New Zealand Great Walks
After 3 planned, prepared, and even attempted missions that were thwarted by weather, covid, or injury, we finally had our Tongariro Crossing tenting adventure! Amazing weather, stunning views, and fabulous company. Our campsite on Central Crater was perfect, sunrise was breathtaking, and, as always, all the kids were incredible! We even had the experience of setting off the PLB (another party needed to be evacuated for non-critical reasons – so all the excitement with no lives at risk). Such fun!
Another wonderful adventure with cool kids, great friends and beautiful landscapes – 3 days circumnavigating Mt Ngāuruhoe on the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Phew – 2 Great Walks in 3 weeks! What awesome kids! (we were supposed to do the Tongariro Northern Circuit in December but covid put a stop to that – the silver lining being the weather in April was a million times better than December!)
Quick Facts:
Tongariro Crossing – 1 Day crossing
- Distance: 19.4 km one way.
- Time Needed: 6 – 8 hr in summer, 8 – 9 in winter. (+ 2-3 hours with children)
- Location: Tongariro National Park
- Starts: Mangatepopo Car Park
- Ends: Ketetahi Car Park
How long does it take to walk Tongariro Crossing?
Allow 6 -8 hours to complete the Tongariro Crossing. Allow another 2 to 3 hours travelling with children under 13.
The walk is 19.4 km in length, with 6 main sections
- Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs: Allow one and a half hours
- Soda Springs to South Crater: Allow one hour
- South Crater to Red Crater:. Allow one hour
- Red Crater to Blue Lake:. Allow half an hour
- Blue Lake To Ketetahi Hut:. Allow one hour
- Ketetahi Hut to Ketetahi Carpark: Allow two hours
You’ll finish at the Ketetahi Car Park end, where you can pick up your car and head back to your accommodation.
How difficult is the Tongariro Crossing?
The walk is challenging, but achievable for those with good fitness levels. You’ll need to be able to:
- Walk 19. 4 kilometres in a 6-8 hour period
- Ascend 1196 metres (3923 feet)
- Carry around 5 kilograms of gear (food, clothing etc) in your backpack
Tongariro Crossing – 2 Day crossing – Tent
Tongariro Northern Circuit – 3/4 Nights
What is the Tongariro Northern Circuit (TNC)?
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is different from the crossing itself. It’s a multi-day hike (3 to 4 days) that takes you around the cone of Mount Ngauruhoe.
The first part of the Northern circuit follows the Tongariro Crossing.
On the walk you will stay at one of the three Department of Conservation huts – and you will need to book in advance in peak season (late October to late April).
The rest of the time you’re going to need a DOC hut ticket or annual hut pass.
Walking the TNC with children
Foot travel with children can take around 25% longer than posted times. Allowing for shorter legs, more stops, distractions and the need for constant fuelling and temperature adjustments walking with kids can be frustratingly slow – it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. The pure gasps of wonder and joy as they absorb a view for the first time, summit a ridge or simply let loose on a sandy down hill – joy that adults tend to suppress – is a heart-swell to witness.
