There are some amazing hikes and walks in Tongariro National Park, a place on the bucket list for many travelling NZ.
There’s of course, the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a great walk, and one of the most popular day walks in the country, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
But in addition to that, there’s a host of other walks you can do ranging from 5-minute walks to multi-day hikes. This post will cover all of the walks I’ve completed in Tongariro National Park.
HIKES/WALKS IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
1. Taranaki Falls Track
2. Tama Lakes Track
3. Tongariro Northern Circuit
4. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
5. Silica Rapids Walk
1. TARANAKI FALLS TRACK
The Taranaki Falls Track is a cruisey little loop starting next to the Chateau. Along the way you’ll get awesome views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and right across the park…on a good day you should be able to spot Mount Taranaki.
You’ll follow a stream for some of the walk, and the short sections of forest are nice too. At 20 metres tall the Taranaki Falls are gorgeous, if only you could drive
This is all on a well maintained trail.
- Distance: 6.2km
- Elevation Gain: 120 metres
READ THE FULL POST: THE TARANAKI FALLS TRACK
2. TAMA LAKES TRACK
- Distance: ~18km
- Elevation Gain ~560 metres
The hike to Tama Lakes is amazing, and I think it’s the most underrated walk in Tongariro National Park. If you’ve done the Alpine Crossing and are looking for something similar, this is for you.
You get great views on the way to the two alpine lakes. Definitely make the effort to go to the upper one, it’s a bit of a steeper hike to get to it after you’ve seen the lower lake. But so worth it. And if you’re feeling ambitious, it’s possible to go around both of the lakes too.
This track gives you a chance to experience a little bit of the Northern Circuit, and it’s easy to make the detour to see the Taranaki Falls as well.
READ THE FULL POST: THE TAMA LAKES TRACK
3. TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT
- Distance: 43-45km (more if you do the detours)
- Elevation Gain: ~1700 metres
Keep in mind the Great Walks season runs from ~October 23rd to April 30th each year.
The Northern Circuit is one of NZ’s 10 Great Walks and therefore is one of the most popular multi-day hikes in NZ. It also incorporates some of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing below.
Most people will complete the Northern Circuit over 3-4 days starting from Whakapapa Village (there are four trailheads in total). The huts you can stay at are:
- Mangatepopo Hut
- Oturere Hut
- Waihohonu Hut
There’s too much to list here about the walk, but I’ll get a seperate post up here from my experience in due course. In the meantime you an email me jub@churnewzealand.com with any questions.
Note for the trail runners: Depending on your ability, you can complete the run in one day.
4. TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING
- Distance: 19.4km
- Elevation Gain: ~800 metres
This is what a lot of people consider to be at the top of the best walks in Tongariro National Park lists. And for good reason, it’s an end-to-end walk with lots of shuttle providers making it easy to get to and from the start of the track.
There’s plenty of facilities along the way, and it even has it’s own website.
You’ll see craters, lakes, panoramic views, and a whole bunch more throughout. At 19.4km many will find it a cruisey day out, but many do find it one of the hardest things they’ve done. Fair enough too, some of the terrain is pretty hectic and easing down the scree can wreck your quads too.
But the weather can be variable. Unlike the Milford Sound, the Alpine Crossing should be done on a decent weather day. You’re accommodation provider will let you know what the weather forecast is going to be like, and if it’s really bad the shuttles will be cancelled.
5. SILICA RAPIDS WALK
- Distance: 7km
- Elevation Gain: ~200 metres
The Silica Rapids is an awesome 7km loop walk through the forest, bogs, and streams of various colours. That’s not even including all of the scenery. And the Silica Rapids are pretty snazzy themselves.
The path is gravel 90%+ of the way, so it’s easy to follow, and if you really want you can make it an out-and-back track if need be.
The information boards along the track are great for those who are interested in what you’re seeing. You’ll learn all about the birds, bush, bog, and more.
READ THE FULL POST: THE SILICA RAPIDS WALK
The walks in the Tongariro National Park are amazing and surprisingly varied. That said, I hope this post helps you figure out which of the Tongariro National Park walks are on your list.
The people who do the Alpine Crossing then leave the next day are missing out! The same goes with other National Parks in NZ that are known for one particular walk.
If you’ve got any questions etc about any walk in Tongariro National Park, leave a comment below or email jub@churnewzealand.com
RECOMMENDED READING
Tupapakurua Falls Track
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The Schnapps Bar – National Park
If you’re looking for a great vegan burger after hiking in Tongariro, I can recommend Schnapps!
Waitomo Caving Review
A review of the Black Labyrinth caving trip in Waitomo
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.