Tongariro Crossing is situated on the North island and is one of the most popular day walks in New Zealand. The walk goes through the volcano Mount Tongariro, also passing Mount Ngauruhoe. This hike one of our personal highlights on the North Island, and we’d happily share some info and tips about it.
How long does walking a Tongariro Crossing take?
Generally, they say it takes around 6-8 hours to do the crossing. The timing depends mostly on how fit you are and on how much time you are taking to enjoy the views, having snacks, stops, water breaks and so on. We were lucky with the weather and our spirits were high, and we finished in a little under 6 hours. Our speed on the way down was quite good, but we also took our time. We snapped some photos, stopped for water breaks and enjoyed our lunch on the top of the volcano. We are not athletes, but we are not exactly new to exercise either. Therefore, we do recommend to rather allow for more time to make sure you enjoy your Tongariro Crossing, instead of rushing through.

First there is nothing around you..

.. and suddenly you can take a look into a volcano!
How do I get from one side to another to get to my car?
Most common way would be the shuttle bus. There are few options, and you can book it in advance to make sure you have space (in our shuttle bus there was only one more seat available, we didn’t pre-book). You can also reserve a shuttle all the way from your hotel to the car parks and back from another car park. Some people also just walk half way of Tongariro Crossing and then walk same way back. I, however, would suggest to take a full walk, because two sides are very different and unique in their own way.
Which direction to choose?
There are two car parks where you can start your walk: Ketetahi and Mangatepopo. When choosing which way to go, we suggest to take few things into consideration.
Parking and transportation
During our walk in February 2018, you could only park in Mangatepopo for 4 hours. It meant that you couldn’t start there, take a shuttle to Ketetahi and walk back to Mangatepopo on time. The other way was possible, and even though Ketetahi parking is normally full quite early in the morning, you could still park on the road before the turn (there are super nice guys working who will help you and let you know all the information needed). However, please do check the official information in case something changes – you can find it HERE.
Difficulty of the route
The normal way would be to go from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi, on of the reasons being that Ketetahi Hut’s altitude is lower that Mangatepopo’s. Therefore, the altitude difference you end up climbing from Mangatepopo is lower. However, it seems to me that the pathway from Ketetahi is a bit easier, since it’s mostly smooth track in contrast to more “hardcore” climbing from Mangatepopo side.
We have only done the walk once, and it was from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi. But honestly, this is the way I would recommend doing the Tongariro Crossing. Not just because of the altitude, but because of the experience you get. You get all this volcanic craziness and different types of terrain on the way up: some human made paths, some stairs, some rock climbing. And then on the way down you see, beautiful, but a bit more boring scenery (boring because it’s all the same). In the end you reach final ~3km, where you walk through the stunning forest.

From the Mangatepopo side you begin as if you’re just walking in a nice field..

.. enjoying a waterfall..

.. and then you are suddenly climbing between the rocks

That’s an example of the views you can enjoy on your way from the top to Tehataki
What time of the day should I choose for Tongariro Crossing?
Most people would go early in the morning. There are many reasons for that: times for shuttle busses, spaces for parking, not knowing how long the hike would take, wanting to have most of their evening free etc.
We came slightly before 10 and weren’t sure if we get to do the crossing: we didn’t book shuttle bus. But apparently it wasn’t necessary, and we still got to catch the bus to bring us to Mangatepopo. What could’ve turned out to be a missed experience due to our lack of preparation, came out to be a great thing. Maybe, because we got to avoid the crowd. Yes, there are many people doing Tongariro Crossing every day, and biggest part of them is starting between 6 and 8 am. Why? To avoid the crowd (how ironic). But don’t be too late, because you might not be able to get to the other side with a shuttle. Besides, you don’t want to end up walking when it’s dark.

