Tongariro Northern Circuit
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Tongariro Northern Circuit
Time: 3 - 4 days
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
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Central North IslandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Google Maps
Nearby
Reviews
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Awesome landscape, nice huts, friendly wardens.
Johannes -
Absolutely beautiful!
Nadia Husain -
Huts were great.
Kallan Mrozek -
Fantastic walk, all it was cracked up to be.
Matti Picus -
Amazing views-like in a whole different world.
Simon Zenzen
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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!
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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.
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Although the weather was bad, wardens always informed us.
In the end we even got back money for one day!
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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.
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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.
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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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Rangers are sympathetic, wonderful landscapes, tent sites are affordable, DOC is efficient.
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Absolutely amazing.
Accommodation was good and the trail, while confusing at times, was mostly well maintained. Hut wardens were the bomb.
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Beautiful landscape, changing every day so you cannot get bored of it.
Never regretted doing this Great Walk.
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So many different landscapes, difficult and exhausting but still possible to do for everybody.
Good huts and nice rangers.
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It is one of the great walks and as such it leaves you breathless - because of the landscape and the hike itself.
The weather is very important as it can change quickly and leave you with no orientation. Pack a compass/map and be ready for slippery areas and river crossings. Effective walking time is 20 hours (good level of fitness), 3 to 4 days.
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Welcome to Mordor!
Definitely my best walk so far in New Zealand. With 8 hours per day, it can be done in two days and if you like volcanic atmospheres then this is for you. The National Park is just sublime!!
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Bad weather!
Not enough information about what to wear before you go to the top. I did not enjoy but it was good at the end. Happy to do it but just the once.
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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!
-
-
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
Although the weather was bad, wardens always informed us.
In the end we even got back money for one day!
-
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.
-
Rangers are sympathetic, wonderful landscapes, tent sites are affordable, DOC is efficient.
-
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.
-
Absolutely amazing.
Accommodation was good and the trail, while confusing at times, was mostly well maintained. Hut wardens were the bomb.
-
-
Beautiful landscape, changing every day so you cannot get bored of it.
Never regretted doing this Great Walk.
-
So many different landscapes, difficult and exhausting but still possible to do for everybody.
Good huts and nice rangers.
-
It is one of the great walks and as such it leaves you breathless - because of the landscape and the hike itself.
The weather is very important as it can change quickly and leave you with no orientation. Pack a compass/map and be ready for slippery areas and river crossings. Effective walking time is 20 hours (good level of fitness), 3 to 4 days.
-
Welcome to Mordor!
Definitely my best walk so far in New Zealand. With 8 hours per day, it can be done in two days and if you like volcanic atmospheres then this is for you. The National Park is just sublime!!
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Bad weather!
Not enough information about what to wear before you go to the top. I did not enjoy but it was good at the end. Happy to do it but just the once.
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On our first Great Walk we had a unique view over the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes.
We also made the short trip to the incredible blue 'Blue Lake'.
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Incredible, beautiful landscape!
Everyone keeps discussing, if it is enough to do the Alpine Crossing or if one should go for the Great Walk. My opinion, if you have the time, go for the Great Walk!