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tongariro northern
circuit
Enter into the heart of a vast moonscape of
tortured rock that makes up Tongariro, one of the world’s
first national parks (1887).
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 41 km alpine tramp, which
winds around Mts Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, and offers superb views
of Ruapehu, the highest mountain in the North Island. The tramp
includes the Tongariro Crossing, which is rated as ‘The Best
One-Day Walk in New Zealand’, because of its dramatic
volcanic formations, glacial valleys, craters and lava flows.
The track is normally walked in a clockwise direction from
Whakapapa Village over 5 days, staying in 4 well-spaced huts, or
nearby campsites. Great Walks passes can be purchased from the
visitor centres at Whakapapa, Turangi or Ohakune before entering
the track.
The track starts behind the Grand Chateau in Whakapapa, and winds
through red tussock, mountain hebe and beech forest to the
Mangatepopo Hut. Day 2 involves a fascinating walk up the lava
flows of the Mangatepopo Valley past Soda Springs and up to the
South Crater. From here there is an option to climb Mt Ngauruhoe,
by following a poled route to the base of the mountain and then
zigzagging up to the summit (2 hours return).
Continuing on to the Red Crater you catch whiffs of sulphur in
the air. There is a great photo opportunity here as you look down
on the brilliant Emerald Lakes and the Blue Lake, which are old
explosion craters filled with mineral-laden water. The track then
leads across tortuous terrain to the Ketetahi Hut, near an active
hot spring area.
On Day 3 a steep descent into a volcanic wonderland of lava
formations and waterfalls leads to Oturere Hut, and Day 4
involves numerous stream crossings on the way to Waihohonu Hut.
The final day sees a climb to the Tama Saddle and Tama Lakes
before passing the Taranaki Falls and returning to the Whakapapa
Village.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit offers an intimate view of an
active volcanic region, and visions of the contorted landscapes
will remain with you for a long time.
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