Not that many people around at this point, but it got a little more crowded on the top
I’m not an extremely fit person, can I still do Tongariro Crossing?
You may ask – what if I’m not an athletic person? Well, it’s totally fine. I mean, it’s recommended that you have previous experience with some kind of physical activity, but that’s just common sense. If you were lying on the couch eating pizza, muffins and potato chips during the last 10 years, you might not want to start being active with the 19.4km hike. Yes, it does get a bit more difficult on the way up, but good news – it’s absolutely doable. You can meet all kind of people at Tongariro Crossing – fit and chubby, old and young, moms and dads hiking with kids in their backpacks or with the whole family.
Few more tips
Wear hiking shoes
We have seen people ending up on their butts on the top of the volcano because they were wearing sneakers. You don’t have to wear tall boots, but it’s good to have something sturdy.
Bring raincoat
The weather in Tongariro Crossing changes very quickly. Imagine how unpleasant it can be to get all wet when you still have 10km to walk.

These two pictures have just a few moments in between them – how’s that for a weather/view change?
Bring snacks/lunch and plenty of water
Water is essential, but snacks are also recommended. And why not have lunch with such a beautiful view? Please make sure though that you take your trash with you and don’t leave anything behind.
Do pre-book the shuttle bus
We didn’t, and we got lucky. You might be not as lucky as us, in particularly during busy season.
Check the weather forecast
Even though they’re not always accurate for Tongariro Crossing, it’s good to know if the chance of rain is 99%.
Ladies:
Unless you are one of these people who look good no matter what you do, I recommend to wear your hair closed (or do it later on the track). The wind on the top is strong. you risk not being able to comb your hair for long time afterwards.
Hope you will love Tongariro Crossing as much as we did! For a short but beautiful hike on the South Island, we recommend to check out Lake Marian.
Looking for more adventures? Check out these stories:
Salkantay Trek: a Terrific Trail to Machu Picchu
Kære Anders og Zenja.
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A&Z
I did this walk a few years ago, I loved it. People used to shoot past me on the uphills, then I would literally slide past on the downhill sections lol.
Haha yes, I have it similar way – downhill for me is much easier! But it’s a lovely walk both ways 🙂
Your photography is stunning! What an awesome adventure. I’m not much of a hiker, but you’re definitely inspiring me to try more!
Thanks Dani! Yes, this place is very special, and you can also do it with kids!
Great tips, especially the one about tieing the hair and booking the bus. I loved your photos and I am pretty sure I would love it in person.
If you ever get to the NZ North Island, give it a try! 🙂
Would love to be able to do this hike! Your pictures are amazing, really making me wish I could travel to New Zealand sooner! Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Louise!! Hope you travel there soon too, I’d love to go back!
I’ve dreamed of doing this trail, thank you for the content and tips on where to park!! Also, I love your photos!
Thanks Aubree! We’re glad you found it useful, really recommended day trip to do!
What an amazing hike! I’m glad you mentioned wearing hiking boots because I would have thought sneakers would have sufficed haha and I wouldn’t want to slip and fall.
There were people wearing sneakers, but I wouldn’t recommend that for your own safety and comfort 🙂
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been labeled as the world’s greatest single day hike. I guess if the one-way walk is 19.4km, it is prudent to prebook the shuttle 😉 The changing terrain looks awesome 🙂
True, Richa!
Sounds like an amazing journey to take, would love to do the same hike! Beautiful views you got.
Highly recommended, Tina!
Wow – what an amazing hike. Those sights and landscapes are gorgeous and I can’t get over the vibrant green color of the lake!
These lakes are so beautiful.. Gorgeous view for our lunch!
That’s one hell of a hike! Would I try it? Absolutely not! Lol…but the views are pretty, especially the falls. Even though I exercise fairly often, that’ll have me panting for dear life.
Oh, Kemi, it’s not as hard as it seems!! Give it a try if you’ve got a day on North Island 🙂
Tongarrio crossing looks beautiful and I was not knowing this place before reading your post. Taking a look into the volcano must be interesting. Waterfall also looks beautiful.
It’s definitely a very special experience!
. and suddenly you can take a look into a volcano…
….hmmm. Thank you. I’m not sure that’s a good idea. lol. Kidding aside, that place looks fantastic!
Hahha 😀 Thanks Nina!
Wow, what an exciting adventure! I would definitely want to visit the Tongariro crossing someday. Thanks for the interesting recommendation
Our pleasure, Daniel!