Tongariro Northern Circuit Voyage Tips and guide

Tongariro Northern Circuit, or simply the Northern Circuit, is a multi-day New Zealand Great Walk in Tongariro National Park, one of the North Island's most important national parks.

The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 43.1 km (26.8 mi) loop through the heart of Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage area recognized for both its volcanic geology and its cultural significance to Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The route winds around Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, traversing active volcanic craters, glacial valleys, and alpine meadows. While stunning, the terrain is challenging and subject to rapid weather changes; hikers should have moderate backcountry experience and come prepared with sturdy boots and waterproof gear.

During the Great Walks season (typically October to April), you must book huts or campsites in advance through the Department of Conservation (DOC). The trail is a rugged alpine track with steep sections and loose scoria; it is not suitable for wheelchairs, baby carriages, or carts. You must carry all your gear in a backpack, as there are no luggage transport services available.

There are no shops or restaurants along the circuit. You must carry all your food and a portable cooking stove, as huts do not provide cooking utensils or fuel outside of the Great Walks season. Always pack out all your rubbish.

While water is usually available at DOC huts, it is untreated and should be boiled or filtered before consumption. Avoid taking water from Ohinepango Springs or the Tama Lakes without treatment. During summer, carry at least 2–3 litres of water daily to stay hydrated on the exposed, sun-drenched volcanic plateaus.

Accommodation is provided by four DOC huts (Mangatepopo, Oturere, Waihohonu, and Whakapapa) and adjacent campsites. Reservations are essential during the peak season. In the huts, you are provided with a bunk and mattress, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and liners. Facilities are basic: there is no electricity for charging devices, and lighting is limited. Wild camping is generally restricted within 500 meters of the track to protect the fragile alpine environment.

The weather is notoriously volatile. Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing, and the area is prone to high winds and heavy rain. In winter (June to September), the circuit becomes a technical mountaineering route requiring ice axes, crampons, and avalanche awareness. Always check the mountain forecast at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre before setting out.

Map of Tongariro Northern Circuit

See Tongariro National Park § Get in on how to get to Whakapapa Village, the starting and finishing point of the Northern Circuit.

If hitchhiking, the easiest way to the circuit is from the Desert Road (State Highway 1, the main Auckland-Wellington road), taking the track to Waihohonu Hut (1 to 2 hours). The start of the track is just south of the Rangipo Intake Road intersection, 30 km north of Waiouru (SH49 turnoff) and 22 km south of Rangipo (SH46 turnoff).

The Northern Circuit is a round trip that can be walked either way. The tour below describes the clockwise route starting in Whakapapa Village. There is a car park and a DOC visitor centre where information is available. There are other possible starting points from various road ends along the track.

Starting the track at the -39.2015175.54031 Whakapapa Visitor Centre, it follows mainly the Whakapapa Track over eroded plains. It crosses many smaller river beds and can be fairly muddy during rain. On the right side the cone of the volcano -39.156944175.6319442 Mount Ngauruhoe is visible. The -39.1447175.59681 Mangatepopo Hut is 5 minutes off the main track.

This is the actual Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Starting gently up the Mangatepopo River Valley, it becomes a steep climb on magmatic rock. It continues through the South Crater up and over the side of -39.1366175.65113 Red Crater and down to the Emerald Lakes. During the walk there are views of the active volcanic scenery, weather permitting. At the Emerald Lakes, named after their colour due to minerals from thermal area, the track joins the route to Oturere Hut (1 hour 30 minutes). After the lakes, the route passes Blue Lake before descending down to -39.108175.65312 Ketetahi Hut.

The day begins with a moderate climb back to Emerald Lakes then down a relatively steep descent to -39.158647175.68933 Oturere Hut. One can see many abstractly formed lava formations on the way. Passing Oturere Hut the track fades into field of gravel lacking vegetation. The day finishes with a valley crossing and ascent through forest, then a descent to -39.2095175.67974 Waihohonu Hut.

The track follows an old pack route beside Waihohonu Stream without much climbing. On the way there are side trips to the Lower and Upper Tama Lakes (20 minutes and 90 minutes return), formed by water filled volcanic craters. Just before Whakapapa the -39.1976175.56444 Taranaki Falls form a five-minute detour from the main track.

The circuit traverses an active volcanic zone. Check the volcanic activity level at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre before starting; the tracks may be closed if there is an increased risk of eruption. Weather conditions can change from blue skies to life-threatening blizzards within an hour. Always carry a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and a personal locator beacon (PLB), as mobile reception is unreliable in the valleys.

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing: If you lack the time for the full circuit, this world-famous day hike covers the most dramatic volcanic scenery of the northern section.
• Mount Ruapehu: Visit the nearby Whakapapa Village to take the Sky Waka gondola for views of the larger stratovolcano to the south.
• Lake Taupo: A 1-hour drive north leads to New Zealand’s largest lake, perfect for relaxing in natural hot springs after your trek.