Best trails in Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is a legendary National Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage area and a place of great significance to Māori. It's a volcanic park with unique lunar landscapes, old craters, lakes, waterfalls, and steaming hot pools. This park is home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often called the World's Greatest Day Hike. Enjoy the tracks as you explore the park.
Top trails
1
(5570)
•Hard
•12.4 mi
To experience what many people call the “World’s Greatest Day Hike”, you will need no permits. However, transportation arrangements must be made for both ends of the hike, so be sure to plan ahead. You must also be mindful of shuttle pick-up times if you decide to summit Mt. Tongariro or Mt. Ngauruhoe (both cannot be done within the same day). There are sections of the trail that are considered active volcano areas, and it offers optional side trips to Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe...
2
(2228)
•Moderate
•3.7 mi
•Est. 1h 34m
This is a popular waterfall walk in Tongariro National Park. Start your walk at the entrance, just before the car park. This track is very well-marked and mostly flat, with just a few stairs. The upper loop track has great views of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. Highly recommended for family day walks.
3
(1080)
•Moderate
•10.8 mi
•Est. 4h 57m
This track is an extension of the Taranaki Falls Loop. It's a beautiful long walk to the Tama Lakes (an old explosion craters between Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe).
The last part up to the upper Tama Lake is the challenging section (or, better to say, the way down) because it's slippery on the loose rocks. This trail is not as crowded as the Tongariro Crossing and offers beautiful scenery! Sun protection, a hat, and a windbreaker jacket may be helpful since there's no forest after the Taranaki...
4
(505)
•Hard
•11.9 mi
This is a challenging track from Mangetepopo Road end carpark to the Blue Lake located in Tongariro National Park. The walk starts off nice and gently and gradually started to climb. The climb is challenging with the stairs and maneuvering around rocks and loose gravel, but the lake at the top is absolutely stunning and totally worth the climb.
5
(299)
•Moderate
•5.9 mi
•Est. 2h 41m
The Soda Springs Falls Walk is located in Tongariro National Park. A short detour from the Tongariro Crossing takes you close to a 15 meters high segmented waterfall. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and a hat - there's not much shade along the way. The track starts from the end of Mangatepopo Road (a 4WD vehicle is recommended on this bumpy road with cracks). A carpark located a the trailhead is restricted to 4 hours from Labour weekend in October to the end of April.
6
(586)
•Easy
•0.5 mi
This is a short walk to the beautiful, 13-meter-high, Tawhai Falls located in Tongariro National Park. A few steps down you will find a perfect swim stop with refreshing mountain water temperature. The water here is clear and blue.
Access from Bruce Road. A small carpark is located at the trailhead.
7
(228)
•Hard
•14.2 mi
•Est. 8h 29m
This track follows part of Tongariro Alpine Crossing and takes you from Ketetahi Carpark to the 1868-meter-high Red Crater (still active volcano located in Tongariro National Park) with beautiful views of the lakes at from the top. Be careful of your footing on the loose rock and snow in colder months. As usual in Tongariro, make sure you have appropriate clothing for rapidly changing weather conditions.
8
(247)
•Hard
•10.6 mi
This track takes you from Whakapapa Village to Upper Tama Lakes, located in Tongariro National Park. The last part up to the upper Tama Lake is the challenging section (or, better to say, the way down) because it's slippery on the loose rocks. This trail is not as crowded as the Tongariro Crossing and offers beautiful scenery! Sun protection, a hat, and a windbreaker jacket may be helpful since there's no forest after the Taranaki Falls. Wear sturdy hiking boots.
9
(329)
•Hard
•27.5 mi
Tongariro Northern Circuit is one of the New Zealand Great Walks located in the heart of North Island in Tongariro National Park. This volcanic park is full of unique lunar landscapes, old craters, lakes, and steaming hot pools. The loop can be walked in both directions and offers incredible views and stunning scenery along the way.
There are 3 huts with campsites (bookings in advance during the Great Walks season are required), and most hikers take 4 days/3 nights or 3 days/2 nights to...
10
(326)
•Moderate
•4.2 mi
•Est. 1h 54m
This loop starts and ends in Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park. The last section of this track follows Bruce Road. To avoid walking the road, a carpark is located at the trailhead where you can park a second vehicle. You can also start from Whakapapa Holiday Park. Looking for an out-and-back trail of Silica Rapids? Check it out here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/manawatu-wanganui/silica-rapids-walk--2.
This is a well-formed, mainly flat and slightly undulating track...
Showing results 1–10 of 70
Trail reviews for Tongariro National Park
We took a round trip shuttle from Tongariro National Park Town, which was less expensive ($50-60 NZD) and more convenient than spotting a car at the end and taking one way shuttle to trailhead. The trek was as expected, if not a bit easier due to the very well maintained trails. In total, we hiked about 12.5 miles with almost 2,800 feet of elevation gain. We had “four seasons”, mostly in-and-out of the clouds on the south side, and mostly sunny on the north side of the range.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Very easy and short, not dangerous at all. There was almost no snow and I saw the tongariro well. I liked it
This text has been translated.
