Tongariro Northern Circuit
Volcanic loop around Mt Ngauruhoe
Overview
A circumnavigation of Mt Ngauruhoe through emerald lakes, lava fields and dual World Heritage scenery.
Itinerary
Into the Volcano
Mt Ngauruhoe cone dominating the skyline
The Crossing
Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
Desert Road Side
Volcanic plateau and desert landscape
Back to Whakapapa
Final views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1
3h 30m
Into the Volcano
Whakapapa VillageMangatepopo Hut
Distance
9 km
Elevation gain
400m
Est. time
3h 30m
Cross open volcanic plains and the Mangatepopo Valley to the hut at the base of Mt Ngauruhoe.
Mt Ngauruhoe cone dominating the skyline
- 2
Day 2
7h
The Crossing
Mangatepopo HutWaihohonu Hut
Distance
19 km
Elevation gain
800m
Est. time
7h
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing route — South Crater, Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake and the Eastern Tama Lakes.
Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
- 3
Day 3
3h 30m
Desert Road Side
Waihohonu HutOturere Hut
Distance
11 km
Elevation gain
170m
Est. time
3h 30m
Traverse an eerie volcanic desert landscape past the old Waihohonu Hut (1904).
Volcanic plateau and desert landscape
- 4
Day 4
4h 30m
Back to Whakapapa
Oturere HutWhakapapa Village
Distance
14 km
Elevation gain
350m
Est. time
4h 30m
Return to Whakapapa through the Mangatepopo Valley, closing the circuit.
Final views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe
Huts on this walk
- Night 1HutSleeps 24
Mangatepopo Hut
BunksGas cookersPit toilets - Night 2HutSleeps 44
Waihohonu Hut
BunksGas cookersFlush toilets - Night 3HutSleeps 24
Oturere Hut
BunksGas cookersPit toilets
Walk it: step-through map
Plan this Great Walk
Trips are private by default. Share when you're ready.
Walk data from DOC — used with permission.