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
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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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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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4.5/5
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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4.5/5
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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5.0/5
Although the weather was bad, wardens always informed us.
In the end we even got back money for one day!
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4.0/5
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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5.0/5
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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5.0/5
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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5.0/5
Rangers are sympathetic, wonderful landscapes, tent sites are affordable, DOC is efficient.
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4.5/5
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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3.0/5
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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4.5/5
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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4.5/5
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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5.0/5
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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5.0/5
Although the weather was bad, wardens always informed us.
In the end we even got back money for one day!
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4.0/5
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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5.0/5
Rangers are sympathetic, wonderful landscapes, tent sites are affordable, DOC is efficient.
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5.0/5
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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4.5/5
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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5.0/5
Beautiful landscape, changing every day so you cannot get bored of it.
Never regretted doing this Great Walk.
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5.0/5
So many different landscapes, difficult and exhausting but still possible to do for everybody.
Good huts and nice rangers.
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5.0/5
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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5.0/5
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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3.0/5
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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5.0/5
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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5.0/5
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!
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5.0/5
Started from Mangetepopo.
Booked it to Outerere Hut in good time. Camped out in a hammock. Cold! Spent day two under the hot sun and finished in Whakapapa. Refreshing dip in Taranaki Falls.
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5.0/5
Starting at Mangautapopo we traversed up and over Tongariro with Mt Ngaruahoe views.
Stayed at Outerere hut. Great waterfall but the coldest night in New Zealand.
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5.0/5
40km in two days, very doable but 20km on the last day.
Beautiful paths, well marked, amazing huts and views. Get away from the day circuit asap!
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5.0/5
Great walk indeed!
The best part is in common with the Crossing, but Tama Lakes and Oturere Plain are totally worth the trip. Tranquility and the beauty of this track returned us one of the best experiences in the North Island. Do not miss the Ngauruhoe Summit.
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4.0/5
No drinking water and you have to take your own bin with you.
Both is a big disadvantage on a 4 day walk.
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4.5/5
Another must see for Lord of the Rings fans.
Climbing UP and around Mt Doom and through 'Mordor' is better than in the movie (and safer, alas there are no Orcs!). The Circuit is beautiful but can be difficult. The proper gear is a must!
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5.0/5
A stunning trek around Mt Doom.
Many different landscapes and scenery to view throughout the walk. Make sure you are slightly in shape, otherwise the loop could prove to be difficult.
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5.0/5
A walk through different landscapes up to the Red Crater and the colourful Emerald Lakes.
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4.5/5
Did the four day walk there.
There was a new landscape every day, getting better and better with every step. The highlight was definitely the top of the Red Crater, with the best view over the Emerald Lakes.
