About

• Features

  The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4km trail marked by volcanic terrain. The trail is well marked, but that in no way means that it is an easy trail. There is a steep climb called “The Devil's Staircase,” and some slopes are covered with black rock scoria from the volcano, which makes it difficult for climbers to maintain their balance. Beyond Red Crater, the highest point on the course, the Emerald Lakes await. The brightly colored surface of the lake contrasts beautifully with the rugged rock ridges. The emerald green color of the lakes is due to the mineral content leached from the ground.

• History

  Tongariro National Park, where this trail is located, was registered to protect the mountainous region in 1894, and was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth oldest in the world. The mountainous region of this national park has long been a sacred place of worship for the indigenous Maori people. The dramatic landscape created through volcanic activity, as well as the historical and cultural connection with the Maori, has been recognized and registered as both a natural and cultural World Heritage Site.

• Nature

  Tongariro National Park is formed by Mount Tongariro (1,967 m), Mount Ruapehu (2,797 m), and Mount Ngauruhoe (2,291 m). It belongs to the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which has many active volcanoes, and its topography is heavily affected by volcanic activity. Visitors are fascinated by the tracks of lava flows, fumaroles spewing steam and volcanic gases, massive craters reminiscent of the surface of the moon, and volcanic lakes. The craters of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro remain covered with snow throughout the year, and snow sometimes falls even in summer.

• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s most famous trails. Located in Tongariro National Park in the center of the North Island, the route features a one-of-a-kind landscape of steam-spewing fumaroles, glacial valleys, ancient scars of lava flows, and bright emerald-green crater lakes. The 19.4km route can start or end at either Mangatepopo or Ketetahi, but for those who want to reduce the amount of climbing, it is better to start at Mangatepopo on the west side. It is difficult to focus on only a few highlights because the scenery is so breathtakingly stunning, but if one were to single out one striking sight, it would be the two spots where visitors can enjoy a continuous stream of contrasting colors. The Red Crater, as its name suggests, is characterized by its fiery red color. The red color is due to the iron oxide in the rock. Descending from Red Crater, you can enjoy the Emerald Lakes, which are similarly all about the name. The bright green color makes it tempting to scoop up a handful of the water, but be warned: the lake is highly acidic and usually has a sulfuric smell with steam rising from the surrounding area. In addition to the dynamic scenery created by the volcanic activity, there is a cultural aspect to the area that has made it popular as New Zealand’s best day trekking route. The Maori people revere this area as sacred ground and have a deep spiritual connection with it. They do not have a written language, but they have preserved myths about the mountains. *Please check the local website for the latest information.