Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike

Walkers enjoying the barren lands of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing | David Tip

Looking out over the clouds at Mount Ruapehu from Mount Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Northern Circuit | Zac M-W

Walker on the Tongariro National Park trails | Hernan Perez

The vast volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park | Timo Volz

Walkers enjoying the barren lands of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing | David Tip

Looking out over the clouds at Mount Ruapehu from Mount Ngauruhoe on the Tongariro Northern Circuit | Zac M-W

Walker on the Tongariro National Park trails | Hernan Perez

The vast volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park | Timo Volz

Moderate to Challenging

Activities

Self Guided Walk

Accommodation

2 nights Alpine Lodge, 2 nights Department of Conservation Great Walk Hut

Meals

3 Dinners
1 Lunch
4 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$1140NZD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: GTN

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Trip highlights

Visit the Central Volcanic Plateau, with stunning views to Mount Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe
Experience the iconic Tongariro Northern Circuit
Traverse a volcano, in The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's most popular Great Walk
Rest, dine and stay in an authentic Alpine Lodge
Soak away achy tired muscles in the Lodge Hot tubs

The Tongariro Northern Circuit, an incredible journey through a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Park recognized for it's spiritual and cultural significance, and home to three active volcanic mountains; Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Trek across volcanic alpine landscapes while taking in the dramatic contrasts between ancient lava flows, steaming vents, vivid crater lakes, scree slopes, and glacial valleys.

Your journey begins and ends in National Park at the Park Hotel Ruapehu, an Alpine Lodge style hotel. Complete with cosy rooms, an onsite bar, a restaurant and hot tubs, this is the perfect base from which to explore the Tongariro National Park.

Your first day includes a decent section of the popular Tongariro Alpine crossing, gradually climbing between Mount Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. The ascent to the Red crater is challenging, being the highest point of the trail at 1886m. Then onward to your first overnight in a Department of Conservation Great Walk hut. Day two of this circuit travels over undulating valleys, streams and open gravel fields, before leading around the foothills of Mount Ngaruahoe. Your destination is a scenic valley where you will find the second of our Great Walk huts nestled in next to the Waihohonu Stream. The final day involves a 5 hour walk to Whakapapa village via stunning Tama Lakes, and Taranaki Falls enroute. On arrival at Whakapapa you are transferred back to your hotel to enjoy a well earned soak in the hot tub, and the comforts of a private room and quality dining. This incredible multi-day walk includes challenging climbs and unpredictable weather, though it cannot be surpassed for dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive National Park

On arrival at National Park, check in to your trip accommodation any time from 2.00pm. Admire the views of Mount Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe and Tongariro as you relax and enjoy your surroundings, and prepare for your adventure.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Mangatepopo to Oturere Hut, (12km, 5-6 hours)

Enjoy a full cooked breakfast this morning before the shuttle transfer through to Mangatepopo where you commence your walk. Take in the views, with remnants of lava flows and prepare for a steep ascent to the Red Crater. Once you reach the top, be dazzled by Emerald Lakes (Nga Rotopounamu), a short side trip will take you to the equally amazing Blue Lake (Te Wai Whakaata o te Rangihiroa. Leave the Alpine Crossing track and descend into Oturere valley. Toward the end of this track, you’ll pass through a landscape of other-worldly lava forms before reaching your accommodation at the Oturere Hut. NOTE: Please respect the custom of Ngati Tuwharetoa and do not climb the peaks of Mounts Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Ngati Tuwharetoa are the Iwi who made the gift of these sacred peaks to Aotearoa New Zealand, and uphold these measures of guardianship and conservation. Also, the lakes on this walk are sacred; touching the water and swimming are not permitted.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Oturere Hut to Waihohonu Hut (7.5km, 3 hours)

After leaving Oturere Hut and following the track over undulating valleys, streams and open gravel fields, begin the gradual traverse around the foothills of Mount Ngaruahoe. Altitude, climate and volcanic eruptions have all contributed to repress plant life, and the loose gravel landscape makes recolonisation a slow process. Descend into a valley, crossing the branches of Waihohonu stream. Continue through a beech clad valley and make your ascent towards the ridge top. Waihohonu Hut is situated in the next valley.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Waihohonu Hut to Whakapapa Village, (15km, 5 hours)

On your final day, you’ll head west towards Tama Saddle. On reaching the Tama Saddle, a detour will take you to the beautiful Tama lakes (Nga Puna a Tama) – empty craters now filled with azure blue water. From here, you’ll pass the tumbling Taranaki Falls before reaching Whakapapa Village. After being transferred back to the hotel, enjoy a final evening reflecting on your adventure. Begin with a soothing soak, and then enjoy a 3-course dinner at the restaurant.

