Tongariro Northern Circuit
Tongariro Northern Circuit
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The Tongariro Northern Circuit starts at the beginning of the Tongariro Crossing, after the Emerald Lakes the walk takes you past Oturere Hut, on past the historic Waihohonu Hut, then back to Whakapapa Village via the Tama Saddle. This is an awesome walk to take in some really varied terrain and some of the best scenary in the area.
The walk is over largely exposed terrain and the weather can change very suddenly. Good clothing, shoes and wet weather gear is a must, no jeans - so for all you Euro's out there; leave your G Stars at home!
There is rain water at all the huts as well as gas, but you will need your own cooking gear. It is also a 'Great Walk' which means you need hut tickets before you depart.
Details
Hard walk
8+ hours (incl overnight)
DOC Managed
Hut/Cabin
Route
Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 69.
Eva Cordemeyer
Ranking: 9/10
Exactly as described! When the weather is clear, it is mesmerising! Day 2, start early before the day tourists come! Huts are clean and nice rangers!
Ingrid Kiselka
Ranking: 10/10
Good maintenance of tracks, nice ranger at the hut.
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Vic Baughen
Ranking: 9/10
Superb scenery, always worth the effort.
Matti Picus
Ranking: 10/10
Fantastic walk, all it was cracked up to be. Definitely a great walk.
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Kallan Mrozek
Ranking: 9/10
Huts were great. The trail was in fantastic condition. Hut wardens were extremely helpful and pleasant. DOC staff provided differing advice; some more risk averse than others. Views are impressive if you have a clear day. Online booking system is fantastic.
Carmen Stanow
Ranking: 10/10
We made a day trip to the volcanic terrain. The blue lakes and the view is awesome. But it gets cold at the top of the mountain.
Sabine Schwandegger
Ranking: 10/10
Although the weather was bad, wardens always informed us. In the end we even got back money for one day!
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Frank Fabian
Ranking: 8/10
The weather was very bad, so we had to quit it after one day. We were always very well informed by the DOC ranger because of the bad weather.
Estelle Coquard
Ranking: 10/10
Rangers are sympathetic, wonderful landscapes, tent sites are affordable, DOC is efficient.
Susannah Arrowsmith
Ranking: 10/10
This is an amazing walk despite the fact that it rained pretty much non stop, we could still see the views. Don't under estimate it, Its a lot harder than we expected it to be and we were expecting it to be hard. Be sure to keep checking the weather report cause it changes hourly, so does the bus shuttles decision to pick up or not. if theres high winds at Red Crater its not safe to cross. We almost missed this walk, due to weather reports and it was amazing.
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Sara Kuenzi
Ranking: 9/10
Absolutely amazing. Accommodation was good and the trail, while confusing at times, was mostly well maintained. Hut wardens were the bomb.
Adrien Richard
Ranking: 9/10
Lots of landscapes, lovely hiking trip without too many people.
Bjoern
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful landscape, changing every day so you cannot get bored of it. Never regretted doing this Great Walk.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
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