If you manage to only do one hike during your visit to New Zealand, make sure it is the Tongariro Crossing on the North Island. It is considered New Zealand's best 1-day hike and in many circles, it is considered one of the best in the world.
As you pass in the shadow of Mount Ngauruhoe you can understand why Peter Jackson chose this location to be the dreaded Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings. It is an easy side trip to climb Mount Ngauruhoe, it only adds an extra 3 hours to your day trip.
Tongariro Crossing, in Photos
Unfortunately The Flying Kiwi doesn't give it's passengers the option to climb the other volcano as they have the bus meet you at the other end in exactly 6 hours; the amount of time recommended to do the crossing.
Since I love taking photos, 6 hours was barely enough to scratch the surface of the magnificent photo opportunities. However, I did my best at capturing the beauty of the mountain and the terrain of this rugged hike. There are steps and scrambles, trails and pathways as you make your way across this famous pass.
Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) Stands Tall over the Valley.
Choosing a trail within the Rocky Terrain
Mount Tongariro's Magnificent Emerald Lake
Many different types of trails and terrain
Many different types of trails and terrain
Recommended time of hike is 6 1/2 hours exactly
The pass through the Valley of Tongariro
This area is an active volcano and there are hazards
The final trail leading back to civilization
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Dominik says
Nice! I’ve hiked that trail in 1998, it’s so impressive up there!
debndave says
It is beautiful isn’t it. The weather can change so quickly too, we could go back again and again and probably have a different experience each time.
Arti says
Stunning place indeed!! Those emerald lakes are such deep rich green in color!! Magnificent landscapes.
Have a wonderful week 🙂
jade says
That water and sky- unreal looking! We have to get ourselves to NZ!
wing says
Your photos are inspiring! I’m going down myself to check it out. Are there any accomodations around the mountains?
Leigh says
I want to go – I’ve seen other blog posts on this hike but your photos are so fabulous that I want to do that hike now.
ayngelina says
I know I’m the non-hiker but I actually did Tongariro. I was about 45 minutes from the top and it started raining and then hailing. I’m pretty sure I cried but I’m not completely sure because my face was soaking wet from the rain.
darrenwilch says
Excellent set of pics for perhaps the best one day walk there is – great memories!
Amanda says
Stunning, stunning, stunning! Unfortunately, my upcoming trip to NZ is only going to be 2 weeks long, and focused on the South Island. So it looks like I will once AGAIN be missing out on this hike! Next time, next time…
davendeb says
Enjoy the South Island Amanda, When are you going to New Zealand? There are other great hikes there too so you won’t be missing out. Have a blast.
Pete says
Stunning photographs. I love the sky in the last photo with the final trail. Just brilliant!
davendeb says
Hey Pete, yes the sky was incredible wasn’t it. I found the skies in New Zealand to be very dramatic. The weather changes so quickly that the clouds are always offering up interesting images against the deep NZ sky. I have never seen blues in the sky anywhere else like I did in New Zealand.
Migrationology says
Wow – That green lake is unworldly! Amazing shots!
Global Basecamps says
What incredible pictures!!
Edelito C. Sangco says
The sight is really awe-inspiring. How I wish I can visit the place. But for now, am contented going over these pictures. Really amazing!
sarah wu says
wow , these are amazing shots. Especially the small clear looking lake. Great photo opportunities.
Serena says
i’m in love…
jill- Jack and JIll Travel says
Beautiful pics. Mt. Doom is so much prettier in person.
Magda says
Stunning place. This is on the top of my list of the best treks I’ve ever done. The lakes are jaw-dropping!