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Depart National Park

After breakfast this morning, arrangements conclude upon check out.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

2 nights Alpine lodge Hotel (twinshare) with private bathroom
2 nights Department of Conservation (DOC) Great Walk huts in multishare bunk rooms with shared outside toilet
Return transfers to/from trailheads from accommodation
4 breakfasts, 3 dinners (Radix Nutrition meals during Circuit hike - cooked breakfast at the lodge as well as 3 course dinner on last night at the lodge)
1 x Packed lunch on first day of hiking
Crafty Weka snack bars
Rubbish bag, toilet paper
Hot drinks pack
PLB - Personal Locator Beacon (must be returned as per instructions at the conclusion of the trip otherwise extra charges will apply)
Free car parking for returning walkers
Drinking water (available from hotel and DOC huts)
Free Wifi (At the Hotel)
Free Hot tub facilities at hotel

What's not included

Travel to National Park on Day 1 and onwards from National Park on Day 5
Hiking pack, sleeping bag, mug/cup & spoon
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks
Optional activities, extras, upgrades
Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, internet)
Water bottle
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

Trail Surface

Alpine Track

These types of track are usually well formed, with easy to follow, clear signposting. Expect compacted earth, or rocky gravel for the majority of these walks. Track surfaces can include uneven terrain in places, which can be slippery at altitude. There are also rock and wooden steps, boardwalks, and wooden bridges, loose scoria and volcanic rock surfaces. They are generally wide enough for two people to pass side by side.

Accommodation

Alpine lodge

Accommodation is based on twin-share hotel rooms with ensuite bathroom, all linen included. Tea and coffee making facilities and television in room. Mobile phone reception, wifi and laundry facilities are available. The property is close to the centre of the village and is within walking distance of cafes, restaurants and a pub. Hotel facilities include a Bar and Restaurant, drying room, car park and Guest Hot Tubs which are complimentary to use. A full menu is available for all meals in the onsite restaurant and bar (credit card and eftpos are accepted). This authentic alpine themed lodge is comfortable and well located right in the heart of the Tongariro National park. Please note that we are not able to guarantee this accommodation exactly but the description above is for the hotels normally used. If these are not available then an alternative will be found and if the standard is different you will be advised at the time of booking.

Department of Conservation Great Walk Huts

The track accommodation (2 nights) is in Great Walk Huts which are managed and maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC). You can expect the huts to have bunk beds, mattresses, heating, gas cooktops, sinks, a water supply (cold only) and toilets (either flushing or composting). Bunk rooms are usually offset from a large communal space for cooking, eating and relaxing. The huts do not provide food, bedding, showers, hot water, cooking pots or cooking utensils. A DOC ranger may be present at any of the huts. You may pass more huts along the track, which can be used for shelter in inclement weather, but your permit (included in the trip price) allows you to stay only at the designated hut on your booking. Hut fees contribute to the maintenance of these facilities.

Grading

Moderate to Challenging
6

MODERATE - CHALLENGING GRADE 6 These adventures involves trekking for up to 7 or 8 hours a day, on average, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and must be in good health. The trek involves carrying a full pack around 12 - 15kg. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions and uneven terrain. Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. This can include swimming, jogging, hard walking or cycling - good cardiovascular exercise. Hill or stair walking with a loaded pack is also highly recommended at least once a week in variable weather conditions.

Departure dates

Daily departures from 24 October to 30 April

Notes

The Tongariro National Park passes through volcanic hazard zones – volcanic risk is present. Monitoring systems measure activity and mitigate volcanic risk, but won't ensure your personal safety. If you are uncomfortable with this risk, choose a different track.

The track passes through an alpine environment with changeable weather conditions at all times of year. Very cold temperatures, strong wind, heavy rainfall and poor visibility (even in summer) are all common – especially at high altitude. Snow can fall at any time of year and is still possible in October at the beginning of the Great Walk season.

Lodge accommodation is based on twin share, a single supplement applies for solo travellers.

Note:

We don't recommend this trip for solo travellers unless experienced in remote and adverse conditions with plenty of previous experience in alpine terrain. We recommend a minimum of 2 people for this trip, for safety reasons.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$1140NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single Supplement (Alpine lodge only)NZD$150
Solo Traveller SurchargeNZD$240

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Tongariro Northern Circuit Self-Guided Hike trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Videos

Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Tramping (Hiking) Video Series | New Zealand

Trip reviews

Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

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