Tongariro Alpine Crossing Sections

Follow the poled route from South Crater to Red Crater. South Crater is not a real crater but a basin that may have been glacially carved, and has since filled with sediment from the surrounding ridges. An explosion pit is located in the southeast corner of the crater. It was formed approximately 14,000 years ago.

Toilets are also available at the crossing at Ketetahi. This includes walking downhill, which presents its own set of challenges. Read more about Alpine Crossing here. Generally this is not a good idea as the hike will take longer and you’ll have an extra 360 metres of climbing. At that time the criteria for cultural World Heritage sites stipulated that there be some tangible evidence of cultural use of the site e.g. a temple, habitation, etc. The Tongariro Crossing, a spiritual and cultural landmark in New Zealand, is designated as a World Heritage site. This status recognises both the Maori significance of the natural wonder and its unique volcanic features.

You can choose to take a different route if you are not comfortable with the risk. Parking is limited near the access points to this track. From the beginning of Labour weekend in October to 30 April, parking restrictions will be in place at road-ends. Start at 8am ensure you leave enough daylight hours but pack a headtorch just in case. The Ketetahi Hut is a 26-bunk hut located on the Tongariro Northern Circuit in the Turangi/Taupo area.

• Then, you will descend on a volcanic rock scree path to the vibrant Emerald Lakes, also known as Ngarotopounamu or greenstone-hued Lakes.
• Tens of thousands of people hike it every year and it is deservedly rated as one of the best day hikes not just in New Zealand, but in the world.
• Our guides are friendly, qualified, and ready to lead you on one of New Zealand’s most popular 1-day walks.
• This includes loose scoria, ancient lava flows and beech forest.
• It is less protected than other options, but the department states on its website that it can be “a great alternative during periods of bad weather”.

Instead, we found ourselves hiding behind boulders as hail, rain and high winds threatened to cause us to fall down the mountain. The fog was so thick that we couldn’t see beyond the faces of those in front of us. Although they look like alpine lakes they are actually explosions craters craters that are filled with water. The striking colour of greenstone-hued lakes is due to their high mineral content. There are There are many stunning sights and spectacular landscapes along the route, but the Emerald Lakes, also known as crater lakes, are the most photographed.

Don’t underestimate alpine environments, they are subject to severe weather conditions – please check the weather conditions with i-SITE staff. Winter conditions can make the track slippery and treacherous. It is highly recommended that you go on a guided tour with qualified operators like Tongariro Guided Walks or Adrift Tongariroor Adventure Outdoors. In 1993, Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised criteria describing cultural landscapes.