Itinerary
Day 1 – Tongariro Crossing
(Approx. 6-7 hours/16km)
You’ll be picked up around 7.30/7.45am from National Park Village. This morning you will start at Mangetepopo, following the stream up the valley over a succession of old lava flows from Ngauruhoe. This is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing track, one of the world’s best one day walks. The Red Crater is a sight to behold with its spectacular magma formations as are the aptly named Emerald Lakes. Oturere Hut, your accommodation for the night, is the best spot for sunsets in Tongariro National Park.
Day 2 – Oturere to Waihohonu Hut
(Approx. 3-4 hours/8km)
Today you traverse the lunar landscapes of the eastern side of Mt Ngauruhoe. Photo opportunities abound with expansive views across old lava fields to New Zealand’s only desert, the Rangipo, with snow-capped Mt Ruapehu beyond. Waihohonu Hut is set to capture the views and you can also explore the nearby crystal clear but chilly, Ohinepango freshwater springs.
Day 3 – Waihohonu to Whakapapa Village
(Approx. 5 hours/14km)
Follow the Waihohonu stream this morning and gradually climb to Tama Saddle. The track passes through lovely pockets of native forest and open tussock fields that lie between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. The side trip to Tama Lakes and the Taranaki Falls are highlights today. It is a relatively easy stroll through beech forest and tussock meadows to the trail end at Whakapapa Village with time for a cold beverage to celebrate! You’ll be dropped off again in National Park Village between 2pm and 3pm.
Please note that accommodation is in Department of Conservation huts which are pre-booked for our guests - these are basic but comfortable and must be shared with other track walkers.
2024/2025 Departure Dates:
January 2025 - 8th and 21st
February 2025 - 4th and 24th
March 2025 - 21st
April 2025 - 8th
