Explore Tongariro National Park: New Zealand’s Volcanic Wonderland
As the oldest National Park in New Zealand, Tongariro is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of the central North Island. It offers a landscape of raw power and ancient beauty, unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Tongariro National Park is home to three mighty volcanoes: Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu. This rugged terrain famously served as the backdrop for the Kingdom of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Standing at 2,797m, Mount Ruapehu is the highest point on the North Island and remains one of the country's most active volcanoes, with its most recent major eruption occurring in 1997.
The best way to experience this volcanically active terrain is via a full-day guided walk. We partner with expert local operators to provide the best guided experience on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely considered the greatest one-day hike in New Zealand.
Your journey begins with a gentle ascent from the Mangatepopo Valley to Soda Springs. From there, a steady climb leads to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe.
Upon reaching the South Crater (1,650m), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic photo opportunities before ascending to the Red Crater. At 1,882m, this is the highest point of the crossing, offering views of the vast Otarere and Rangipo deserts.
After descending from the Red Crater, you will take a well-earned break at the vivid, mineral-rich Emerald Lakes. For those with extra energy, the track leads toward the summit of Mount Tongariro (1,967m), providing an unmatched vantage point of the neighboring peaks.
If a single day isn't enough to satisfy your sense of adventure, Tongariro offers deeper wilderness experiences for the daring hiker.
For a truly immersive experience, the 3-day Northern Circuit guided tramp is one of New Zealand’s "Great Walks." This unique trek starts on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu and encircles the iconic cone of Mount Ngauruhoe.
As you descend across the ancient pyroclastic flows, keep an eye on the horizon. On clear days, the trek offers spectacular sunset views reaching as far as Mount Taranaki, located 150km to the west.
Every experience we create is tailored to you. Tell us what inspires you, and we’ll design a New Zealand trip you’ll never forget.
