The Tongariro National Park is the oldest of the 13 national parks in New Zealand and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the park’s Māori cultural and spiritual foundations.
The National Park has over 25 inspiring walks, so there's something to suit everyone. However, if you're looking for something truly thrilling then add the Tongariro Northern Circuit to the top of your hiking list.
The 44.9km multi-day hike is not only one of New Zealand's Great Walks but is home to vast volcanic landscapes, crystal blue lakes, and the famous Tongariro Crossing.
So if you're looking for your next big adventure, lace up and book your spot pronto, but before you do, check out everything you need to know before tackling the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit Low Down
Explore the volcanic heart of the Tongariro National Park on an epic three to four-day tramping adventure. The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 44.9km multi-day hike around three active volcanos (Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngāuruhoe).
Most people have heard of the Tongariro Crossing, which is one of New Zealand’s most walked day hikes—well the northern circuit allows you to explore the crossing and more.
Expect dramatic landscapes filled with immense volcanoes, active steam vents, glacial valleys, beech forests, waterfalls, and eye-catching emerald and turquoise lakes.
For all you Lord Of The Rings Fans, live out your fantasy as you take in the sights of Mount Ngauruhoe (aka Mordor from LOTR) as well as tick off one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks.
The tramp can be walked in either direction and is well sign-posted so there’s no chance of getting lost.
If you're an experienced hiker then you may want to complete the track in three days and two nights, however, most people finish it in four days and three nights.
Be sure to make a booking in advance as spots tend to get snatched up quickly in peak season.
Getting To The Tongariro Northern Circuit
You'll be pleased to hear that the circuit is a loop track, so it starts and finishes at the same place in Whakapapa Village. If you're driving you can park your car in the long-term designated parking areas in the village, all you've got to do is head to the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for directions and a free parking permit.
If you prefer to sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving then you can hire a shuttle from National Park Village, Turangi, Taupo or Ohakune. Check out the DOC site for a list of shuttle services here.
Public transport is also an option. Bus and train services run to the National Park Village, from Auckland and Wellington and local shuttle services provide transfers to Whakapapa Village.
When To Hike The Tongariro Northern Circuit
The best time to hike the Tongariro Northern Circuit is during the Great Walk season, which is from late October to April as weather conditions are better and daylight hours are longer.
The Department of Conservation recommends booking during this peak time to secure huts or campsites, more on which below.
May to late October is known as the off-peak season as it’s during the winter and although the track is still open it’s only recommended to those hikers with specialist alpine skills and experience tackling wintery terrain—think snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures, and high risk of avalanche.
What You'll Need For The Tongariro Northern Circuit
As you’ll be hiking for three to four days you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got everything you need, but remember you’ll have to carry everything you bring so try to pack lightly and only take essentials.
This includes a sturdy tent and roll mat (If camping), sleeping bag, torch, matches or lighter, cooking equipment and utensils. Some of the huts may provide cooking facilities so be sure to check your chosen huts when booking.
You’ll also need to carry enough food to fuel your 44.9km tramp. Three meals a day will keep the doctor away when hiking, so be sure to pack breakfast, lunch, dinner and plenty of snacks.
Porridge sachets are a godsend for brekkie, add a dash of water and it’s good to go. You can’t go wrong with a good sarnie or two for lunch, but be sure to prepare your lunch at camp the night before to avoid faff on the track and fuel up on snacks like protein bars, bananas, chips— basically, carbs will be your bezzie mate on this trip.
For dinner you’ll want something hot to warm your cockles, we love the Back Country offerings—basically, freeze-dried meals that can be cooked in their own pouch in ten minutes. They’re super light, act as a bowl, and are actually delicious. Think spag bol, beef hotpot, curries, risotto, roast chicken and even a chocolate brownie pudding for dessert.
Top tip—The village is a 90-minute drive south of Taupō and a 30-minute drive south of Tūrangi, so be sure to stock up on snacks here before entering the park.
As there are no drinking water supplies on the mountain, you’ll need to bring drinking water and bottles as well as purification tablets. If you can’t get your hands on any purification tabs, no stress just boil up some water at camp and let it cool overnight for drinking the next day.
As with all New Zealand Great Walks, there are no bins on the track or the huts so you’ll need to carry all empty packaging back to Whakapapa with you, so a rubbish bag will come in handy.
As you know New Zealand weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for all seasons. In terms of clothing, a lightweight raincoat, waterproof trousers, thermals, gloves, thick socks, and sturdy hiking shoes or boots are a must as well as suncream, sunglasses, a sunhat and a beanie to wear at night (warning: it gets pretty chilly).
Some other items to consider are earplugs, eyemasks, hand sanitiser, a pack of cards or a book, a battery pack, and mobile phone, booking confirmation and ID, and hiking poles.
Most importantly, you’ll need a can-do attitude, this will get you far on the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
What To Expect On The Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Department of Conservation site provides a handy day-by-day itinerary for your walk and gives in-depth descriptions of what you can expect. One thing is for sure, you’re guaranteed to see breathtaking panoramic alpine views and vast terrain across the three to four days.
Depending on the route you decide, you can expect between five to seven hours of walking a day. There are thankfully a lot of flat sections on the track, however, what goes down must go up so expect some steep parts too.
There is a section on the track called 'Devil's Staircase'—a 1400 to 1600 metre climb above sea level comprising 370 steps as well as ‘The Red Crater’, which is the highest point of the track. Although this may be challenging the views are certainly worth the climb. Expect spectacular views over the Oturere Valley, Rangipo Desert, Kaimanawa Ranges and your first peak at the famous Emerald Lakes.
Without giving too much away, expect stunning natural beauty at its finest. It's a picturesque haven waiting to be explored—trust us, it’s worth the climb.
Where To Stay Around The Tongariro Northern Circuit
After a hard day of hiking, you’re going to need somewhere to rest your head. Make sure you book in advance into the three huts or campsites that are available on the track. Mangatepopo, Oturere and Waihohonu huts are run by DOC so are clean, and tidy and have everything you need for a comfortable night's sleep such as bunks, mattresses, heating, toilets, basic gas cooking facilities, solar-powered lighting and cold running water.
The National Park village or Whakapapa village are the nearest locations for accommodation prior to the hike, although they can be on the spenny side.
The Whakapapa Village is a 90-minute drive south of Taupō, so if you're staying in Taupō before or after your big adventure and need some accommodation inspo, then check out the Best Accommodation In Taupo.
Swap camping for glamping and treat yourself to a boujee glamping getaway at the end of your trip at this stunning large hillside dome. Trust us, you won't regret it.
Other Walks Near Tongariro National Park
There are heaps of beautiful hikes in the Tongariro National Park. If you haven’t got three to four days of hiking in your legs then opt for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a one-day hike that takes you up and over the Tongariro summit.
The views from the top are worth the 1886-metre climb. You can even book a sunrise-guided tour, where you can watch the sunrise at Red Crater and enjoy breakfast alfresco. Absolute bliss.
Another epic one-day walk is Tama Lakes, this trek is 17.6km and has equally stunning views as the Tongariro Crossing without all the uphill work. Tama Lakes is home to six explosion craters, created around 10,000 years ago during an eruption period.
If you're looking for a shorter trek, the Taranaki Falls Walk is perfect. It's a 6km loop track that takes you through alpine shrublands and beech forest, passing streams and waterfalls. Check out the DOC site for more walking inspo in the National Park.
After a shorter walk? Scope all you need to know about The Tongariro Crossing.
Image credit: Tongariro Alpine Crossing by Paul Abbitt, Tongariro by Adrien Aletti, Tongariro by Timo Volz, Waihohonu Hut by Janette Asche.