Best trails in Tongariro National Park

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...

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.

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...

This is a challenging track from Mangetepopo Road end carpark to the Blue Lake located in Tongariro National Park. The walk starts off nicely and gently, and gradually starts to climb. The climb is challenging, with stairs and maneuvering around rocks and loose gravel, but the lake at the top is absolutely stunning and totally worth the effort. It’s recommended to come here in summer because of the snow at high altitudes. If you’re planning to visit in winter (June to October), the...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...