Often described as New Zealand's greatest day hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape.
The 19.4km hike starts from the Mangatepopo Carpark off State Highway 47 south of Lake Taupo and is just 20 minutes from National Park Village, a 35 minute drive from Whakapapa or Raetihi, approximately an hour from Ohakune, Turangi or Taumarunui and a 90 minute drive from Lake Taupo township.
Between October and 30 April there is a four-hour time restriction for private vehicles at the Mangatepopo Road-end.
This gives visitors time to enjoy short walks but people wanting to do the entire hike, which takes an average of 7-8 hours, will need to use shuttle transport.
