off
Tour starts and finishes at the National Park Base.
Summer
National Park Base: Pick up 8:00am / Drop off 5:30pm
Whakapapa Village: Pick up 8:30am / Drop off 5:30pm
Turangi: Pick up 7:15am / Drop off 5:45pm
Ohakune: Pick up 7:30am / Drop off 6:00pm
Taupo CBD: Pick up 6:30am / Drop off 6:30pm
Winter
National Park Base: Pick up 7:00am / Drop off 5:30pm
Turangi: Pick up 6:40am / Drop off 6:00pm
Taupo CBD: Pick up 6:00am / Drop off 6:30pm
All times are approximate
Summer 1 October - 30 April, Winter 1 May - 30 September
- Return transfers from the National Park base (53 Carroll St, National Park Village) are included in the price.
- All other transfers an additional charge applies.
- We do not offer Whakapapa Village and Ohakune transfers in winter.
- All transfers require a minimum of 2 people.
Gear List
Summer
Water (1-2 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots/shoes, walking trousers, 1 light top and 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat.
Winter
Water (1-1.5 litres), Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), sunscreen, sunglasses, backpack per person, hiking boots, thermal longs and/or walking trousers & over-trousers, 3 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), Waterproof raincoat, Warm hat and gloves.
Gear For Hire
Our base has available for hire equipment, footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks and walking poles.
