Ultimate Guide to Summer Hiking in Tongariro: Trails & Tips

To start with the conclusion: It’s truly tiring, but the scenery is absolutely stunning!
The entire route is 20km long, with a cumulative ascent of 700m, taking 8-10 hours to complete, and requires a certain level of physical fitness!

Preparations before hiking
Check the weather conditions on the NIWA official website two to three days before departure;

Park reservation: Make a reservation on the Tongariro National Park official website. There are very detailed hiking guides available, and the staff at the starting point will ask if you have made a reservation in advance. If not, it seems you can scan the code on-site;

Book the shuttle bus from the endpoint back to the starting point one to two days in advance on Booking.com, the ticket costs 60 NZD per person;
– The driver first drops off the hikers at the starting point, then drives the vehicle to the endpoint parking lot, and takes the shuttle bus back to the starting point to set off with the team.

The drive between the starting and ending points takes about 30 minutes;
– Pay attention to the booking status via email the day before the hike, as the shuttle bus may not operate due to weather conditions;

Hiking gear:
– Waterproof jacket + waterproof pants, fleece/ thin down jacket, quick-dry base layers; Even in summer, the temperature at the starting point in the morning and on the summit is only in single digits, and the weather in the mountains changes drastically. The wind is very strong throughout, so adjust your clothing to avoid hypothermia;
– Trekking poles, gloves, thick socks, windproof face mask, hat with drawstring, knee pads, high-cut hiking boots, backpack rain cover
– Coming down from the summit, there is nearly 10km of gravel and steps downhill, which is a great test for the knees;
– At the crater, there is a long stretch of soft gravel downhill.

Lower your center of gravity, use a zigzag descent, and wear gloves to prevent injury from small stones if you fall and instinctively put your hands out;

Energy replenishment:
Each person needs 1.5-2L of water and sports drinks, sandwiches or other dry food, 2-3 energy bars or bananas to replenish energy;

On the day of the hike
Route: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, follow the signs and don’t take the wrong path;
Starting point: Mangatepopo Rd.
Endpoint: Ketetahi Rd.
There is basically no signal along the hiking trail, so pay attention to the path under your feet and the scenery in front of you!
There are pit toilets every 3-4km along the way, prepare tissues and wet wipes;
Be courteous to fellow hikers who are moving faster during the hike;

After the hike
– After a long-distance activity, rest for a bit after finishing, and do 10-15 minutes of stretching exercises to relax your muscles and joints.