SECTIONS OF THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING
We’ve broken down the Tongariro Crossing into 6 main sections to give you a taste of what to expect.
These are not spoilers – because half the fun is in the discovery!
We encourage you to take one step at a time, absorb the views and have fun.
Mangatepopo Car Park to Soda Springs
You’ll get dropped off at the Mangatepopo car park by your Tongariro Crossing shuttle. at the start of the crossing, and it’s here that the actual hike begins. But first things first, there are toilets here so it’s a good idea to use them before you head off.
This section is pretty easy, and is a pleasant way to get the day started.
Near the head of the Mangatepopo Valley a 15 minute return sidetrack leads to the Soda Springs. This is probably the most visited waterfall along the track.
You can see it from the main track, but you can also take the dedicated track and walk about 10 minutes to get a closer view. That said, it’s worth noting that in summer there may not be much water. Soda Springs also has a toilet – one of many toilets on the crossing.
At this point you would have walked for about an hour.
Soda Springs to South Crater
Righto, walking gets harder for this section of the track, and there is no better example of this than the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ – your new, favourite set of stairs.
This is an ascent of around 200 metres over a relatively short distance, meaning it’s a challenging gradient. Your thighs are about to get a work out.
But don’t freak out, the walk is very doable, the views are awesome and on a clear day you can spot Mt Taranaki, over on the west coast of the North Island.
This part of your walk will take roughly 50-60 minutes – but don’t clock watch. You should make sure you stop at different points, not just for a breather, but to soak up the incredible views, and to snap some photos.
Best of all, the next 15 minutes or so will be an easy, flat walk.
South Crater To Red Crater
Things start here with a flat section through terrain that feels like it’s from a different planet, with wide open expanses everywhere. It takes around 15 minutes to walk through, but it’s criminal to not stop and take in the awe inspiring surroundings.
You then walk up to the highest point of the hike – the Red Crater. You’ll be 1,886 metres above sea level.
The temperature here is generally 10 degrees colder than what it will be in Taupo. You may also notice the smell of sulphur – that’s because the crater is still alive.
The views are crazy – including your first views of the heavily photographed Emerald Lakes. You can also see the Kaimanawa Mountain Ranges to the east.
All up, this part of the walk takes around an hour and part of this includes the steepest climb as you get to the top of the Red Crater. Take care here as it can get windy and there are steep drops, off the sides of the track.
Red Crater to Blue Lake
It’s all downhill from here, but you still need to take care as the track is steep, and will be slippery due to the loose rocks/scoria.
It can be a bizarre site watching people navigate their way down with a variety of techniques to manage the scoria. Our advice – do what works for you!
At one point you’ll descend 145 metres in height in just over 500 metres of walking.
This is also why you should not walk the crossing in ‘reverse’. Walking uphill on the scoria is much more difficult than walking downwards.
However, you will soon be rewarded as you get closer views of the Emerald Lakes. Many hikers stop around the lakes and have lunch/brunch, as it’s generally calm, peaceful and simply an epic spot to relax and refuel!
This section takes about 30 minutes.
Blue Lake To Ketetahi Hut
After the dramatic descent from Red Crater and the photogenic pause at the Emerald Lakes, the track leads you to Blue Lake, also known by its Māori name Te Wai-Whakaata-o-te-Rangihīroa (“Rangihiroa’s Mirror”).
This serene crater lake is sacred (tapu)—please respect its significance: no swimming, eating, or touching the water.
From Blue Lake, the trail becomes a gradual descent across the northern slopes of Tongariro, guiding you through the volcanic basin.
Initially, there’s a short climb up to the edge of North Crater, offering expansive views across the Central Plateau and down toward Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupo. On clear days, these vistas are simply breathtaking.
A steep zigzag downward follows, taking you past the site of the old Ketetahi Shelter—a hut damaged in a 2012 eruption and since removed. The good news? Toilet facilities remain at the location, providing a welcome break.
Ketetahi Hut to Ketetahi Carpark
The final stretch!
It’s at this point that people often start to think about their transport back to their accommodation, and whether they will have to wait for their shuttle etc.
This is exactly why we recommend booking a car park and shuttle at the Ketetahi car park. It’s a private car park and you have ample time (till 7pm) to get back.
As you are now much closer to sea level, it’s much greener, with plenty of Kanuka and Manuka.
When you end your hike, the car park is an easy ten minute walk away, where your car awaits.
