We found this side trip pretty challenging, not only the climb itself but also the descend, because of the moving scree sections. We left our backpacks at the foot of the mountain, so we could hike light.
The falling rocks that are loosened by people who climb above you are dangerous, so make your way up carefully. However, since , rangers discourage people from climbing Mount Ngauruhoe, because firstly, it is sacred land for Iwi people and secondly, there were many accidents in the past few years. The climb is not banned though, so the decision whether you want to take this side trip, is only yours.
Then we continued to South Crater and then Red Crater, which is with meters, the highest point of the trek. The color of Red Crater is caused by oxidation of iron in the rock. Then we rapidly descended, and the descend offered us probably the most photographed part of the entire hike, Emerald Lakes. The lakes were formed in old craters because they are located in a volcanic area.
Water in lakes comes from melted snow, and dissolved minerals give to lakes the incredible greenish color. You are now getting close to the place where the one-day hikers leave the loop. We recommend you to take here one more short side trip to the shore of Blue Lake. Once you get back to the main circuit, the trail descends to Oturere Valley. Once you pass the hut, the trail crosses stream valleys and gravel fields, and the barren scenery altogether with walking around the foothills of Mount Ngauruhoe, creates a very eerie feeling.
It felt like we were the only living organisms far and wide. Then we descended to a beech-forested valley, only to ascend again to reach the hut, where we planned to spend the night. The second day of the Tongariro Northern Circuit was absolutely exceptional, but it does not mean there is nothing to look forward to on day three, that will take us back to the parking lot.
Follow the Waihohonu stream, and the trail will gradually climb to Tama Saddle. Enjoy the amazing views of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu. If you do not have enough walking, it is possible to take a twenty-minute long detour to Tama Lakes. The last part on the way to the parking lot felt a bit dull, because there was not anymore obvious highlight, and we were also tired after day two.
But our spirits lifted up when the trail led us around Taranaki Falls, that was a welcoming stop. Then the well-maintained trail led us to the end of this amazing loop, that will always be high on our list of best hikes we've ever done. As it is not possible to hike Tongariro Northern Circuit in only one day, here obviously come up a question of accommodation along the route.
There are a few designated huts and campsites along the way, but it must be booked in advance during the main season that runs between the end of October till the end of April. When you consider the popularity of New Zealand as a travel destination and realize that Tongariro National Park is a must-visit stop on almost every North Island itinerary , it is clear that you cannot underestimate making the reservation well in advance.
High season Between late October the exact date changes every year and April 30, it is compulsory to make a reservation for a hut or campsite.
The booking site opens every year between June and August. It is different for every multi-day trek that requires bookings, but you can search for the most up-to-date information on the DOC website , where you can also make the reservation. In the main hiking season, we recommend you to book huts or campsites along the way well in advance, especially if you travel on a strict schedule.
We slept in the basic huts, that are in the Great Walk season serviced, which means there is a warden and gas for cooking and wood for heating is provided as well. Off-season The off-season on this particular Great Walk lasts between the beginning of May till the end of October. During this time huts and campsites work on a first-come-first-served basis, which means you do not have to make a booking.
It is good to know that many travelers wait for May 1st when the hike gets considerably cheaper and you do not have to bother with reservation, so if you can, postpone your trip a bit until the first excitement subsides. Also, in the winter, we recommend you sleeping in a hut rather than in the tent, Tongariro National Park is known for the rough weather conditions.
This multi-day hike will take you through dramatic volcanic scenery. Even though paths in the park are well-maintained, you must realize that this part of New Zealand is well-known for the ever-changing weather and most of the accidents take place because of underestimating these conditions that can change every minute. To stay safe while hiking Tongariro Northern Circuit, make sure you check the weather forecast before you go.
Pack accordingly - never set off without proper hiking boots, rain poncho, windproof jacket, and down jacket. We could read many stories that ended up tragically for many reasons.
But the two most common ones were exhaustion in combination with bad weather and underestimating the equipment needed for this type of hike in the alpine environment.
Also, never overestimate your physical conditions, and in case you feel you cannot continue, ask for help. One of the most dangerous things to do on the Tongariro Northern Circuit hike is climbing Mount Ngauruhoe. And even though it is wonderful, you should know that this route is prone to accidents because of the rocks and slippery surface, and you need to consider if doing this detour is a risk you are willing to take.
The best time for hiking Tongariro Northern Circuit copy the main season designated by the Department of Conservation, which is the end of October till the end of April. For sure the best months for hiking in New Zealand are the summer months, December to February. Even though the weather in this country is known for its instability, temperatures are usually higher, and there is also a lower chance of rain.
In case you want to avoid crowds, plan your visit for the shoulder season, which is marked by months of March, April, and the beginning of October. Tongariro National Park lies in an alpine area, therefore winter is cold, and you can expect snowy and slushy weather. For that matter, we recommend doing this hike during the winter months only to well-experienced hikers. Really, the volcanic terrain is challenging even when the conditions are dry. New Zealand Volcanoes. About Tongariro.
Eruption 6 August Te Maari eruption phenomena map. Monitoring volcanic unrest. Taupo Volcano. Mayor Island. Auckland Volcanic Field. Brothers Volcano. Footwear — boots or shoes should be very solid with a firm sole and good tread. This track is very rocky. People often want to walk in running shoes. Some are fine as they are heavier and provide the necessary support and protection but many are too light and are meant more for the yoga studio than the mountains.
How cold is Tongariro Crossing? Do you have to book the Tongariro Crossing? You don't need to book to hike the trail, however, since the trail does not start and end in the same place you will want to book a shuttle in drop you off and pick you up. What is the best Great Walk in New Zealand? Walking the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoana will take you through a mass of rainforest, waterfalls and secluded beaches. Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Whanganui Journey. Abel Tasman Coast Track. Heaphy Track. Kepler Track. Milford Track. Routeburn Track. What do you wear to Tongariro Crossing in the summer? Waterproof and wind-proof raincoat and trousers. Strong, sturdy boots you will be trekking over uneven volcanic terrain Warm clothing layers:woollen or polypropylene thermals and fleece.
Hat and gloves. Sunscreen and sunglasses. How many people walk the Tongariro Crossing?
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