Mead's Wall TrackInitially planned to Walk to Soda springs. Super easy. Took about an 1.5hours. Pretty flat. Well marked and mainly a track: could do it in trainers. As we got there in quite good time we went on an extra 1.5h to the top of red crater. Much harder and steeper climb. Stairs at first which were nice: and then the final ascent we were cloud covered, got very steep and muddy. We didn’t get great views at the top but well worth it if you’re going to Tongariro in winter and want to to hike up to the highest point and then back to the car park in about 5ish hours.
Conditions: Muddy
Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Easy short walk from end car park of the Tongariro Crossing, Lookout for sidetrack when you hear waterfall, no sign marking turnoff, just a little post in the ground. Best time to go is out of great walks season as there will be less trampers and more parks available.
Difficulty: Easy
Ketetahi Falls Track
Having done the Tongariro Alpine Crossing the day before, this was a great trail to get different views of the mountains - and the Tama Lakes were stunning. Set off early and was the only person at Upper Tama Lakes, but walked past lots of people on the way back. Track is very exposed so plan to weather accordingly.
Difficulty: Moderate
The track is extremely well maintained, with multiple restrooms available at various points. It is easier if you start from the Ketetahi Car Park. There is one section with loose stones that can be slippery—using two hiking sticks is recommended to prevent falls. Highly recommended place to stay is the Tongariro River Retreat!
Parking: Free, Large lot
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Tongariro National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Tongariro National Park is Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which has a 4.8 star rating from 5,570 reviews. This trail is 12.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,798 ft.
What is the longest trail in Tongariro National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Tongariro National Park is Round the Mountain Track. This trail is estimated to be 44.9 mi long.
How many trails are in Tongariro National Park?
There are 70 trails in Tongariro National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 14,665 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Tongariro National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Tongariro National Park has you covered. Round the Mountain Track boasts the most elevation gain with 9,160 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Tongariro Northern Circuit, which will get you 5,229 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Tongariro National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 27 camping trails in Tongariro National Park and the most popular is Tongariro Northern Circuit with an average 4.8 star rating from 329 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Tongariro National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 15 running trails in Tongariro National Park and the most popular is Taranaki Falls Walk with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,228 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Tongariro National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 biking trails in Tongariro National Park and the most popular is Ohakune Old Coach Road with an average 4.6 star rating from 149 community reviews.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 18 trails with waterfalls in Tongariro National Park, including Taranaki Falls Walk, Tama Lakes Track via Taranaki Falls, Tawhai Falls Walk, Upper Tama Lakes Track, and Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 13 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Tongariro National Park, including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Blue Lake and Red Crater from Ketetahi Carpark, Tongariro Northern Circuit, and Mount Ngauruhoe Via Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 9 trails with volcano viewpoints in Tongariro National Park, including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Blue Lake and Red Crater from Ketetahi Carpark, Tongariro Northern Circuit, and Mount Ngauruhoe Via Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 19 trails with scenic viewpoints in Tongariro National Park, including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Taranaki Falls Walk, Tama Lakes Track via Taranaki Falls, Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and Blue Lake and Red Crater from Ketetahi Carpark.
Are there any trails with river rapids in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with river rapids in Tongariro National Park, including Silica Rapids Loop Walk, Silica Rapids Walk, and Silica Rapids from Bruce Road Carpark.
Are there any trails with glaciers in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with glaciers in Tongariro National Park, including The Summit of Dome from Iwikau Village, The Summit of Dome from Sky Waka Gondola Station, Tahurangi Summit via Turoa Ski Area, and Turoa Ski Area.
Are there any trails with huts in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 31 trails with huts in Tongariro National Park, including Tongariro Northern Circuit, Tongariro Northern Circuit: Mangatepopo Hut to Oturere Hut, Tongariro Northern Circuit: Whakapapa Village to Mangatepopo Hut, Tongariro Northern Circuit: Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village, and Round the Mountain Track: Whakapapa Village to Waihohonu Hut.
Are there any trails with lakes in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with lakes in Tongariro National Park, including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Blue Lake via Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Blue Lake and Red Crater from Ketetahi Carpark, Tongariro Alpine Crossing with Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, and Ohakune Mountain Rd - Lake Surprise.
Are there any trails with ponds in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with ponds in Tongariro National Park, including Waitonga Falls Track, Blyth Hut to Ohakune Mountain Road, Okahune Mountain Road to Mangahuehue Hut, Blythe Hut from Ohakune Mountain Road, and Old Blythe Track to Blythe Hut.
Are there any trails with rivers in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 25 trails with rivers in Tongariro National Park, including Taranaki Falls Walk, Tama Lakes Track via Taranaki Falls, Tawhai Falls Walk, Upper Tama Lakes Track, and Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Are there any trails with springs in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with springs in Tongariro National Park, including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Soda Springs Walk, Silica Rapids Loop Walk, Silica Rapids Walk, and Silica Rapids from Bruce Road Carpark.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a weather shelter in Tongariro National Park: Ridge Walk.
Are there any trails with beaches in Tongariro National Park?
Yes, there is one trail with a beach in Tongariro National Park: Rotopounamu Track.