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Tongariro Northern Circuit

Tongariro-Northern-Circuit

Tongariro is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and has the honor of holding a dual World Heritage area. This status recognises the park’s importance to Maori with their strong cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes – This circuit  has them all.

The Northern Circuit enables you to enjoy the beauties of the Tongariro National Park at a less energetic pace whilst managing to get away from those who are enjoying the Tongariro Crossing. During the three days, you will go through the Tama Lakes, the Otarere Desert, the Red Crater Emerald, the Blue Lakes, Ketetahi Hot Springs and so many more natural treasures.

Accommodation on the Northern Circuit: The huts on the Northern Circuit are equipped with mattresses, gas cookers (in the summer), toilets and drinking water.

To view the elevation map – Click Here

Note: In winter the Tongariro Northern Circuit becomes an alpine trip for which you will need ice axes and crampons. The level of fitness requires in winter is also elevated.

Day 1 - Whakapapa to Waihohonu Hut (6 hours)

Leaving Whakapapa Village, we have two options. The Lower Taranaki Falls Track crosses shrubland and tussock, before following the Wairere Stream through mountain beech forest to the base of the Falls. On leaving the falls, the track climbs a set of steps and brings you to the junction with the Upper Taranaki Falls Track. The lower track, to this point, takes an hour and a quarter. Alternatively, the Upper Taranaki Falls track takes you over tussock and shrubland to the same point in one hour. After leaving the Taranaki Falls Track, it is a further 2 hours to Tama Saddle and Tama Lakes junction. From here a side trip can be made to the Tama Lakes - certainly advised as the vistas are stunning. Tama Saddle the track gradually descends for 2.5 hours down the Waihohonu Stream to Waihohonu Hut. A side trip can be made from the Round the Mountain track to the historic Waihohonu Hut about 10 minutes before you reach the new Waihohonu Hut.

Day 2 Waihohonu Hut to Oturere Hut (3-4 hours)

Working our way over the on eastern flanks of Tongariro, this is a relatively easy day and is a welcome rest after yesterday which some see as requiring an intermediate level of effort. Rest and enjoy a leisurely pace or go exploring in the Otarere Desert where fossilised charcoaled remnants of the forest destroyed by the great eruption of Lake Taupo in 186 AD, can easily be seen.

Day 3 Otarere Hut up to the Tongariro Crossing and on to Ketetahi

Today we move from Otarere Hut up to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and North to Ketetahi. This is a 6-7 hour day where we climb up to the Red Crater on the Tongariro Crossing and then descend to Mangatepopo, following the traditional Tongariro Alpine Crossing route. This leg covers the famous scenery spots of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing including Red Crater and the Emerald and Blue Lakes - ranked as one of the best day-walks in New Zealand.